How will choosing an alternative grading option affect my eligibility for admission to graduate/professional schools, or competitive fellowship programs outside of Mason?

Posted: April 1, 2020 at 4:08 pm, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 11:55 am

Although many programs are modifying requirements to accommodate special circumstances related to COVID-19, we have no control over requirements for external institutions and programs. Students are encouraged to check with graduate/professional programs and/or fellowship programs to ensure they are familiar with specific requirements prior to selecting an alternative grade option. If you are not certain […]

If I am on a merit scholarship, how might the alternative grading mode affect me?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 12:00 pm

For students receiving merit scholarships, they will need to determine what the GPA is for keeping those scholarships. For many of the Admissions scholarships, that cut off is a 2.75 GPA. If the student had less than 2.75 in the previous term and select all alternate grades, they cannot bring up that GPA and that […]

If I prefer to continue with the A-F grading mode, do I have to do anything?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 11:56 am

No, your classes will default to their current grading mode (A-F grading).

If a grant pays for part of my education, should I stay with the traditional grade scale option?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 11:57 am

Each student needs to review their current GPA and make decisions based on that, based on the answer to the questions above, and review the standards of good SAP on the Financial Aid Office website – https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/eligibility/satisfactory-academic-progress-policy.

Will choosing the alternate grade mode affect my I-20 (F1 and J1 students)?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 11:57 am

F-1 and J-1 students do not need permission to choose an alternative grading option as long as they maintain full-time enrollment. If you are an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, please be aware that withdrawing from a course will reduce your credit load.  F-1 and J-1 students must enroll full-time in the fall […]

Will choosing the alternate grade mode affect my ability to switch my major?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 11:59 am

That depends. You should reach out to your academic advisor to discuss your options. You may potentially reach out to an advisor in the school that houses the major you want to change into for their guidance, as well.

My employer currently pays for the classes I am enrolled in. What effect might changing to the alternative grading mode have on me?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 12:02 pm

It depends. You should contact your employer and seek clarity on the requirements for continued tuition remission. If there is a term-by-term GPA requirement, you should consider remaining in A-F grading. If the requirement is the successful completion of coursework, the alternative grading mode would be fine. Each situation is unique and you should seek […]

I’m a law school student. Am I able to select the alternative grading mode?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 12:02 pm

No. The Antonin Scalia Law School will separately determine the grading policies for its courses.  

I’m an undergraduate taking a graduate level course. Does the alternative grade mode affect my graduate level course?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 11:59 am

Undergraduate students taking graduate-level courses will be able to select the alternative grading mode in those courses, but are subject to the graduate-level grade definitions.  

Is there someone I can speak with about deciding between A-F grading and the alternative grade mode for my classes?

Posted: March 27, 2020 at 11:29 am, Last Updated: February 11, 2021 at 11:58 am

Yes! Your academic advisor would be happy to talk to you about your grade option selection. Undergraduate students can find your academic advisor using the following tool: https://advising.gmu.edu/current-student/advisor-locator/ If you are receiving financial aid, you might also reach out the Mason Student Services Center to talk to a counselor.