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, click on the program of interest, at left.

Please note the following important dates for submission of materials/scheduling of audition:

  • All Freshman Early Action CVPA portfolio materials must be submitted or an audition scheduled by November 7.
  • All Freshman regular decision CVPA portfolio materials must be submitted or an audition scheduled by February 7.

Freshman Applicants

Freshman Applicants Deadline Notification
Freshman Early Action Application November 1 December 15
Honors College Consideration November 1 Mid-February
University Scholars Consideration November 1 Mid-February
Talent and Merit-Based Scholarship November 1 Mid-February
Freshman Regular Decision Application February 1 Late March
Financial Aid March 1 Early April

Transfer Applicants

Transfer Applicants Deadline Notification
Spring Transfer Priority Application October 1 November 1
Fall Transfer Priority Application March 1 April 1
Financial Aid March 1 Early April
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.