Undergraduate Admissions

Making a Career in the Arts

Welcome to the College of Visual and Performing Arts, where we add fuel to the fire of creativity.

Applying  to our programs is a two-step process. Admission to George Mason University does not guarantee your acceptance into our programs. However, all College of Visual and Performing Arts majors must be admitted to Mason. 

STEP 1: Apply to George Mason University

Admission to George Mason is determined by the Office of Admissions and is separate from acceptance into College of Visual and Performing Arts degree programs.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts strongly encourages freshmen to apply to the university by November 1 to receive maximum scholarship consideration, including merit and talent-based scholarships. The freshman regular decision deadline is February 1.

STEP 2: Complete an Audition or Portfolio Review

Applicants to College of Visual and Performing Arts programs (with the exception of the School of Art) must successfully complete a discipline-specific audition, portfolio review, and/or interview before acceptance into the major. For audition, portfolio review, and interview requirements, choose your program of interest, at left.

Please note the following important dates for submission of additional materials or requirements:

  • Freshman Early Action applicants:

    • Applicants for Film or Computer Game Design must submit portfolio materials by the dates indicated by each program or no later than November 7.
    • Applicants for Dance, Music or Theater must schedule an audition no later than two weeks prior to the audition dateoffered by the Schools of DanceMusicor Theater.
      • If the audition date you select falls after Early Action admissions decisions are released, your Mason admissions decision will not include or reflect your audition result. In addition, your major may be changed to Undecided or Exploratory until your audition is completed.
      • It is the preference of our performing arts programs that you complete an audition as close as possible to the submission of your university application.
  • Freshman Regular Decision applicants:

    • Applicants for Film or Computer Game Design must submit portfolio materials by the dates indicated by each program or no later than February 1.
    • Applicants for Dance, Music or Theater must schedule an audition no later than two weeks prior to the audition dateoffered by the Schools of DanceMusicor Theater.
      • Failure to complete an audition results in the change of your application major to Undecided or Exploratory.

Freshman Applicants

Freshman Applicants Deadline Notification
Freshman Early Action Application November 1 mid-December
Honors College Consideration November 1 mid-December
University Scholars Consideration November 1 late January
Freshman Regular Decision Application February 1 Rolling
Financial Aid March 1 Rolling

Transfer Applicants

Transfer Applicants Deadline Notification
Spring Transfer Priority Application October 1 Rolling
Fall Transfer Priority Application March 1 Rolling
Financial Aid March 1 April (anticipated)
Theater majors celebrate the arts at the College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean's reception.
Dressed for the Part

Theater majors at the College of Visual and Performing Arts follow a program that stresses serious practical training and experience, combined with the breadth of liberal arts study.