Since JMU has country requirements, Morocco has its own. We need a GPA of 3.00 with a TOEFL score of 80. They mention that even people with a lower GPA can get admitted, though.
17 y/o boy from Morocco. I can speak 3 languages (Arabic, French, English) and can speak a little German. Hoping to major in Computer Science and minor in International Relations/Studies
2.8 UW GPA (I gave an explanation in the Personal Statement. I’ve had difficulties in my early high school years. I’ve boosted my senior year GPA to a 3.5, which I am sending to them)
SAT: 1550 (Did not send them, as they are not required if I am sending the TOEFL)
TOEFL: 80
Rank: N/A
I was given the opportunity to take more APs, but some things happened…
Took a Pre-AP Lit course
AP French: 4
AP Gov’t: Not taken yet
Played ONLY varsity sports from sophomore year till senior year
Varsity Basketball
Varsity Soccer
Varsity Volleyball
School-related EC’s:
-International Emerging Leader (represented my country in a conference in Richmond, Virginia, also gave presentations at the University of Richmond and VCU)
-Rotary Interact Club: 2 years
-Honorary Member of a school council that hosts fundraisers to help the community
-Part of the school’s leadership team that worked on the development of the student profile
-Nominated president for Student Council, but work as a PR
-Model U.N for a year
-Speech & Debate team
-Operation Smile (raise money to help children with disabilities)
-Tutoring
Individual EC’s:
-I’m a musician, I play guitar and piano
-Volunteering to donate supplies
-Astronomer
Awards:
-School Ambassador (for representing at Virginia)
-MIP for basketball
-A couple medals for volleyball and basketball
-Recognition for volunteering with school councils
since I am not an international student some of the stats are not making sense to me. I CAN say you have a lot of EC’s which is a huge plus for any school (especially JMU- they are HUGE on EC- maybe even more so than GPA SAT) good luck
Honestly, I think you have a pretty decent chance. The fact that you’re from Morocco is really going to help you because all the VA schools look for people from different parts of the world. If your GPA went up to a 3.5 I think that will help you greatly. I think your EC’s look good too. Just try to retake the SAT and really make your personal statement stand out.
I agree with the above post. That SAT should be easier to improve than the GPA would be, but work on both. Your ECs are excellent for JMU, so I’d say all you have to focus on is sheer numbers. Once you bump those up, you’ll be solid to get in! Good luck.
Just Google just common interview questions and make a word document and write them down. And answer them in on the word document. If they ask any question, you will be prepared. Be prepared for questions specific to you. For example if you are a football person, they might ask stuff about that too. Don’t have too many long pauses. Depending on the counselor, they can ask tricky questions. I once got asked “What are 3 things about yourself that distinguish you from other candidates?” I nearly went blank for a few seconds. Then I suddenly started talking about my typing speed, just say the first thing that comes to your mind.
Have many questions to ask them too. Go to their website and do some research, ask some specific questions so they know you’ve done your homework and are really interested. Explain to them a little about your low GPA and how you would make up for it. Look for things that only their college offers and compliment them. For example, “I know your school is ranked as one of the most diverse schools in blabla, I think it’s wonderful because diversity helps social development.” People always love to hear good about themselves.
Lastly, be yourself. Don’t think too much. Talk to the point. Ask many questions. Make a new jokes, it helps to make them laugh or smile. It shows your happy personality.
That’s it. Don’t be stressed. I’ve done 4 interviews and I was just myself. They all went amazing and I had a great time.
Thanks for this! This is going to be my 4th interview as well, but i’m trying to be super prudent, since this one interview is with a school that I really wish to attend in the near future. I hope you received great news eventually for your interviews!
I still haven’t gotten a decision from them, but I will be getting one very soon. I also still haven’t taken the interview, since I didn’t hear back from the admissions counselor, but i’m probably going to hear back from him this week. I’m so excited, but stressed at the same time!
