<p>I'll admit it, the reason why I'm investigating George Mason is because of it's location. I love Washington DC, and since most of the schools inside the district are fairly pricy, I want a low-cost back-up option. I know the school is geographically close to DC, but is the city accessible? (is there an inexpensive bus or train that goes to the city located on/near campus?) One big thing is that the metro is accessible by campus (even thought it would be indirectly). Do students feel a part of DC even though they're in the "burbs"? Say there's a new restaurant I want to try with friends in the city. Is it too much of a pain in the butt to go just for the restaurant when there's studying to do? Basically, I want to know if students go to DC throughout the week or if it's more of a weekend thing. </p>
<p>How are the academics at George Mason, specifically Journalism, International Studies and Political Science? Are classes rigorous and is there an honors program? Since GMU is so close to DC, is the city fully utilized as a resource for field studies and internships? One big factor with schools for me is study abroad offerings. Does GMU have an extensive array of programs? Is studying abroad a fee in addition to tuition? </p>
<p>Since I'm an out-of-stater, GMU's tuition from what I can gather tops $20,000. With room and board, I'd be paying over $30,000 which in comparison to private colleges in the area is good, but it's still a lot. I know some state colleges offer tuition breaks to students with high stats from out-of-state...is this something GMU does? Are there other merit programs in place?</p>
<p>George Mason sounds like a great option for you! Their programs in your areas of interest are very strong and yes, they have many students take advantage of the proximity to DC for internships and work. I have a colleague whose daughter is a journalism/communications major there. Her daughter absolutely loves the school. SHe says they go into DC for weekend fun as the Metro connects right near campus. She went abroad to Italy with her department…etc. She has an internship lined up this semester with a DC radio station as well. </p>
<p>As far as merit money goes, it is a state school which in Va is going to mean you might be surprised at how little they offer. Check out their website and search for scholarships. I haven’t heard they throw money at high achieving OOS kids like some of the southern schools do, but you could look into it. They are one of the least expensive schools in our state, though. I think GMU is a real gem for kids that are interested in fields such as the ones you mentioned. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>GMU is definitely suburban, and has a distinctly commuter vibe. Only 10% of the students are OOS. Would you be likely to qualify for need-based aid at the schools in town?</p>
<p>GMU does offer a very generous OOS merit scholarship, but it is only offered to about 25 students per year from the total application pool: [The</a> University Scholars Program | George Mason University Honors College](<a href=“http://www.gmu.edu/depts/usp/faq.html]The”>http://www.gmu.edu/depts/usp/faq.html)</p>
<p>gadad’s right, GMU has a large in state population, but it offers a very diverse mix of students. Even though they may have Virginia home address, you will be classmates with students of numerous ethnic and geographical backgrounds. Many have lived around the country or world because of their families being in the military, or are sons/daughters of diplomats, so although you are OOS I don’t think that you would feel a bit out of place. That is one of the cool things about GMU, it is a real melting pot of individuals.</p>
<p>Being a recent Mason grad I will be honest with you. A majority of the people on here have no idea about Maosn at all. Yes there is a large commuter population but they have introduced at least one drom every semester for the past 3 years and now have guaranteed housing for freshman and all students for their whole education. It is not exactly next to the city like arlington but it is the last stop off the orange line coming out of the city and it only takes about 20 minutes to get to foggy botton which is the first stop inside the city.</p>
<p>Academics wise it is incredible. Unlike a majoirty of the schools in DC they have a lot of professionals who have worked on the hill and in the business sector in DC but decide to reside outside the city and teach on campus because of convenience and traffic. I was a Government major and had several students in the consortium come to Mason from American and GW to take classes with Governor Warner and a few other former politicians.</p>
<p>The school is one of the most diverse in the country and has 130 countries in it’s student body and I have met students from all over the country here. A large majority are from the north but there are also a lot of military personel (like myself) who are from everywhere and they are given automatic in-state tuition which is great!</p>
<p>Anyways… a lot of people on here really talk down Mason but I found it to have everything plus some for my needs. I recommend coming to visit and see for yourself.</p>
<p>Univerisy of Maryland at College Park is another school should look at. It is even closer to DC with about the same cost. UMCP is a much better school academically.</p>