George Mason University Top Questions

I wish someone told be that either you'll have a difficult first or second semester in school. All I was told was that most freshman had a tough first semester. Well, this wasn't the case for me but I did have a tough second semester. After that, it's been tough ever since. Also, I wish someone told me picking classes becomes a challenge. I've experienced all this with facing limited course selection during certain semesters or not finding the professor I want. Since I'm in my major, I'm still balancing my major as well as my gen ed requirements. Unfortunately, my remaining gen eds include foreign language and science courses. Importantly, I wish I'd been told that college becomes more difficult after freshman year. Upperclassmen, especially sophomores, receive a lot less academic or transition support with their classes, their major, and navigating through school. People like to assume you know more past freshman year, but this is simply not the case.

I wish someone told be that either you'll have a difficult first or second semester in school. All I was told was that most freshman had a tough first semester. Well, this wasn't the case for me but I did have a tough second semester. After that, it's been tough ever since. Also, I wish someone told me picking classes becomes a challenge. I've experienced all this with facing limited course selection during certain semesters or not finding the professor I want. Since I'm in my major, I'm still balancing my major as well as my gen ed requirements. Unfortunately, my remaining gen eds include foreign language and science courses. Importantly, I wish I'd been told that college becomes more difficult after freshman year. Upperclassmen, especially sophomores, receive a lot less academic or transition support with their classes, their major, and navigating through school. People like to assume you know more past freshman year, but this is simply not the case.

I wish I would have known how much work I would have to put in my classes. Some of my classes, I put in more energy than necessay and lacked energy in the classes that needed more time.

I wish I would have known more about applying for financial aid.

I always wanted to be in healthcare but due to some circumstances couldn't do it. I just found out Howard University has Physician Assistant program and I have applied for it.

I wish I would have known how the college financial aid system worked and when deadlines were. I got excepted after the FAFSA consideration for the 2014/2015 school year and didnt know I had to have it complete by March so I missed out on all of there internal scholarships.

I wish I had known how little school spirit Mason has. I had heard good things about their basketball team, which made up for their lack of football team, but their rise in divisions has made them struggle and there isn't anything worth cheering for or supporting anymore.

I wish that I had known more about the myriad opportunities to find internships and engage with professionals in my field of study. I have been able to meet many prominent political scientists and several of my favourite authors because Mason hosts so many events which draw them.

Something I wish I had known before attending George Mason is all of the deadline dates for on-campus jobs. As an off-campus student working part-time at an off-campus restaurant, at times the constant back and forth commute can get a bit hectic. Being able to get an on campus job would minimize commute time and would be very convinient during the school year. I also wish I would have known about all the different clubs and organizations that were available so that the due dates to join wouldn't have crept up so quickly.

I wish I would have known more about the resources that GMU offers all students such as the Writing Center. Some teachers will offer extra credit on an essay if you take it to the Writing Center. There they have a staff of peers and graduates that will help any student improve thier essay and writing skills.