James Madison University OR Virginia Tech

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey everyone, my top schools are James Madison University and Virginia Tech. Which do you think I should attend next fall? I am from New Jersey so I am 5.5 hours from JMU and 8 hours from VTech. I want to major in communications - media studies. </p>

<p>I do believe that VTech is more known throughout the country, but part of that is because of their shooting a few years ago. But they are also not as known for communications as James Madison, which has its own school of media arts and design.</p>

<p>There are little things I like/dislike about both. I love how JMU has Starbucks on campus and a new gym, however you are unable to have microwaves in your dorm and is divided by I-81. At VTech I love how the academic and dorms are located around the quad and how pretty the campus is, but I don't like how there is only one library (that I saw) and I don't like the lack of stores downtown. But both schools have amazing school spirit!</p>

<p>The closer distance and designated school for my major is making me lean towards JMU, but I still adore VTech.</p>

<p>What would you do? Thanks. :)</p>

2

<p>It is perfectly OK for you to email the two different programs and ask about internship opportunities and job placement statistics for their graduates.</p>

3

<p>You have a decision that many kids in Virginia are sure to be making! Quite a few kids here apply and are accepted by both and then have to figure out what to do. I agree with happymom, an email to the departments that you are interested in would be a great idea. I haven’t heard much about your major unfortunately to shed any light on which has the better reputation- Tech does have ABC’s Hoda Kotb as an media/communications alum :slight_smile: </p>

<p>They are both really great schools and I don’t think you could go wrong with either. Maybe the feedback from the email/calls would help a bit. Good luck to you!</p>

4

<p>Virginia Tech is a research university with graduate programs and a medical school. It plays big time FBS football. Your degree will be more well known and valuable due to thses two factors. If you ever pursue a job in Texas or California, people will recognize Tech.</p>