<p>I believe it's pretty solidified that UVA & WM are the best schools in VA. However, after that it really all depends on what you're looking for. CNU is really on the rise, and their admissions is becoming startlingly selective. I would place JMU and Tech on about the same page (again, all depending on what you plan on majoring in). VCU is way high on the list if you are interested in the arts or medicine, but way low if you're just trying to go to college in general. Then there are schools like ODU and Radford where people usually go as a last resort and attempt to transfer out. Having gone to Governor's School at UR, it's a beautiful campus...but tuition there is crazy. However, they're generous with financial aid (someone I know goes there for $3,000 a year in need-based aid and he wasn't that poor). As a Virginia resident, I'm glad that there are so many options in state and we have it better than a lot of other states do. It's just all subjective depending on who you ask.</p>
<p>Also, not every high school in NoVA is the same. JMU is a very popular school for kids at my high school, and we don't find it "bad" at all. Our state school popularity goes:
1.VCU - some people apply as a safety so there are more apps
2.Tech
3.JMU
4.UVA
5.W&M
6.CNU
7.ODU/Radford</p>
<p>CNU is trying to become like its departed parent, William and Mary. Instead of branching out and becoming a big public institution, they want to stay small, allowing progress amongst the campus in grow positively, and still be able to adhere to a good learning environment. CNU 5 years ago was nothing. But now, due mostly in part to their D3 sports teams, has brought alot of new potential students to be part of their school.</p>
<p>I think it's really unfair and ignorant to call VT a "joke" university...
It's the top choice for many very intelligent applicants who are more geared towards science/engineering majors. True, It's admission standards aren't quite up there with those of UVA/W&M, but it still has great programs, great student life, and (in my opinion) a great campus to offer it's applicants. The fact that you may not be looking to delve into a field of science/engineering upon graduating surely doesn't constitute it as a "joke" university.</p>
<p>You can make a good future for yourself no matter where you go (granted you are willing to work hard to earn it). As a Virginia resident, I feel extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to attend any of these outstanding VA colleges. There's a lot to take into consideration while deiciding on which school to attend. You really just have to find what's right for you, which differs widely from applicant to applicant. That's why I don't think it's fair to call ANY of these schools "joke" universities; what may not be right for you may be a perfect fit for someone else.</p>
<p>a ton of people from my school end up going to Tech and JMU....a decent amount go to UVA and then there's the sparse amount that go to the other ones......</p>
<p>If i stay in state, i'll probably go to JMU (but like you, I'm not really into the country-ish atmosphere--I'm a NoVA resident.....) I haven't even visited Tech, but I heard it's in a really deserted place...my ideal atmosphere would be a hip, lively town (i'm looking at UT austin...but not sure if i'll get in or can afford it...)</p>
<p>UT Austin might be a tough admit as its slots are mostly for Texans. My D didn't like the Tech location either. Here are a few in the southwest where JMU-like stats would possibly get you in OOS:</p>
<p>U of Oklahoma
U of Colorado
U of Arizona
U of New Mexico</p>
<p>1.W&L-by far the most selective and prestigious, 15% acceptance rate
2.W&M-UVa-both very close and arguably equals, best public schools in country
3. Richmond, VT
4. other LAC's mary washington, hampden sydney, etc.-good quality education, not as well known
5.radford, odu,vcu</p>
<p>"I live in Charlottesville...and I have grown up on the UVA campus...we all hate virginia tech it's a joke university.."<br>
Very sophomoric. I wouldn't put too much stock on pats' opinion or base any decision on such immature comment.<br>
VT is a great university, very well respected and with great spirit. I know plenty of stellar students there. Fortunately not everybody at UVA or in Charlottesville is as immature and snotty as this person or I would start to worry about what kind of people go to UVA.</p>
<p>Tech is definitely not a "joke" but the Freshman stats posted on page 1 is NOT the INCOMING FRESHMEN STATS. It is only the stats of those OFFERED ADMISSION and from my observation top students in my class apply there as a safety. However, its engineering program is probably the best in the state and produces many successful students.</p>
<p>Tech is probably a "joke" in comical terms to students at UVa (we are a rivalry school, and on the hole, I would admit that Uva is stronger academically), however as a student at tech, there are many smart individuals here. It is a engineering/science/architecture stronghold, however, the other programs are not as recognized. I underestimated the location of Blacksburg as there is completely nothing to do in town other than go to bars (lucky me im not 21!). One day visits here do not do it justice. I loved the one day visit, but actually living here without a car for an extended period of time is not for me, as I lived about 20 minutes away from D.C. my entire life.</p>
<p>I'm from OOS, and I felt very comfortable when I visited JMU. My GPA is unweighted 3.4, SAT 1870. I'm interested in journalism, language and culture.Is this a good school for what I am interested in? Can I get in?</p>
<p>Felt obligated to post a response to people who think that JMU is a better school for business than UVA is...</p>
<p>For the past several years UVA has consistently ranked either 1st or 2nd best public university in the country, trading places now and then with Berkley.</p>
<p>Not to mention, BusinessWeek just ranked McIntire (UVA's undergraduate business school) the best in the country out of both public and private universities. It even beat Wharton at UPenn.</p>
<p>While I know people are probably a bit biased because this is the JMU forum, let's be real here. JMU has a great business program, but it can't be compared to UVA's -- ask any hiring manager in the business field (I've asked my manager, a VP and an EVP at my internship and they unanimously agree). UVA has name recognition nationally and internationally, while JMU is much less known than UVA if you leave the Virginia area and go to New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle or LA.</p>
<p>As for comparing UVA to W&M, it's like apples and oranges. Overall I think UVA is better than W&M though UVA has especially strong Business, Economics and Math programs while W&M is especially strong in liberal arts.</p>
<p>JMU's a great school, it's just not up there with UVA and W&M...just my opinion...and the opinion of US News, BusinessWeek, and plenty of employers.</p>
<p>I don't know jaybird201, I know McIntire is a better school then COB but it really depends on the person. I wouldn't hire someone from McIntire just because of their degree, there are a lot of other facts that go in it. "Not to mention, BusinessWeek just ranked McIntire (UVA's undergraduate business school) the best in the country out of both public and private universities. It even beat Wharton at UPenn." NO ONE IS BETTER THEN WHARTON!!! My dad works for one of the big three accounting firms(EY) and couldn't believe that Wharton was third, he doesn't even look at McIntire kids when Ive league students come in to interview regardless of their major, he works in structured finance and said that having a liberal arts degree cares a lot more weight then just having a degree in finance, shows that the person is well rounded. And saying that JMU is less known outside of Virginia is true but consider this the youngest partner ever at Goldman Sachs(New York) went to JMU. jaybird201, look I know why you are doing this, you probably go to community college and have a 3.8 and are hoping to get into McIntire but lets be real for a second you have a 13% change of getting in. Are you saying if you don't get in that you are a lesser person, UVA is going to make you a better person. Plus I can tell you haven't talked to people at McIntire who have transferred, because they hate it, what they had in their minds wasn't what they got.</p>
<p>Haha, even if I don’t get into McIntire, that won’t change the fact that it is still one of the best business schools in the country. The BusinessWeek article highlights the small classes, partnerships with reputable companies, and the high number of students with jobs secured before graduation (something like 75%). Of course that’s my personal opinion, and you’re free to feel differently about it.</p>
<p>In response to two things you said:</p>
<p>1) Yes, most companies are just looking for someone to have a finance degree. However, ALL ELSE EQUAL, a McIntire graduate will tend to have better job prospects and higher pay out of school than a COB graduate. For exactly the reasons you agreed with – reputation, better name recognition, etc. That being said, if the McIntire student student get a 3.5 and doesn’t participate in any extracurriculars, has no interests to speak of, and doesn’t have any job experience, a JMU graduate with a 3.6 that is in a service club, demonstrates active pursuit of several interests, and has an internship under his/her belt, the latter will look MUCH better than the former.</p>
<p>2) You’re right, it’s only better in the rankings and it really does depend on the student. If you stick someone at a university they don’t like in front of a professor they can’t stand, they’re better off someplace they like better.</p>
<p>Oh, and no, I’m not saying if I get into McIntire that I’ll be a better person, nor is the same true for anyone else. Unfortunately, the name of the school a person attends does matter. Alot. And I feel like if I get into McIntire I’ll have more job prospects prior to graduation and will be more competitive in the job market than I would if I went to COB.</p>
<p>“Plus I can tell you haven’t talked to people at McIntire who have transferred, because <b>they<b> hate it, what <b>they<b> had in their minds wasn’t what they got.”…speaking of logical fallacies. Talking two one or two people doesn’t make it true for the hundreds of people that have transferred there over the years.</b></b></b></b></p><b><b><b>
</b></b></b>
<p>I just visited JMU on Friday and I absolutely fell in love with it. It feels like the perfect place for me. The people seem layed back and yet willing to work.</p>
<p>Next year I’m applying at both JMU and UVA, but JMU is my first choice. I’m an in-state resident by the way.</p>
I’m an in-state resident by the way.</p>