Applying to Mason’s Bridge & Access Programs: Information for ELI Students

1. Applying to Mason’s Bridge & Access Programs: Information for ELI Students KarynMallett & Julie Kim

3. Benefits of Access Program • Receive provisional admission to Mason as a freshman (first-year student) • Earn 24-27 academic credits towards undergraduate degree • Take classes taught by both Mason academic faculty and ELI faculty • Receive added academic English language support • Participate in social, cultural, and academic events sponsored by CISA

4. ELIAccessUndergraduate Degree

5. Access Video Introduction Click here to view the video!

6. Requirements forAccess Admission

7. ELI Proficiency Test for Access In order to receive an ELI recommendation for Access, you will need to take the ELI Proficiency Test! February 14th 12:00-1:30pm Location: TBA

8. Access English Proficiency Level

9. Access Fall 2012 Academic Schedule *Subject to change

10. Access Spring 2013 Academic Schedule *Subject to change

11. Access Program Achievement Goals

12. Living Learning Community (LLC) • Exciting on-campus living experience in the Access International Living-Learning Community (LLC) in Hampton Roads • Opportunities for active engagement with American students both inside and outside the classroom • Warm community experience making ACCESS students feel comfortable in their new home at Mason • All Access students attend at least 2 LLC activities/ month

13. Applying to GMU Undergraduate For ELI students, 3 undergrad application routes:

14. Applying to Access (See Handout) • Julie will add Applying to Mason Advising Handout

15. GMU’s BRIDGE-EET Program

16. Bridge-EET Overview • What is the Bridge English Enrichment (EET) Track? • Provisionaladmission to a participating Mason graduate program AND • Two-semester program for students who need moderate amount of English language support to ensure academic success • Applicants to Mason’s graduate programs can either self-elect to be considered for the Bridge-EET program in the online application, or will receive an admissions contract from the admitting academic unit indicating this requirement • After completing required Bridge courses and reaching English proficiency goal levels, students proceed with full-time graduate study at Mason with no further applications

17. Bridge Video Introduction Click here to view the video!

18. Bridge-EET Admission Requirements • Must meet all of the regular admissions requirements for Mason graduate programs (except for the established English Proficiency scores): • Minimum equivalence of 4-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree • Indications of strong intellectual preparation for graduate study • See Mason’s Graduate Application Database (GRAD) for individual graduate program requirements: http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/matrix/

19. Applying to Bridge-EET • Must complete a full application with all materials required by the specific graduate program, including: • Online application and fee • Transcripts, degree certificates • Letters of recommendation • Resume • Test scores (e.g., GRE) • Must achieve specified English proficiency level • In lieu of TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, prospective CISA applicants from ELI may opt to take ELI Proficiency Test • Offered by ELI in late October (more details to come)

20. Bridge-EET Proficiency Levels

21. Participating Program Proficiency Levels

22. 2012-2013 BridgeAcademic Schedule

23. Graduate Language Requirements For ELI students, there are two different graduate application routes and language requirements: *Must also fulfill other requirements (e.g., GRE, online application, university transcript)

24. 1. Bridge Program Info • Read through website carefully and thoroughly before continuing to other steps (http://cisa.gmu.edu/programs/bridge/) • Find if the graduate program you are interested in participates in the BRIDGE program 2. Graduate Admissions Info • Note required documents • http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/applynow/ • http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/matrix/ • Print and complete these paper forms (http://admissions.gmu.edu/ApplyNow/forms.asp): • Graduate Application • Recommendation for Graduate Study (Top section only) • Certificate of Financial Responsibility (First page only) Steps to Applying to BRIDGE (See Handout) Fulfill remaining graduate program requirements Two Semesters in Bridge (Fall 2012 and Spring 2013) ELI Steps to Mason Graduate Degree 5. CISA-ELI Proficiency Test (October 20) • Scores can be used instead of TOEFL or IELTS when applying to Bridge program • Test includes 4 sections : • Computer-based Accuplacer ESL tests for Listening, Reading, and Writing • One-on-one interview Speaking Test • Must score at least B1+ or B2 (depending on graduate program) 4. Online Application • Go to http://admissions.gmu.edu/ApplyNow/ • Click on "Apply for Graduate Studies" • Use your completed paper Graduate Application Form as a guide 3. Application Advising • Go to ELI Front Desk (Northern Neck): • Submit 3 forms (from Step 2), any TOEFL or IELTS score reports, and any university transcripts (w/ English translation) • Make appointment to see Karyn or Julie • During appointment with Karyn or Julie: • Review 3 forms and transcript requirements • Receive permission to begin Online Application • Receive CISA-ELI Proficiency Test information 6. ELI Approval Decision • Passing Test Scores + Positive ELI Teacher Recommendations = ELI Approval • ELI Approval decision will be sent to your MasonLive e-mail approximately 2 weeks after ELI Proficiency Test • Files for ELI-approved applicants will be sent to Admissions by the ELI 7. Admissions Notification • Check status online: • https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/ApplicantConnectLogin.asp?id=gmu • Click on "Check Application Status" • Receive Admissions decision approximately 3 weeks after file received • Via postal mail to your Permanent Address listed on your application 8. Accepted Students Questions After receiving acceptance in Bridge program, questions concerning Bridge enrollment, orientation, housing, tuition, schedule & courses can be answered by CISA: • E-mail: cisa@gmu.edu • Office: Mason Hall, D109 • Phone: (703) 993-4711

26. Applying to CISA Programs • For general information about applying to Mason: http://admissions.gmu.edu/applynow • For more information about the Access and Bridge Programs: http://cisa.gmu.edu • CISA-ELI Advisors: • Karyn Mallett (kmallet1@gmu.edu) • Julie Kim (jkim99@gmu.edu)

27. Questions? • Next steps: • Read the program information (handout, brochure, http://cisa.gmu.edu) • Have your transcripts evaluated by WES or EdPerspectives • Register for the appropriate tests(e.g., SAT, GRE) • Make an appointment to see Julie or Karyn