<p>ok so im trying to decide between JMU or GMU. I am about to get my Associates in Computer Science from NVCC (community college). I live about 40 min away from Mason and 75min away from Jmu. </p>
<p>Here is my debacle. I really dont want to stay home for my next 2 years in college i want to go away. Ive hated my time at Nvcc but i have a 3.8 and the college was good. So i know i can get into both schools under guarantee agreements. Also the cost close enough for that not to matter. </p>
<p>I want to go to Jmu bc it has a better social life. Its a good school but i know alot of people part there. It also isnt the BEST of the BEST when it comes to computer science (i might double major in computer enginerring too).</p>
<p>I want to go to GMU because i know it has a better computer science program than JMU. Its a really good IT school. But i live really close to it. I know the area, and i feel like i would get bored there quick.</p>
<p>Where should i go???????</p>
<p>I plan on going on to get my MA at Mason either way, so if that helps any.</p>
<p>i’ve actually been considering the same thing…jmu from what i’ve heard is more prestigious and if u want to get away from ur home go there.</p>
<p>Im thinking about majoring in computer science and have been considering both colleges
first choice is GMU and second is JMU but i live in southern va and i cant wait to leave my house.</p>
<p>Well from what ive heard GMU vs JMU from a Comp Sci perspective only, GMU is better. And just looking at it from a class-by-class basis, GMU seems more rigirous. </p>
<p>@skas12
If you think JMU is more prestigious why is GMU your first choice?</p>
<p>I visited both schools over the summer, and based solely on ‘the college experience,’ James Madison wins hands down. The reason I ruled George Mason out as a choice was because after visiting the school, I realized that GMU didn’t offer nearly as much as JMU for students. Almost all the activities that were mentioned were in D.C. and not University-run. In my opinion, GMU doesn’t have as much of a community feel as JMU.</p>
<p>Why don’t you take a tour of both schools? It might help you with your decision.</p>
<p>Well i toured JMU 2 years ago, (after high school) and i know i like the campus, and Ive been to GMU 1000 times. I know that JMU wins with college experience, but that’s not all there is to consider. IVE HEARD, that GMU has a better IT/CS department. Like second only to VTech in VA.</p>
<p>So do i choose
JMU: more prestigious, more of a college experience
or
GMU: more prestigious from a IT/CS stand point but less (to none) of the college experience. </p>
<p>while still keeping in mind that I’m getting my MA at GMU most likely…</p>
<p>i think that JMU is ur best choice cause honestly it seems just because GMU has a better IT department doesn’t mean that JMu isn’t good.
Plus it of course is more prestigious, better social experience and you get the full college experience</p>
<p>First off, JMU is an overall excellent school in academics, campus/social life, teacher-student contact, and food. I’m applying EA to JMU this October!</p>
<p>Now you have to decide: Do you want to attend GMU and get into the BEST computer science program, but have to live close to home, and miss out on the college experience? or do you want to attend JMU and get into a pretty good computer science program, live out the college experience, have personal contact with professors, abd have more research opportunities?</p>
<p>I’d choose JMU (I’m biased). Plus, I’m pretty sure that the JMU comp. sci curriculum is no walk in the park—is comp. sci. EVER a walk in the park?</p>
<p>By the way, with a gpa of a 3.8, why don’t you apply to UVA or VT?</p>
<p>I was thinking about UVA. But i know several people who go there and they said i wont like it. A lot of people there think they are better than everyone else, and i dont want to be around people like that. (Also UVA requires a foreign language… NOOOOOOOO)</p>
<p>EVM- a 3.8 will get you into Tech with or without GAA, I had a 3.7 w/o GAA and easily got into Tech plus 5,000 dollars in scholarship from them.</p>
<p>Eh… i don’t think i wanna go to VT really. They didn’t accept me after HS and I just have a baseless reason for not liking the school.
And VT is very far from home… JMU, GMU or UVA are all close enough for me to come home on weekends and wash my cloths. ;)</p>
<p>Still leaning toward JMU. Thanks for the suggestion though.</p>
<p>Is Computer Science hard…
Relatively: Its A LITTLE easier than say Engineering, but harder than most Sciences in my opinion.
Im only 2 years through and your going to have to take Calculus 1+2 (maybe Vector) and probably a few others. The CS classes themselves don’t really require a lot of complex math (unlike Engineering), so thats why i say its easier than Engineering. If you are good at math and science, and you can think outside the box you should be fine. The first year is mostly programming, and I came into CS without any prior knowledge of programming, and i did just fine. </p>
<p>Also most schools recommended Calculus based Physics, and Physics has got to be the hardest class EVER. **Calc based Physics ** is the hardest class i have taken…</p>
<p>Again IMO its harder than most other majors, like business or marketing or Economics, and i would say its harder than Bio or Chem, but if you have a passion to be at a computer it makes things more… enjoyable.</p>
<p>Through my research, and I’ve done a lot, Comp Sci is the best computer degree possible. It allows you to be more mobile than a comp engineering degree, and much more respected than an IT degree. </p>
<p>But back to your point, yes its hard, but if you are interested in computers AT ALL!, hardcore gamer, overclocker, IT, software, hardware, digital media, programmer, anything at all, the classes will be very enjoyable and that helps make them easier. Just a heads up though. The first year is all programming but that is not all CS is. I had my doubts about CS until i got pass my first 3 classes. Now i love it.</p>
<p>Thanks alot dude that really helps and i think im gonna major in it then. Im actually taking physics right now and it is hard.
One more question did you get guaranteed transfer at UVA and VT?</p>
<p>I don’t know yet, I’m not transferring until next fall. But i don’t see why i wont be able to, I’ve followed everything to the dot and the counselor said I’m all set class wise. Ill find out in March i guess. </p>
<p>The dangurous thing about GAA, is that all the schools only allow you to apply under a GAA ONCE! So if i apply for a GAA at VT JMU GMU, and UVA in the spring, get into all 4, and go to JMU, i cant use them later. So maybe i don’t like JMU and say i want to transfer out, i can no longer use any GAA for those schools. </p>
<p>Also i took high school Physics and loved it. I wanted to major in it. HS Physics is NOTHING like CALC based Physics. Just a warning.</p>