<p>I'm applying to all three of the schools and if I got in to them, I really don't know what I would choose and I'm trying to get an idea. I'm majoring in marketing and I know that JMU and Tech has a really good business program. JMU used to be my number one choice but I've heard that there's a lot of snobby girls, who all kind of conform with each other and party like crazy, and that's not really me. Also, I visited the campus last year, and my parents hated it so that's another downer. My sister goes to GMU, and I like that it's in Fairfax, next to DC and not in the middle of nowhere like Tech(kinda) and JMU, but it's a growing school, and I feel like it doesn't have a strong reputation yet so I'm not sure. My parents keep telling me to go here, so that's making me sway too. I actually really do want to go to tech the most, but my parents are nervous about the shootings and that I won't be safe, and that it's 6 hours from where I live which would be a pain to commute back and forth. But I know it's the best school out of three choices based on academics so I'm not sure. So there's pros and cons for all of them and I honestly don't know what to do. I know I haven't really gotten in yet, but I just really want to have an idea so I can stop freaking out!</p>
<p>jenster, As a Virginia resident, I will say that each of these schools would be a fine choice for business and are all great options academically. I wouldn’t say that GMU doesn’t have as good of reputation as the others in business, I think they are all pretty comparable actually.
As far as the student body at JMU, I have heard of the reputation for partying, but it kind of surprised me about the female snobbiness comment. That isn’t something that is spoken of around here, in fact, you hear more of how friendly, happy and nice the kids there are. So, I wouldn’t put a lot of stock in that. I kind of side with your parents about its campus, but that is just a personal preference. The question is, do you like it? It will be your home away from home for 4 years.</p>
<p>Regarding Tech, it is so sad that a troubled student from Radford decided to travel to VT’s campus and commit such a senseless act of violence, but that is what happened. Your mom and dad sound a lot like me five years back. My son was looking at VT the summer after the April 16 shootings. I was a bit nervous about it, I will admit. After we visited though, we saw just how tight the community was and how wonderful the school was. He wanted to apply early decision after visiting and I swallowed my anxiousness and let him do what he felt was right. He has had a wonderful experience there and has always felt secure. Virginia Tech is as safe of a university as any in the country and I have no qualms about our youngest daughter applying there next fall. Unfortunately, the media spotlight will always be quick to focus on any incident that occurs there. But, it remains a tremendous place to receive a quality education.</p>
<p>I hope you all will get a chance to visit Tech to compare it to the other schools you are considering. Let your mom and dad talk to some of those in the admissions department about their concerns. They are great people and are very open and honest. Talk to some of the students and see what they have to say, too. I wish you all of the best and hope you are ultimately happy with your decision!</p>
<p>In the aftermath of 2007, Va Tech made campus safety its top priority. They led the adoption of new technology, hired the top professionals from around the country, and became the industry leaders on the topic. As a university VP for Student Affairs, I look to what’s happening at VT as the cutting edge in campus security. What occurred there last week was unforeseeable, unpreventable, and inexplicable, and the university’s campus notification and response system worked flawlessly. I would assume that at this point, VT is probably the safest campus in America.</p>