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George Mason University

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After reading all the comments of previous students,Quite BrightPolitical Science
After reading all the comments of previous students, I have to say there is some truth, but in some cases, I thought it was a bit over the edge. Someone mentioned that the only people who will defend Mason are those who are from here locally. That may be the case, because yes I am from here (Fairfax, VA) all my life, but I don't think it means anything.

I had a great experience at Mason. But I made that happen myself. I took the iniative to get involved, joined clubs and organization, played intramural sports, etc. Many seem to complain, probably because they lack the social skills to get involved and yes, Mason is a commuter school, but it doesn't mean that its completely bad. Probably one of the greatest things is that Mason is located just outside the nations capital...what does that mean, very political. Political activities is unbelievable in this area. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved. Northern Virginia is the base for a huge number of distinguished companies pulling students in for interships, and experience and whatever field you are interested in. That is what makes a students experience so competitive. you are subjected to vast array of opportunities to excel and prove yourself.

Yes, it may not be the typical "party" school, but there are other attributes that truly makes your experience as great as any other school if not better. It is all up the student.

As far as faculty is concern. I had wonderful professors who has helped me a great deal. I was blessed w/ that. The Government program at mason great, but like many has said, you really have to choose your professors right. In my experience w/ students, you have those few who are... lets just say, not the brightest. When it comes to class discussions, I believe thats where the "diversity" of the student body really sinks in. Maybe its b/c I'm a govt major, but I come across some really intelligent people from across the board. It makes the discussions all the more interesting. Ideas and theories from people of different backgrounds, international students, locals, etc. That is what makes the school so rich.

Parking is ridiculous, and the food is alright (there are great restaurants throughout the area), but the gym is great. If you want to party, you go to Georgetown or Adams Morgan in DC. It is expensive to live here, so get a job. If social scene is all you want, no this is not the school to go to. But if you are willing to put effort into learning a new dimension of a college experience by digging deeper than the surface, then yes, Mason is a great school.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2004
Campus Aesthetics: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B
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This a review for Commuters only, and IQuite BrightHistory/Histories (art history/etc.)
This a review for Commuters only, and I will talk about the school in three general areas.
GENERALLY - George Mason has transitioned well from a back-up, next step from NOVA to a school that is now becoming reputable for some of its academic programs. However, 87% of students who go here commute, and with that comes annoying traits. There is generally a lack of school spirit and as much as faculty may try to shed that image, they have huge amount of work instore for them. The campus itself is busy with alot of construction due to rise in students, but on the whole, very plesant to the eyes.

Academically - It really depends on your major and which teachers you pick. If you choose good teachers like I did last semester, you will be content, otherwise I've heard of some pretty bad experiences. Some academic programmes are good here like Economics, government, but the rest generally "serve their purpose."

Socially - As much as they GM may say its the most diverse University, they forget to mention how segregated the student body is. People from different backgrounds stick to their own people which is really strange, you'd think people would intergrate but not here. There are three types of people who go here 1) commuters who come here knowing people and have friends 2) dorm residents who move onto campus to make friends - thus making their social groups and 3) commuters who dont know people here, some who want to make an effort and try, but find it impossible to blend in. There are reasons for that - Id say most of GM's student body is "unapproachable." In classes, nobody is really interested in talking to get to know their peers, so its a very strange enviorment.

I knew one girl who lived on campus, but if her crowd wanted to do anything "fun" they would have to go DC, so always having to leave the campus. You can join clubs, organizations, but it takes such a big effort and you really have to have luck like I did. I met a few people in class and have kept up with them - so this semester will be bearable being able to see them at lunch twice a week, but Id hate to think what will happen if our schedules didnt coincide.All in all, try to avoid going here, but if you're looking for a decent/cheap school to go to and live at home, welcome to GMU. otherwise go elsewhere, I have plans to leave soon.

1st Year Female -- Class 2008
Campus Aesthetics: A-, Individual Value: F
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My experience may be alot different from mostBrightUndecided
My experience may be alot different from most other students at GMU. I was apart of the Mason Topics program, which links two different courses together and integrates a central theme that both classes share. These special classes were small, and contained the same people in both classes. I also got live in the same residence hall as all of the other Mason Topic students, and I had the opportunity to participate in special events such as films, talks, and field trips, which professors also participated in. Mason Topics gave the feeling of attending a small liberal arts college, and it also gave me a greater sense of community. I made a lot of great friends that I didn't know before coming here. Yes, it may be true that people here can be cliquish and snobby, but if you work really hard and put yourself out there, then you're sure to make friends like I did. Just make sure to join clubs and organizations, because they really help you meet people with similar interest and ideas as yourself.
1st Year Male -- Class 2007
Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: C
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