What's the transfer process from NOVA to George Mason?

I'm thinking about transferring from Northern Virginia Community College to George Mason University. Could anyone share their experience or offer advice on the process?

Transferring from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to George Mason University (GMU) is a common path for many students, and the two institutions have a strong partnership to facilitate the process.

The first step is to ensure you're familiar with GMU's transfer admission requirements. Typically, they require a college GPA of at least 2.5 and good academic standing at the last college you attended, but the GPA can vary depending on the major you're interested in.

NOVA and GMU participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) program, which means that if you meet specific criteria, you can have guaranteed admission to George Mason. To qualify, you'll need to earn an associates degree at NOVA (either AA, AS, or AAS) with a certain minimum GPA (2.85 or higher for most programs at GMU, but the exact number could vary by program).

Another important consideration is course equivalency. GMU has a Transfer Credit Matrix that allows you to see the equivalencies for NOVA courses to ensure the credits will transfer.

You should also work closely with academic advisors at both institutions. They can provide valuable guidance on course selection to ensure that you're taking classes that will transfer and keep you on track for your intended major at GMU.

Lastly, don't forget to consider aspects outside of academics. If possible, visit GMU, familiarize yourself with the campus, and possibly even reach out to department faculty or current students in your intended major, to make sure you have a comprehensive sense of what awaits you after transferring!

Remember, everyone's transfer experience is different, but staying organized and informed, and proactively seeking advice can make the process smoother. Good luck!