<p>After almost finishing my first semester, I'm deciding if I want to remain at JMU. I will be staying for spring semester regardless, but may transfer afterwards. JMU has a great business program and suits my major finance (28th in Businessweek). The problem is JMU I feel is still not a prestigious university. I'm from MD and money isn't an issue, but I feel that OOS tuition is not worth it for my parents if I do not thoroughly enjoy it. JMU has too much of a party/drug culture than I would like. There is nothing to do on the weekends due to its location. I was thinking of transferring to Towson in MD, but their academic quality is even lower. The only positive is cheaper tuition, and better social life. No matter how involved I get, clubs still do nothing on the weekends. The only option is to do drugs or drink. Is this similar with all colleges? I'm not sure where to transfer either. Other more prestigious OOS schools are more than 35k and out the budget. The only good school in MD is UMD and that has a lower ranked program than JMU in business (36th), but is nationally known and more prestigious. I'm just scared UMD will be too big and not as welcoming as JMU. Any suggestions on what to do? I'm already involved (Archery, Leadership, Intervarsity, Adventure Club) and will try rushing a professional business fraternity next year to try and be more involved on the weekends. Any suggestions for universities like JMU in business that have less of a party culture and better academic quality and reasonable price? I'm honestly just lost in my decision. I was not able to get into presitigous universities because of an 1710 SAT and 3.53 unweighted GPA. I feel like I belong in a prestigious school, but my grades don't reflect it. I am more dedicated and hardworking than most I have met here. In college, I have 3 As and two Bs and I feel I care more about academics than anyone else here. Everyone here is focused on doing nothing on the weekend. Thanks for any advice or help.</p>
<p>Frankly, since your grades are good, but not stellar, I think attempting a “more prestigious” univ will mean lower grades because your classmates will be stronger students than you are.</p>
<p>Besides, if you try to transfer as an incoming sophomore, your SAT score will be used and it’s not high enough for top schools.</p>
<p>JMU is a respectable school and it’s strong in your major. That likely means that they also have a good job placement record, and that’s what’s most important.</p>
<p>First semester frosh year can seem very “party hardy”…kids start to settle down in the spring and so forth. Get involved in clubs and groups associated with your major.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Hopefully, I’ll find a better group of like-minded people with a professional business fraternity. I’ve already talked to people and found one that focuses more on the business side than social side. I tried to get into our investment club, one of the only major related extra-curricular here, but was denied. It’s very competitive and hard for freshman to enter due to their lack of knowledge and experience with the markets. I guess what’s most important is that JMU will give me a better chance of succeeding among class members compared to more prestigious universities. Its also probably the best school for price and locality for finance. Hopefully I will feel better in the spring. Thanks. Any other advice is appreciated. What’s the party culture like at other schools?</p>