<p>I am considering GMU and I would like to hear what you think is great or not so great about GMU. Any comments on the food, dorm life, social scene, professor quality, class facilites, etc. I have read lots on the GMU site and internet, but would like some "first hand" comments. Thanks much in advance.</p>
<p>the location is very good which makes it easier to get alot of internships later on. And also if you like a diverse classroom, then gmu is the place to be. It is known for being the most diverse college settting! 
</p>
<p>Any others? Fingers crossed there are more reasons…</p>
<p>The dorms are much newer than most, all are air-conditioned and have wifi, some of them are super nice (Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads are nice, the later has a diner open until 4 am). The campus feels safe at all hours (compared to many others) and is easily walkable. There are a lot of things to do without the “party school” atmosphere. Free shuttle to the Metro to take you into downtown DC. You live in a quiet suburban area but have access to a major city. There are many internship opportunities and GMU has a great record of good salaries for recent grads. They are re-doing the mall across the street, so soon there will be more enticing places within walking distance. GMU has great tech, international, economics, law, and performing arts programs. What is your intended major, maybe that would help? Downsides: if you really want to be in a hopping urban area the campus may be too tranquil for you. </p>
<p>Right now, Biology. Thinking of going either Marine, Environmental or even teaching. Time will tell. I am not a “city” person, so the DC aspect is not a pro nor a con for me since I hear it is about an hour away by the time you take the bus then train. I am an outdoors guy. Not sure when people talk about the great intern opportunities that it would apply to Biology though. While I am not wanting to party full-time, I do want to be busy on weekends wtih activities, etc. that are not necessarily academic based. (ie: biology club or such) Any thoughts would help. Thanks much.</p>
<p>There is a lot of research opportunities at GMU. My daughter will have worked there two summers as a research intern and last year her work got published. She hasn’t even graduated high school yet. I had heard that they had received about 800 applications this year alone for summer internships. (It is very competitive to get one) INOVA fairfax hospital is also near by for those interested in the healthcare field. There is a shuttle to the metro station that makes it very convenient to explore the VA, DC, and MD area. There are so many companies in this area so opportunity to do an internship and take classes is quite possible. If you look at the majors offered by GMU you will see that students obtain skills for todays job market. College is what you make of the opportunities available to you. It is the students responsibility to be proactive to seek those opportunities and if it is not available then take the initiative to start something new. (a new club or activity or asking a teacher/advisor help you find some internship in your area of interest.) </p>
<p>If you’re interested in Biology/Conservation issues - check out smconservation.gmu.edu. There is a separate “campus” associated with the Smithsonian facility in Front Royal, VA where you can spend a semester as part of Biology Conservation program. Very Cool! Mason has grown so much in the past few years. Lots more on-campus activities, student “connnection” (no longer the commuter school it was when my husband graduated), very international student body, pretty campus. </p>
<p>Thanks much. That does sound cool, I wil check it out.</p>
<p>Parent perspective: Professors care about teaching AND research and are meaningfully evaluated on both. There’s support for undergrad students to get involved in research. There was a recent finding that GMU grads earn the highest salaries from any of the VA public colleges/universities (or something along those lines–I can’t remember if it was specific to certain majors or not) and the student population is very diverse. You end up with less debt than a lot of other colleges and the potential to earn a solid salary and you are much more likely to stay in touch with your college friends as you will be more likely stay in the DC metro area due to the job opportunities. This last point is a pretty big deal for a lot of new grads who miss the social life of school. Sure in a place where it’s only a college town you may have a lovely 4 years, but then you’ll all spread out to diverse locales and that often hits people hard at a difficult time of life (i.e., becoming a full-fledged employed adult!) </p>
<p>Thanks much. </p>
<p>Booboo96, you might also want to look into the outdoor adventure LLC (living learning community). You can live with others who have in interest in the outdoors and do related activities such as hiking trips or rafting with members of your LLC. It is one of the interest-based LLCs at GMU. There is also one for green living.</p>
<p>Great suggestions. I will look into it. Thanks much</p>
<p>Most of the professors I have encountered at GMU have been fantastic, even mentor-worthy in many cases. And lets face it, the better your teachers the easier it is to survive classes, and even do well! I am very happy here.</p>
<p>Hey.
I got accepted at GMU, JMU and northeastern for their business program, i want to major in finance with minor in eco or mathematics. I am an international student, so tuition cost is a factor in deciding. I have my relatives living in MD baltimore, so studying at GMU would allow me to stay at their place, which would eliminate my living/food costs. But i am not too sure about their business program.
Northeastern has a great business program (ranked 25 by bloomberg) and so does of JMU (ranked 29), whereas GMU is not in the first 100 rankings.
Is there anyone here on this forum to guide me and let me more about my choices and suggest me?
i would really appreciate your help.</p>