<p>I've been watching this thread and reading people's comments and while I agree with most of what people have to say about the difference between UVA and JMU, (being a current JMU student) I thought I'd offer my perspective.</p>
<p>Like many before me pointed out, there are quite a few smart people here at JMU. HOWEVER, I have found that most of the students lack both the drive and determination which live in students who attend the top schools. Now, I obviously can't speak for the student body at UVA, but this is definitely something to consider when choosing colleges. Yes, JMU is a good school. Yes, you will have great prospects after graduating. But beware of what you're getting yourself into before you make the same mistake I did (I'm transferring out of here after this semester). Partying is a main priority. Weekends start Thursday (sometimes Wednesday night) and the amount of partying on campus is out of control. Students let having a good time get in the way of academics. Attendace in your Thursday and Friday classes will be nonexistent. Is this bound of happen at UVA, too? Absolutely. But I'm not quite sure it happens to the extent it happens here. </p>
<p>My best advice would be to visit the schools, sit in on classes, and go with your heart. Best of luck!</p>
<p>I am an egyptian student, my university has an exchange progamme with both universities, and certainly i prefare UVA, because its better and because mu cousin is in that university, but the problem is that my major āPetroleum Engineeringā is in JMU, but i can go to UVA and talk common Engineering coarses and core ones, and i prefare that, cause i know that a semester or a year in UVA will be a unique experience, but still i will not get take my major classes, which is an obstacle, what would u choose guys if u were in ma positon.</p>
<p>People put too much emphasis on rankings. JMU and UVA are both good schools. To put it all in perspective, I have neighbors who have degrees from UVA, JMU, and VCU. UVA being the hardest to gain acceptance into, followed by JMU then VCU. We all live on the same block so it goes to show you, itās not where you get your degree in, itās what you do with your degree. Sure there are exceptions with connections certain schools have, but generally speaking, itās all relative.</p>
<p>Hi Hulk. I concur with you fully. More and more, I am of the opinion that when it comes to colleges, it is what you do, how you do it and where you go to schoolā¦in that order. I am a CPA and an Attorney, and in all my professional years, no one has ever asked me where I went to undergrad or law school. My S goes to Emory, my D will probably go to a state university like UMd, JMU, Penn Stateā¦but I tell both of them that for the most part, their future will depend little on where they went to school.</p>
<p>My daughter has the same opinion as kaystro (2 years later) JMU seemed like a perfect fit and an opportunity to earn her bachelors, then masters, in 5 years. However, the amount of partying has disillusioned her. Perhaps sheād feel that way at any campus but she is looking to transfer out after this first year.</p>
<p>Momray you are contradicting yourself. Youāre saying now that your daughter thought JMU was a perfect fit, but in August you posted that your daughter was waitlisted at William and Mary and wants to try to transfer there as soon as possible. Sounds to me like she never gave JMU a chance, and thatās too bad.</p>
<p>^ Probably with all of the partying that she stated her daughter did changed what kind of experience she wanted in college. JMU is more of a typical and laid back atmosphere whereas W&M tends to be intellectually stimulating at all corners. This is not to say that JMU students do not want to be challenged, but the typical W&M student is highly motivated by academics.</p>
<p>Perfect fit on admitted students day. High hopes during orientation and beginning the semester. After the second week of classes, and kids whining how difficult the assignments, not to mention the partying. Hulk, whom weāve butted heads on other threads, understands. JMU is a fantastic school. Just isnāt the right school for her. As far as giving it a chanceā¦sheāll finish her freshman year.</p>
<p>The important thing to keep in mind about JMU and UVA is that they are very different. If you are looking to do business or education JMU is the better choice. However UVA is better for the science and math oriented majors, including engineering.
Also it depends on oneās personality and what they are looking for in a university. Overall, there are a lot of factors to take into account.</p>
<p>ggfan: you mention that JMU is better for business than UVa, yet UVa is ranked as the #1 undergrad business program? iām curious to see what your reasoning is on that; I partially agree that JMU is better for business but am wondering why you say that</p>
<p>JMU is far superior to UVA in their fine/performing arts. UVA does not even offer a Bachelor of Music degree, just a BA in Music. Although UVA might be a more prestigious university, someone like me (a Music Education major at JMU) would have no opportunities there. </p>
<p>Also, people party at every school. JMU is just more well known for it. I know plenty of people who do not party but still have a great time here. JMU is filled with happy students who are always willing to give a helping hand to those in need.</p>
<p>^^Also, people party at every school. JMU is just more well known for it. </p>
<p>Had no idea that JMUās reputation as a party school had eclipsed UVaās once-besotten image! Thatās what happens when a school abolishes Easters and tries to shoot for top public school in the nationā¦</p>
<p>Regarding the JMU/UVa debate: I remember a high school teacher suggesting to a student who was deciding between the two that sheād be better suited for JMU. Those of us who were heading to UVa were stunned that anyone would suggest such a thing.</p>
<p>But that high school teacher really knew his student well. Our classmate excelled at JMU and went on to become an award-winning teacher herself. Sure, UVa has a good education school, and she would have received a fine education there, but JMU suited her personality. She was extremely happy there. </p>
<p>Bottom line is, choosing a college depends on a) what you want out of life and b) what your personality really is.</p>
<p>My son may be facing the choice in a couple of months. JMU and UVa are his top two choices. Heās applied for the STEM Scholarship and the Honors Program at JMU. UVa probably has a better fit of majors for what he intends to study.</p>
<p>He likes the campus and the atmosphere at JMU better than UVa. Maybe it was just the tour guide we had at UVa, but they seemed intent on showing us how unusual UVa is and how singular the students are. We came away thinking that UVa recruits every eccentric student world-wide. JMU looked like it was populated with a bunch of high school grads who are now two-three years older and really like being there.</p>
<p>Weāre going back to take another look (if the snow ever stops!); weāre in-state so itās not that long a drive. We had planned on visiting on a couple of days off in the next few weeks so that he might sit in on a class or two, but our county just canceled those off days.</p>
<p>jdalu75ā¦UVA is showing itās few eccentrics because there are so few. With two sons UVA graduates, D1 there for 3 summer sessions and an admitted student, she opted against due to the all around same at UVA. (if that makes any sense) Sheās at WM for that diversity and eccentricity.
D2 is currently at JMU. Choices she thought the same thing. Really nice kids, fresh from high school. Most people are truly happy there.</p>
<p>Sorry for reviving this thread, but hereās my two cents. If your choice comes down to UVA and JMU, choose UVA! Not trying to put down JMU or anything, but choosing to spend four years at a poorer uni for the sake of suiting your personality is a bad investment. </p>
<p>Some time after you graduate, you may look back at this decision and severely regret the choice you made (same thing happened to my dad who chose UC Davis over Stanford for his graduate school). So unless you plan on going into the arts/music, by all means choose UVA.</p>
<p>I disagree with oneguy. All education, and a miserable existence, you may not even graduate. Have seen too many persons uphappy with their choice and depression sets in. Life happens and they end up dropping out. UVA is the best schools in the country. But itās not for everyone. If you want a bit stressless time in college, JMU is a good choice. This is a generalization but the kids at UVA are more preppy, serious, and a bit stuck up. JMU has much more laid back campus. Itās really up to the person and all the want and expect from the college experience. If grad school isnāt in your plans, probably doesnāt matter And JMU has an excellent education programā¦Masters in five years.</p>
<p>That is what my son is facing ā¦ the proverbial ābig fish in a small pond, or small fish in a big pondā. Has anyone else faced this or a similar dillemma?</p>
<p>As a father who is providing a bulk of his education expenses, the $6k/year merit scholarship really seems attractive (to the father). At the same time, attending UVA is quite prestigious, period. My head says, JMU but my heart says UVA. Of course, this is my sonās decision ultimately.</p>
<p>Iāve seen the threads on JMUās STEM scholars getting access to lab equipment and having research opportunities, etc. This is impressive undoubtedly. On the other hand, mention UVA (yes, even outside of Virginia) and people are impressed.</p>
<p>Basically I am wondering whether spending $6k/year less and having possibly a more hands-on educational experience is going to be more beneficial for my S in the long run.</p>
<p>I would like to provide my S with some good advice/guidance on his decision.</p>