<p>We had just about made our decision to send her to VT for engineering. Today we found out she was awarded this scholarship from JMU and we need to decide by Sunday! How on earth do we make such a big decision so quickly? I don't know enough about the engineering program at JMU to decide so fast! Does anyone have any insight at all for me??? </p>
<p>First, congrats on the scholarship! Then, why Sunday? Why not May 1? Do they want to be able to re-reward the scholarship if you turn it down?</p>
<p>I don’t know!! They gave us a deadline of April 20th! I am so confused!!!</p>
<p>From an academic standpoint, VT Engineering over JMU Engineering everyday of the week. All other factors such as cost of attendance, social, etc. you will need to factor in yourself.</p>
<p>Can you call tomorrow and ask about the timing? Doesn’t seem fair to rush you…</p>
<p>I have been emailing the head of engineering. He’s been awesome as far as answering our questions. I did ask for an extension. We shall see what he says. I think we’ve decided to visit both schools again. We never expected this scholarship and are shocked. We thought maybe she’d get something from the honors college but not this. It’s all overwhelming. </p>
<p>How were you notified? I applied and I’ve heard nothing and it’s really the deciding factor on where I go to college. </p>
<p>We received 2 emails about the award. </p>
<p>Wow, congratulations! I think I just posted to you on the VT forum. I don’t know if you’ve finalized your decision or not, but just a little insight. Last year, my son received some great scholarship opportunities at schools with little-known engineering programs. He chose the expensive OOS VT route. (We’re hoping he can kick in after Sophomore year with potential internship work, and he’s very happy there.) Meanwhile, his brother (same age) decided on a school that was far less recognized, the one that offered him a big scholarship–and now at the end of his Freshman year, his school is already offering him a lot of extra scholarship/fellowship scholarship and research grants. Just great, unique academic opportunities. He’s the big fish in a small pond. Maybe your daughter would have a similar experience at JMU. Maybe that might outweigh the VT-engineering reputation? (I have a daughter at JMU, incidentally, and she just loves it there.) Tough decisions for you! But she’s in a win-win situation. Good luck.</p>