<p>i was having an argument with my mother over which is a better school?
(harder to get into or whatever)</p>
<p>I think JMU is harder to get into, but they are both good.</p>
<p>I personally like ODU more.</p>
<p>Really.................there is no question. Absolutely no question that James Madison is a much better school than ODU. Look at the average GPA/SAT scores. Come on. I thought this was a joke. ODU has come a long way, but it's still primarily a commuter school. As for Virginia publics, William and Mary and UVA are still top dogs. Virginia Tech, JMU and Mary Wash follow in second tier. ODU is.............way down there. A good school yes, but not in the same league at JMU. Honestly.</p>
<p>As pedsox stated, there is no question...JMU is superior academics wise and also size wise. JMU is in the same league as Mary Washington, and VT while ODU ranks near GMU...</p>
<p>Despite that however, they are both great schools and it really should just come down to which one is the best choice for YOU.</p>
<p>I wouldn't go as far to say Mary Washington is anywhere near JMU and Virginia tech.</p>
<p>Well Strat academically, you would be incorrect. True, Mary Washington is a much smaller school, and doesn't have the big sport's atmosphere. But for those students who want a challenging curriculum in a small school environment with smaller classes, on a beautiful campus, then Mary Washington is a real hidden gem. Mary Washington used to be the sister school of UVA before they both went co-ed in the 70's. Indeed the buildings are very similar in design and the strong academic's is what Mary Washington is all about. So size wise, you would be correct, that Mary Wash is not anywhere near JMU and VT, but academically, you couldn't be more wrong.</p>
<p>I'm just saying.................</p>
<p>Pedsox</p>
<p>I was going for hard to get into. I know a lot of people at my high school who were going to Mary Washington were not the brightest. Its definately not as hard to get into as Virginia Tech and JMU.</p>
<p>ODU is a great school, and is actually larger than JMU. In fact, I believe its the fourth largest school in the state behind VCU, GMU, and VT. Academically, ODU has some programs that are more regarded than JMU and vice versa. JMU is more selective for admissions than ODU. You need a pretty high GPA for JMU. ODU requires about a 3.3 average now. JMUs campus is also nicer, but more rural. ODU is more urban, which does help in terms of internships etc. ODU has a better overall sports program and is actually rivals with JMU and VCU. ODU is strong in science and technology, JMU is strong in liberal arts, education, social work etc.</p>
<p>Surely you’re aware of sites like petersons, princetonreview, collegeboard? They all post admission statistics (% admitted, average SATs, . . .)</p>
<p>JMU, for the simple reason that it has more of a “traditional” college feel.</p>
<p>Students here are happier, the food is great, parties are awesome, and the education is superb. Powerful combination.</p>