Transferring to James Madison? Need advice

Transfer Students
1

<p>I currently go to University of Pittsburgh, but not at the main campus. I go to on of the branch campuses. I just finished my first year, and I'm majoring in business management. I'm trying to transfer to either main or James Madison University. The backup plan is to either transfer to JMU or stay at the branch campus I'm at and take a crack going to main later.</p>

<p>I think most would say that Pitt is the better business school, but JMU isn't bad either and I've seen that it's been rising the past few years. How big is the margin between the two schools? Which school is going to look better on my resume when trying to find jobs after school? The downside between JMU is that I'm going to be out of state, and my parents are willing to pay for 2 of the years, the third I would have to get a loan. What do you think is the best option for the next three years and beyond that? It's either:</p>

<p>a) Go to Pitt Main (that's if I get in for next fall)
b) Stay at the Pitt branch campus I'm at right now and then try again
c) Transfer to JMU</p>

<p>Also, I live in PA so tuition is a factor in my decision.</p>

2

<p>bumping this back up</p>

3

<p>Pitt vs JMU depends on the ranking you look at. Pitt is higher in undergrad business, by a good margin, in US News. Business Week has James Madison higher. I think it would be a lot easier to do internships and get business experience going to school in a city like Pittsburgh than in small town like Harrisonburg, so I would favor Pitt. Pitt, as an all-around institution, is also better known. </p>

<p>I think your a, b, and c plan is fine. It really depends if you are unhappy at the Pitt branch as to whether you move up the timetable for transferring to JMU. I don’t think it is worth taking out a loan for a third year though so I’d lean staying at the branch for the second year in any scenario. </p>

<p>If you don’t get into Pitt main, I would seek out someone in transfer admissions to see how close you are and what you could improve on.</p>