<p>My son wants to go to either GMU or JMU and then transfer to either UVA or W&M (his first choices but got rejected from there). Does it matter what school he'll be transferring from? What he should consider before starting his freshman year? How can he select classes that will be transferable? Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>Hi - </p>
<p>This may not be what your son wants to hear, but has he considered a Virginia community college? (Advantages: small class size, professor involvement & low cost) They have specific articulation agreements with W&M & UVA. These agreements tell you exactly what to take in order to transfer. If you complete all requirements you are guaranteed admission. Even if he does’nt want to attend a cc, it would be worth checking out the agreements on a community college site to get a sense of the courses both schools are looking for. Be aware, though, that these courses are similar yet different (I know b/c I wanted to apply to W&M for transfer & just didn’t have enough of the right courses - am going for UVA, my 1st pick, instead) Also, check the respective schools’ websites for transfer students - that will also be a good place to start to find out what they’re looking for.</p>
<p>^On the spot. Don’t waste your money at GMU or JMU. NOVA is a much better value than the alternatives. Two of my friends was a NOVA grad last year, both got into UVA/W&M.</p>