<p>I applied to both and got an acceptance letter from GMU (I'm assuming I'll also get accepted to VCU becasue GMU is harder to get into). I'm torn between which I should go to.</p>
<p>I plan to major in Marketing and I cannot find any decent comparison between the two schools for business/marketing fields. This is the main reason why I am having difficulty choosing which school is best for me.</p>
<p>I am aware that VCU is less safe than GMU, but has a more active campus life. I am also aware that GMU probably has more motivated students because of their more strict requirements, but less campus life. If anyone knows anything about GMU, could you explain what their campus life is like from personal experience? I'm reading reviews about how dead GMU is, but they aren't veritable. I don't care about a party scene school, but I would like to have some social interaction with new people throughout my time there.</p>
<p>In short, I would like to know:
1) Which school has better academics in business/marketing (particularly marketing)
2) Is GMU as dead as it is rumored to be?</p>
<p>1) GMU has a better business/marketing department and far more opportunities for internships given its proximity to Reston, Fairfax and DC. You are more in the real world of business.
2) GMU is not a party school by any stretch of the imagination, but the campus is always full of folks milling about and plenty to do. People make long term friendships and have fun. There is a LOT of support for student groups and activities. This is rapidly increasing–there are now over 8000 students living on campus and new buildings are put up all the time to house more. I think the perception on GMU being “dead” are from those who are relying on older knowledge or those who want a party school atmosphere. </p>
<p>I’m most likely going to GMU. I actually was planning on sending in my deposits this week because VCU was taking forever to respond (I early applied, but still no response. All my other colleges replied before February). </p>
<p>I was still a bit doubtful about if GMU is right, but thanks for the reassurement. I’m valuing education over socialization, but knowing that GMU can still be fun is a bonus!</p>
<p>Much thanks, even if it was quite some time after my post. Still appreciate it!</p>
<p>Another parent here, my son goes to GMU and is busy all the time with campus activities. I can’t take him out for dinner without him getting a text from x asking if he wants to meet a y spot on campus for z activity. GMU has changed a lot in recent years- there are about 8,000 students living on campus and plenty of clubs, sports, teams, political groups, activities of all kinds. One of the things my son is doing is co-hosting a weekly show on GMU’s cable TV station. He also plays club sports and is part of a computer science group that makes apps for the university. Mason is not a big party school but it is not dead by any stretch of the imagination. </p>