If I go to George Mason, I will have no college experience?

I am going to be a senior, and will obviously apply for colleges and then decide from there once the decisions roll around. I am kind of jumping the gun here, but would like some opinions.

My Stats:

3.75UW 3.9W
Hopefully I can raise that up.
ACT from practice tests: 26 (with a month more of practice maybe a 27/28)
Will not be using my SAT score.
ECs: job since Feb 2013
FCCLA (freshman)
Improv classes
Volleyball (freshman)
Small role with line in SAG production short film

Course Load once I finish senior year: six honors(Pre-AP world, English 10, English 11, Spanish 4 & 5, DE English) and three APs (Psych(5),Human Geo, Gov)

So as you can see I feel I am in line with George Mason. My only worry is that if I go there I will be commuting. I really like the proximity to DC because I will pursue imrpov and comedy classes as a hobby while I am in college; DC has a very live comedy/improv scene. So that part of Mason is very enticing. My whole family went/are going to Mason. I had this urge to go out of state, maybe NYC or close to it because I just love that experience and I feel getting into the arts slowly while I am in college for my intended major (history) would be more of an experience in NYC.

I made a post about this for VA schools, but I would like more opinions about Mason specifically or any other options you recommend.
Thanks for reading.

You aren’t jumping the gun because it looks like some members here are already filling out applications. I haven’t officially begun to nag my son yet, though.

Why would you HAVE to commute? Do they force you out of the dorm if you live within 30 miles or something?

If you are planning a career in acting it would be a good idea to keep college costs as low as possible. Most colleges in NY are very expensive. Why not just move there AFTER you graduate with as little college debt as possible.

Richmond has a pretty active theater community and a few TV shows and movies have been filmed in the area. Have you checked out VCU? It’s a small city, but a city. And a great city for history.

My dad would not pay for room and board because we live so close. Well, at least for freshman year. Wouldn’t it be a waste if I can live at home? (not that I want to, haha). VCU does seem like the obvious choice! Thank you for always being so helpful! @OspreyCV22

My son is about to start his freshman year as a theatre major at GMU. He was fortunate enough to be accepted to VCU Arts as well as JMU & VT theatre departments. Even though the scholarship money was better at some of the other schools, ultimately it came down to one thing – location. The employment and internship opportunities were better at GMU then any of the other schools.

I believe in the Fall of 2016 all freshman will have to live on campus. Check will admissions.