<p>TSDAD et al -</p>
<p>I live near GMU too. My comment was misunderstood. By nicer community, I mean academic community of students...more companionable, more kids remaining on campus on weekends, more tight knit, etc. I did not mean suburban vs. rural. JMU is really loved by many high school students here for its all-around quality.</p>
<p>Of course, environmental fit is important, but that's not what my post was about. We've lived in northern VA and we've lived in central VA, so my DS could cut either way, but we deliberately avoided some fine rural schools because DS is accustomed to more, and though he says he would be fine without them, we know that's not the case.</p>
<p>If I were looking at an urban/close-in suburban school for IR, I'd look at GWU, GT, and AU not GMU because I love the vibrant city atmosphere and campus life that just is not at GMU. Also I'm a GWU grad and hubby is AU grad, so we're biased.</p>
<p>Peace.</p>