<p>S has been accepted to MSU-James Madison College, just heard a yes from Mich, and is now weighing the options. Thought I'd get more objectivity over here on the green forum than the blue one. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I am personally choosing MSU-JMC over UMich-LSA for several reasons: The small residential college benefits with the big-school feel; professorial assistantship and scholarship package; the campus feel; the curriculum; plus I want to double major in business (Eli broad college of business) and a JMC major. The name of UofM is prestigious, but JMC at MSU fits me better. I looked at the specifics of both, and the academics of JMC suit me better.</p>
<p>Depends on what you want. Michigan definitely has the edge in prestige, but perhaps you want the residential feel of JMC. Money could also be a factor depending on your situation.</p>
<p>I never applied to UofM but I am a current student (3rd year) at MSU-JMC. I would say it really comes down to fit, but based off the program itself I would definitely go JMC (I am a little biased). I would argue that MSU has a lot more resources in regards to these majors as JMC is an entire residential college dedicated to the study of public & international affairs compared to UofM’s poly-sci department. Poly-sci courses (such as from UofM) are more American government based (although they do offer an international/comparative politics concentration) while James Madison has more specific focus. At JMC, there is international relations for those interested in political/economic/security issues, there is comparative cultures & politics for those interested in a more anthropology-culture-politics approach, there is social relations & policy for those who care about domestic issues such as income, race, healthcare, inequalities etc. while political theory & constitutional democracy are for lovers of political philosophy & particularly those interested in law/law school. </p>
<p>At MSU you can also take courses from the poly-sci or global/area studies department (which is completely separate from JMC in the College of Social Science) which increases the breadth of courses you can take. There are also a ton of specializations you can get within James Madison, such as the Science, Technology & Environmental Public Policy, Political Economy, Western European Studies, international development (as well as any other regional studies specialization) etc. In terms of reputation, UofM is obviously more well-known/elite but within public/international policy circles JMC is very well respected particularly in the midwest & is gaining increasing recognition nationwide. </p>
<p>Plus, the residential college atmosphere is hard to beat - case hall where all JMC 1st years get placed has a pretty fun atmosphere, being right by the basketball & football stadiums, being surrounded by your peers in the same program, having professors classes and offices in the building where you live, tons of different clubs meeting in the area, exciting career fairs/presentations on potential internship opportunities etc.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback. Gemini, your pro-con list is similars to ours. Fa-Fa, we really appreciate the in-depth, insiders look at JMC.</p>
<p>I would suggest having your son take a visit to JMC and see if it is a good fit. I have heard good things about it from students who have gone through the program. The residential college atmosphere cannot be replicated in the political science program at U-M. Your son should also look at U-M because as a general rule U-M’s programs are more highly ranked than MSU’s. However, if you think that the green board is more objective than the blue board, I suspect your son’s heart is bleeding green and you are looking for validation of a choice of JMC. There is nothing wrong with the choice. Your son should go for it if he thinks it is best for him.</p>