Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s what we are looking for in you:
- The ability to advocate for yourself and accept responsibility
- Staying on your own for up to 4 hours
- Having the ability to a follow a routine
- Correspond independently (e.g. using text messages and email)
- Follow all policies and procedures of the university
- Desire to try new activities and experiences
- Establish and be responsible for a personal budget that is agreed upon with your family
You will submit an application form with supporting documentation and 2 letters of recommendation.
The application is currently open and will be due by January 6, 2023
You will be notified by January 13th if you have been selected to move forward with the application process.
Psychological or Educational Evaluation: The report must include - IQ, Academic and Achievement testing as well as Executive Functioning and information/testing regarding behavioral and adaptive assessment, and social/emotional functioning. Documentation must be within 3 years at time of submission.
Yes, students can apply between the ages of 18-23 years old (must be under age 24 at the start of program).
Students can apply for Financial Aid to receive any scholarships, grants, or loans they are eligible for. Students who reside in Fairfax County who qualify for self-directed funds should contact the Fairfax County/Falls Church Community Service Board for funding information.
Selected students will be invited for an on-campus interview January 30th – February 3rd
No, Mason LIFE does not provide individual or group tours, however, if you are invited for an on-campus interview, you will receive a tour at your interview. Additionally, if you are interested in visiting campus and learning more about Mason, you can schedule a tour through the Office of Admissions.
An on-campus interview consists of:
- Meeting with the Mason LIFE Core Admin Team (Director, Assistant Director, Coordinators). You will be asked a series of questions about yourself and your interests in being a patriot.
- You will observe a Mason LIFE Foundational class.
- You will have lunch with other applicants and current Mason LIFE students
- Campus Tour to include (wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately):
- Dining Halls
- Residence Halls
- Academic Buildings
- Student Activity Lounges
- Athletic Centers
- Question and Answer Session with current Mason LIFE students and alumni
No, you will not earn a degree, nor will you receive college credit. Mason LIFE is a not a degree-seeking program; however, students will receive a certificate of completion.
No. In order to earn a bachelor’s degree at Mason, you must apply for general admission into a degree seeking program; this is a separate admission process from Mason LIFE.
No, Mason LIFE requires full-time participation.
No, the program can only be completed in 4 years.
No, Mason LIFE does not have summer program.
Yes, you have to participate in all program components including: Academics (Foundational and Exploration), Community Involvement, and Employment. Housing is optional.
No, it is not possible to participate in Mason LIFE virtually. This is an on-campus program.
Yes, it is possible to fail or be removed from the program. Students must maintain satisfactory Student Academic Progress each year, as well as follow all expectation outlined in the Program Expectations.
No, living on campus is optional. However, interested students will need to submit a housing application. Housing is not guaranteed for every interested student due to limited number of available spaces on campus. A separate interview will occur for students interested in living on campus in effort to gauge readiness.
No, students must have the ability to be independent for up to 4 hours a day.
No. Students have the opportunity to take a Budget Course through Foundational Academics, where they can learn about helpful tips and strategies to develop a budget. However, Mason LIFE does not provide oversight of how you choose to spend your money.
No. You may continue to utilize any support system that is helpful for you, however Mason LIFE staff will not coordinate with those individuals to provide support. Please find more information regarding this in our Communication Policy.
Yes, students will get a GMU Student ID.
No, Mason LIFE is not a job placement program. Students will gain skills through their internship experiences, but we cannot guarantee an employment offer after successful completion of the program. However, Mason LIFE will assist students with preparing a resume, practicing interview skills, and providing a letter of recommendation as they seek out employment.
Yes, students will receive support in this through their Employment class and throughout their time in the program.
Yes, we have internship placements on and off campus in a variety of different industries including office administration, food services, athletics, and animal care to name a few.
Yes, it may be possible. The first two years a student is participating in the program classes and internships are geared towards exploring classes and work skills. As a student progresses through the program, it may be possible to align exploration classes with your internship dependent upon availability.
Yes, Mason LIFE Community Involvement Staff will assist students in planning, sharing, and at times attending campus activities and events as a group. However, students are highly encouraged to participate in any clubs or organizations they are interested in on their own as well.
Yes, every student will have time outside of program commitments to use at their leisure.
Yes, students are permitted to travel off campus independently, but you must complete an Independent Off-Campus Form.
Yes, Mason has over 400 different clubs and student organizations. We encourage students to engage in activities of interest. Additionally, students are required to attend one activity per week and participate in one club or organization each semester. See Mason 360 for full list.
Yes, students can create their own club at Mason through the Student Involvement office.
Yes, Mason has Student Health Services, however there is a $50 co-pay per visit. Student Health Services cannot administer medication or provide on-going individual medical treatment to students of any kind. We encourage students to maintain their primary care provider.
You and your family will be responsible for any costs associated with medical transportation and hospital or urgent care costs.
Yes, in the event of a mental health crisis. For general on-going mental health counseling support students will need to connect with outside providers. We encourage anyone utilizing mental health providers, to continue working with them while attending Mason LIFE.
Yes, we have a University Department of Police and Public Safety.