<p>D was accepted into quite a few schools, but the top choices are JMU and Udel at this time.</p>
<p>Both are great schools and can be easily accessed (albeit a few hours) away from home.</p>
<p>They both have great things going for them. D wants to have an active social life, which both schools would offer. D's major seems a bit more advanced at Ddel, but I don't think that matters as she won't really have to go to grad school afterwards.......(at least not immediately).</p>
<p>Only D can decide that for D's self. JMU and University of Delaware are both great schools but it depends on what D would like to major in. See what programs they have at each school and make a pro and con list. If the major is more advanced at JMU or UDel then choose that school. If you have any other things that D likes then that would be helpful. I think there is a College book for UDel that tells all about the college and there is also one for James Madison University. Again, pick them up and weigh the pro and cons and then make your decision.</p>
<p>momwithquestions, They are both very good schools. I read through a few of your past posts. It seems that safety is important to you, as it is to most parents. I would revisit the safety history of both schools and include that in the decision making process with your D. BTW, my son feels very safe at JMU, but I know that is hardly scientific.</p>
<p>I have a book on JMU and I'll write exactly what it says about safety:
As with any college, especially one where there are more females, there is bound to be the occansional aggressive, drunk frat boy. However, students pretty much agree when they say they feel sung as bugs in a rug walking around campus, day or night. Campus police make regular visits, visibly patrolling the sidewalks on foot, and patrolling the roads by car. The constant visible presence of the police force, along with the emergency phone boxes, creates a feeling of safety on campus.</p>
<p>Dorm security is taken very seriously at JMU. Doors that access resident living areas are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Public areas are free to all for certain hours on weekdays, but all interior doors to residence areas remain accessible to residents only. In addition, regular inspections occur to ensure complete and effective security exists at all residence halls. Additionally, JMU has placed high-intensity metal halide or sodium vapor lights in areas with heavy student traffic. It goes without saying, however (although I'm going to say it anyway), the common sense is the best precaution. Don't let the relative safety of JMU and Harrisonburg make you feel invincible. Late-night walks by your lonesome through dark alleys, propping open outside doors in dorms at night, and leaving valuable possessions out are not a good idea anywhere. JMU is no exception.</p>
<p>Taken Verbatim from College book about security.</p>
<p>I can tell you that from what my son tells me, security is taken very seriously. He receives emails about security issues, there are meetings regarding security as needed, and one does need to swipe card to get into the dorm where he resides. BTW, he lost his wallet and it was returned to him with every item and dime in it! Simply amazing.</p>
<p>In regard to JMU and UDel: both are fine schools with opportunities for bright students. UDel's students have been recipients of major awards (i.e., Fulbright, Truman, etc.) I think Udel has more to offer in terms of majors than JMU... We've been to both schools and JMU has a nicer campus, IMO. I wanted my D to apply to UDel - but she just didn't like the locale. You can check on security issues at <a href="http://www.securityoncampus.org%5B/url%5D">www.securityoncampus.org</a> - a worthwhile site. In terms of safety, I'd opt for JMU. The area around UDel leaves a lot to be desired. But you need to be cautious wherever you go....</p>