<p>Hey all, I live in northern Virginia, and I am looking to major in either International Affairs at James Madison Univ., or the equivalent major at George Mason Univ. (which is Government and International Politics). The problem is that I cannot decide, and I have only about a week and half left to make a decision. Can anyone give suggestions as to which college might be better for my program of study? It's killing me hahaha</p>
<p>I would choose Mason. As I understand it the international politics major is fantastic there, but I don’t believe that there is a huge difference.</p>
<p>Also If you are considering graduate study in that field, there really is no comparison: Mason is better. Also, depending on how serious you are about this and how hard you are willing to work, You could probably get internships in DC or Alexandria/Arlington (heck there are big name firms in Fairfax, too).</p>
<p>If you are not planning on graduate study, then I think you really need to visit both, and just decide where you will be happier. If you are happy, then it will be easier to study, and it won’t seem like hard work.</p>
<p>summary: They are academically similar at the undergraduate level. Choose where you will be happier. You will do better and opportunities will open up for you there.</p>
<p>Everyone I know at JMU is somewhat unhappy, so take that as you wish.</p>
<p>@ Zombiestardust
funny story about that, I know a few people going to Vatech. Anyway on a weekend, this guy was approached by some JMU girls at a party in Blacksburg. They ended up bragging about how much crazier the parties are at JMU than at VT.<br>
Bad move: that is unattractive to most engineers. Again, take that as you wish.</p>
<p>zombiestardust: you say that everyone you know is “somewhat unhappy” at JMU- I’m curious about why your friends are not happy there. Can you give more details?</p>
<p>Are you from VA and if so what college do you (or do you hope to) attend?</p>
<p>thanks for the suggestions everyone!</p>
<p>@suburiboy: it’s for my undergrad studies, not my graduate degree (but i will definitely consider mason for my graduate degree haha).</p>
<p>@zombiestardust: not to disregard your comment, but i now a good amount of people who go to both schools, and the general consensus for both is almost always positive.</p>
<p>JMU students are supposedly some of the “happiest students” (according to the top 373 Colleges big book). JMU is also ranked as #1 for regional universities in the newest USNWR. We are in northern VA too, and my vote would be for JMU. Also, JMU’s latest accepted avg is a 3.8 GPA and GMU is closer to a 3.6. Have you visited while the schools are in session? Go visit again if you visited during the summer prior. Visit a class, go eat in the dining halls, get a good feel for what it will be like to be an actual student there. That helped my son make his final decision. Good luck!</p>