ADVANCE Program

• Major Cost Savings! Completing your associates degree at NOVA before transferring to Mason will save you tuition costs.
• Make every Credit Count. Specialized, aligned curriculum from NOVA to Mason ensures all credits transfer toward your selected degree program.
• Dedicated Coaches. ADVANCE coaches provide you with continuous support and guidance, from your enrollment at NOVA to your graduation from Mason.
• ADVANCE = Access. You will be eligible to access recreational facilities, sporting and cultural events at NOVA and Mason.
• No Additional Application. Earn your associate degree at NOVA and then seamlessly transition to earn your bachelor's degree at Mason with no additional application required.
• Co-Enrollment. You may be eligible to take select classes at Mason while you are enrolled at NOVA.
• ADVANCE Your Career. Enjoy special internship and co-curricular experiences that will prepare you for career success.

ADVANCE is available to NOVA students in good academic standing who meet these enrollment requirements:

• Minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average for students with college credit
• Enrolled in NOVA associate degree curricular program
• Have earned no more than 30 college credits at the time of submission of the ADVANCE Declaration
  
  The 30-credit limit does not include AP, IB, CLEP, or any other earned credit by exam. High school dual enrollment credit and credit earned at other U.S. or international colleges, or universities apply to the 30-credit limit. NOVA and Mason have different transfer credit policies. It is important to note that NOVA may accept transfer credit that Mason does not accept.
  
  If you have any transfer credit questions, you may schedule an appointment with an ADVANCE Admission Counselor before application to ADVANCE at advance@gmu.edu.

Current ADVANCE students can access pathways for past enrollment years here.

The following dates will assist you in planning to submit your ADVANCE declaration:

• Spring Declaration Deadline: December 1, 2023

ADVANCE Pathway Selection is the final step toward enrollment, and must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• Spring Pathway Selection Deadline: December 15, 2023

Students must be registered for courses at NOVA before applying to ADVANCE

1. Review your academic record.
   • A high school diploma or GED is required to be enrolled in ADVANCE
   • Students must be enrolled at NOVA
   • If you have 30 or fewer credits and a cumulative 2.0 GPA, click on the “Apply to Advance” button below and enter your MyNOVA username and password to complete the ADVANCE Declaration.
   • if you do not meet the eligibility requirements for admission to ADVANCE, contact the Office of Admissions before submitting an application.
2. Have official transcripts from all U.S. and international colleges and universities sent to the Mason Office of Admissions. If you wish to transfer the credit to NOVA, request official transcripts to be sent to the Student Services Center on your home campus.
3. Submit a Transfer Credit Evaluation Request form per transcript sent.
4. You will receive an acknowledgment to your VCCS email account after your declaration is processed. Be sure to look for additional messages prompting you to complete two additional steps, including the ADVANCE pre-orientation and the ADVANCE Agreement.

Prospective Students

Prospective Students who have not yet been admitted into ADVANCE:
Email: advance@gmu.edu

Current Students

Current ADVANCE students who want to connect with an ADVANCE Coach:
Email: advance@nvcc.edu