ACCESS

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ACCESS is an exciting new program designed for academically qualified undergraduate international students who could benefit from additional assistance in developing proficiency in the English language. ACCESS allows freshmen to develop their academic English language skills while taking a full-time academic course load toward their Bachelor’s degree.

 

PROGRAM FEATURES

Opportunities to Succeed

Students admitted to the ACCESS program are conditionally admitted to George Mason University, usually to their desired Bachelor’s degree program. In order to be considered for ACCESS, students must score at least a 72 on the TOEFL iBT exam or 5.5 on the IELTS. Students who successfully complete the ACCESS year move directly into their regular degree studies and do not need to do anything further in order to secure their space at Mason.

Credit-Bearing Coursework

ACCESS is a one year program that begins in the fall semester; in the ACCESS year, students earn up to 27 credits. The program courses are mostly general education or elective courses which are designed specifically to advance English language acquisition and acculturation for international students. For most students, participation in the ACCESS program will not add more time to their Bachelor’s degree.

Culturally Inclusive Studies with Highly Qualified Faculty

Courses in the ACCESS program are taught by selected faculty members of Mason’s world-renowned academic programs and English Language Institute faculty. Program courses are developed as part of an internationalized curriculum intentionally designed to minimize academic obstacles international students typically face when attending American universities—a curriculum that values student cultural backgrounds and experiences at one of the most diverse institutions in the nation.

Academic Language Support

ACCESS students receive special individualized language instruction both inside and outside the classroom.

• The English Composition course is team-taught by one English department faculty member and one ELI faculty member.
• Two elective courses in the fall are taught by a professor from the appropriate department and an ELI faculty member will be in the classroom for each meeting. Students will meet with the ELI academic language support faculty member for 45 minutes following each elective class in order to discuss language-related questions from the class meeting.
• ACCESS students can participate in drop-in tutoring. Tutoring is available for a three-hour time slot during both one weekday afternoon and evening to accommodate all class schedules. The tutor will meet with students on a first-come, first-serve basis and will work with students on academic language development and responding to content assignments.

A Quality Education at an Affordable Price

The cost of ACCESS is typically equivalent to the out-of-state undergraduate tuition rate (for a full-time students on F visas) plus $2000. As an ACCESS student, you will receive the academic English language assistance needed to succeed in your academic program, including individual tutoring, at the fraction of the cost of a full-time English language program, while earning college credit and participating in a full first-year college experience.

Acculturation & Adjustment Support

ACCESS students are provided with a wide array of support services, which include customized academic advising, workshops, co-curricular activities, and personal adjustment counseling to meet the needs of international students studying abroad. Peer advisors and tutors both inside and outside of the classroom provide additional personalized support during the year-long ACCESS program. The Center also connects students to the network of university resources promoting engagement and opportunities to flourish within Mason’s international community.

ACCESS Program Course Schedule
FALL SEMESTER	CREDITS
Enhanced English Composition I	3
Freshman Transition to College	2
Public Speaking	3
English Language Academic Support for Public Speaking	1
Introduction to World History	3
English Language Academic Support for World History	1
Mathematics preparation course/placement exam	0
TOTAL CREDITS	13
SPRING SEMESTER	CREDITS
Enhanced English Composition II	3
Freshman Transition to College	0
Mathematics: Per placement exam	3
American Cultures	3
Introduction to Research Methods	3
Course in prospective major or a General Education elective (with advisor approval)	3
TOTAL CREDITS	12 to 15

 

 

How to Apply

Students interested in the ACCESS program should apply directly to George Mason University for freshman undergraduate admission and select a desired major. When reviewing applications, the George Mason University Admissions Office will determine whether a student is qualified for ACCESS.

Learn more about the application process for the program at the Mason World Admissions site.

The English Language Institute

In order to be considered for ACCESS, students must score at least a 72 on the TOEFL iBT exam or 5.5 on the IELTS. If a student’s score does not meet this minimum requirement then s/he can apply to enroll in the Mason English Language Institute and study English full-time until s/he can meet the ACCESS admissions criteria.

Related Links for More Information

• Frequently Asked Questions about the ACCESS program
• Admissions Requirements
• International Freshman Application Requirements
• Student Visa Information