Freshman Class Boasts Highest GPA, SAT Scores in Mason History

By Daniel Walsch

George Mason’s freshman class has already distinguished itself. The average GPA and SAT scores for this diverse group are higher than those of any other freshman class in the university’s history. The median GPA for the group is 3.32; the median SAT score is 1110. These and other statistics were outlined in a report compiled recently by Andrew Flagel, dean of admissions.

The 2,250 members of the freshman class represent 33 states. Other than Virginia, the three states providing George Mason with the most freshmen are Maryland (66), Pennsylvania (58), and New York (47). The top feeder high schools are Hayfield, James W. Robinson, and Chantilly.

The number of students from Northern Virginia who entered Mason this semester actually dropped this year. In 2002, 1,413 freshmen from the region enrolled at the university; in 2003, the number was 1,375. The number of freshmen from other parts of Virginia also dropped this year. In 2002, 523 freshmen from parts of Virginia other than Northern Virginia enrolled; in 2003, the number dropped to 511. The number of freshmen coming to Mason from out-of-state increased from 288 in 2002 to 364 in 2003.

In terms of majors or areas of study, the majority of freshmen are undecided. Following that, the three most popular intended areas of study among freshman are biology, government and international politics, and communication.