George Mason University Top Questions

Classes here are really what you make them. Professors are not going to hold your hand to help you learn the material. They expect students to take an interest and make an effort outside of class to learn the material as best they can. That said, Professors are very open to questions and available for students to offer help...to those that make an effort to do the work that is. As long as you are willing to do the work and open your mind to new ideas, everyone can do great things here at Mason.

I'm only a freshman so I am not too education on this. I took a different direction that most students in their first year called New Century College and it was interesting. It was more writings and readings but with little or no tests involved. It is a lot more work but a good way to make the transition from high school to college.

I like the academics here I find them challenging, but I also know I can always find help my professors do know my name and are always avialable either by email or in person.

The sizes of the classes are good at GMU. Professor's attempts to know the students varies, but many try their best to get to know the student's names. Class participation is common but that also varies depending on the type of people in the classroom. I do not spend any time with my professors outside of class, but I have spoken to a few on occassion and they have been very helpful and friendly. I feel okay about GMU's academic requirements. I feel that a lot of the students are not competitive, compared to students at other schools that have a lower acceptance standard.

Most professors know my name, since my biggest class so far has been with about 50 students. The rest of my classes are small- of about 20 people, and the professors valule the one on one time, to get to know students better. So far I havent spend time with professors outside of class, but especially in the Art department, if I ask for this extra time especially in studios, they have been willing to help so far. The education here is definetly geared towards getting a job, not just for learning. For example, in my favorite class so far, Typography, when given certain projects, the professor actually treats us like we are her coleagues, and talks to us just like in a professional, job setting.

In New Century College I know a lot of the professors and staff, which I love. It's comforting to know that people there know be my name and know a lot about me. It's nice to have an extended family when you're so far away from home! NCC is also great at helping with academic things as well. They're always getting the word out to their students about upcoming events on campus and will always listen and help you when you're in a bind about planning your class schedule or doing assignments.

As inconspicuous as you might try to be, your professors to much surprise will know your name 85{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time. Even if you are in a lecture hall of over 250 people, your professor will make an effort to know your name, or even understand you personally. I remember going into a friends psychology class my first semester to compare my class to hers, and the the professor had spent half the class period trying to figure out who I was with awkward glances towards me, while offering extra credit to certain individuals who she knew smoked habitually extra credit if they'd successfully stopped smoking by the semester's end. If you're in a small class setting, there's no question your professor will get to know your thought process. From papers, to conversations in class, you'll certainly notice the personal insight your professors will put into feedback as the semesters progress and you develop a relationship with your professors. Even if you're shy, your TA's will no doubt make an effort to help you, even when you're afraid to ask: in my STAT class, my TA would ask me "hey, did you forget to turn in your last assignment?" and if I had in fact forgotten, he'd take it right then and there, and if not then he'd make sure he'd gotten it on file. At this point, as a freshman, GMU is what you make of it. I'm still taking general-education classes and getting a feel of what I want to do and what Mason has to offer, but over time I can see Mason being beneficial to things I'd want to do towards my careers.

Because I'm an art major, I rarely have classes bigger than 20 some people, which is nice. Every single professor i've had so far actually knows a lot about what they're teaching and is actually interested in the subject themselves. GMU requires you to take general education courses (which will probably take you a total of two semesters unless you come in with credits from AP or IB tests) which is a little bit obnoxious to those who have a clear picture of what they want to major in. Otherwise, they're actually relatively interesting. I took courses that I ended up loving, like Indian Dance and Human Geography, that I wouldn't have taken. As for courses within my major, my professors have been amazing. It's hard to have art teachers with good critiques and advice in a field so objective, but I've had four and all of them have taught me something.

the reason that I chose George Mason is it has one of the best History programs in the nation. Professors are great and are really knowledgeable about the topics they study. George Mason has one of the best Liberal Arts educations offered, and has some award winning professors at its disposal.

Do professors know your name? · Some do, some don't Tell us about your favorite class. History 125 with Peter Stearns, brillant and nice guy Least favorite? · IT 103 a gen ed How often do students study? · LOL No Is class participation common? · Depends on the class. Major classes yes. Gen eds no. Do GMU students have intellectual conversations outside of class? · Some do, you have to find the right friends Are students competitive? · Not really, the school is too big for that What's the most unique class you've taken? · Queer Theory Tell us about your major / department. · Global Affairs major, interdisciplinary degree Do you spend time with professors outside of class? · Yes, but I'm in a Living Learning Community I don't think most people do outside of office hours How do you feel about GMU 's academic requirements? · Middle of the road Is the education at GMU geared toward getting a job, or learning for its own sake? - Job