<p>I probably went a bit dramatic [overboard] on the title of the thread, but I am curious to hear from anyone with familiarity with the situation, as to whether or not the public George Mason University in Virginia is on the rise. I don't think it will match UVA anytime soon, but I gather that's it's using its affluent surrounding community (Fairfax) and its contacts in the political world to raise funds for academic expansion and physical plant rejuvenation. I read years ago that this is how they enhanced their then fairly new law school. They used contacts in the Reagan administration and politically conservative financial supporters to make education at the law school quite good, if under-appreciated, compared to the law schools at UVA and William & Mary. So what's the present state of the university's progress as a place for undergraduate education and student life?</p>
<p>dc area colleges are mostly pretty good and underrated.</p>
<p>I posted this in the grad section as well… A good friend of mine who I was in the same undergrad university as me is now going for his PhD at GMU. After receiving his his BA and MPA he received excellent funding and has a great mentor guiding him through his program. The proximity to DC allows him to attend some of the best lectures in the world, do a graduate work study program with FEMA this summer (his concentration is Policy/ disaster relief and response) and network with real players in the DC scene.
I think this is a prime example of prestige taking a slightly back seat to opportunity and access to resources. He has all the benefits of the DC location and will come out on the other side with extremely low debt and all the same experience and networking capabilities as a GW or G’Town grad… minus the enormous load of debt.</p>
<p>As a Fairfax County native with family members who went there, I have to say that my impression of GMU’s campus life is very much in the big, anonymous, commuter-college mold. Can you get a good undergraduate education? I’d think so. But student life? That’s on the other end of the spectrum from U.Va.</p>
<p>I think Charlottesville trumps almost any location in or out of the state of Virginia. In my opinion, a school not in Charlottesville would have to be really outstanding to measure up to UVa, given that UVa has that wonderful location and is an excellent school with nationally respected graduate and professional schools as well.</p>
<p>Mom, what’s so great about Charlottesville?! It’s boring as heck if you ask me! All of my friends say they have to go to Richmond or DC if they want to “go out” </p>
<p>CV only has one mall, which is crappy, and doesn’t even have a Target!</p>
<p>I will say that the people in CV are VERY friendly and seemingly very happy.</p>
<p>Not exactly, I don’t think GMU is anywhere close to UVA yet but I agree that GMU is on the rise and will soon be competitive with VT and JMU</p>
<p>Looks like USNWR agrees</p>
<p>[Best</a> Colleges - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/national-uc-rank]Best”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/national-uc-rank)</p>
<p>C’ville now has a Target. Part of a large retail development on the north side by the airport. Also has Whole Foods and a very good Harris Teeter.</p>
<p>There are a number of nice restaurants and music clubs. The JPJ Center is bringing lots of major concerts to town. I think there is plenty to do for a college town.</p>
<p>I went to Wharton. I have never been disappointed with anyone we hired from GMU. Its a great school.</p>
<p>I think it is going to be a while for GMU to attain the status of UVA, but I do think they are on their way to making a great name for themselves, esp in the state of Va. </p>
<p>On a side but related note, a friend’s son, Maggie Walker (governor’s school) grad just turned down UVA (GW and a couple of others) for GMU. Wants to major in poly sci/business. Loves the prospect of being near DC. Mom and Dad are both Wahoos and are fine with his decision. Both are great schools obviously; it is up to the kid to make the most out of either.</p>
<p>well I can definitely see why you would turn down UVA for GMU if you are studying poltiical science/economics or something that is involved with the government (because of GMU’s location)</p>