Four APS High Schools Partner with George Mason University to Offer Students Direct Admission to College

APS has partnered with George Mason University to provide a direct path to college for qualifying students at four high schools. Beginning this school year, seniors working towards a standard or advanced studies diploma at the Arlington Career Center (ACC), Arlington Community High School (ACHS), Wakefield High School and Washington-Liberty High School will have the opportunity to be automatically admitted into George Mason for the Fall of 2025.

Through the Direct Admissions Program, students with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher at the end of their 11th grade year have an opportunity to access an abbreviated and free application process, leading to an offer of automatic admission to George Mason for the fall 2025 semester.

During the week of September 23, approximately 776 APS students from participating high schools will receive offers for direct admission to George Mason. Students are still expected to meet all requirements for graduation to maintain eligibility.

“We are incredibly proud and excited for our high school students to have the opportunity to earn direct admission to college and thankful for this partnership with George Mason,” said Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent, APS. “This program is part of our shared commitment to increase post-secondary access for all students. College application processes can be complex and too often serve as an added barrier, particularly for those who are first-generation college-going students. Our shared goal with George Mason is to increase opportunities for more students to attend college and pursue their dreams.”

In recent years, George Mason began partnering with schools in northern Virginia on direct admission to provide students at area high schools with higher potential enrollments of first-generation college students with a simpler pathway to gaining college admissions. Creating a process with fewer barriers to admission, such as a waived application fee, and no required essays or recommendations, will help more students pursue their dreams of earning a college degree. The four participating APS high schools are among 24 local high schools participating. Schools were selected based on higher percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price meals.

For more information, please visit the George Mason Direct Admission’s Program webpage, or contact your child’s school counselor or APS Student Services at 703-228-6061 or student.services@apsva.us