Why JMU ?

<p>JMU seems like a nice school but what does nice mean ?
Please pour all your thoughts, wisdom and info on JMU into this thread. Thanks</p>

<p>I wrote this review on a different website after my son chose to attend. I hope this will help. I hope that you will delve further into exploring this school on your own. I hope that this review helps a bit.</p>

<p>James Madison University is a state school in Harrisonburg, Va. The school has approximately 15,000 students, most of which are undergraduate students. This is not a very diverse campus. The area is fairly rural, although there is a mall, movie theatre, various restaurants that are close to campus. One can reach these areas, as well as travel through campus by bus. The bus transportation is provided at no additional charge to JMU students.</p>

<p>I cannot emphasize enough as to how beautiful the campus is, and how gorgeous the surrounding area is, as JMU is in the Shenendoah Valley. If a student enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, and camping this is a wonderful area. The recreation center, I am told, rents out camping gear (kayaks, tents etc.). There is also an outdoor club that will organize various trips. Although I have not seen the Rec Center, I have been told that it is wonderful. There are many clubs to address a variety of student interests.</p>

<p>Housing is not guarenteed after freshman year, but there are many reasonable apartments and other off campus housing options available. Off campus housing can be reached by bus if one does not have a car on campus. It did not seem to be any problem. Freshman housing seemed typical. Some dorms have A/C, and others do not.</p>

<p>About 28-30% of students are from out of state. Transportation home without a car can be a challenge. There is no longer a Greyhound bus terminal. There isn't a train station either. A JMU graduate began a business called College Transit. This is a private charter bus company that can take you as far north as some New England states. As a NJ resident, this is quite convenient. It also will take a student to an airport. It only runs on major breaks such as Thanksgiving, midyear, and springbreak. The closest major airport is 2 hours away, although there is a very small airport in the area (prohibitively expensive to use). There is another bus called Home Ride. This will take students to northern Virginia, but runs on weekends. One can use this and then take a shuttle bus to the airport, but one first needs to take the train for a couple of stops.</p>

<p>We met the friendliest people at JMU, although we met very friendly people at other campuses as well. There are definitely more females than males-60/40.</p>

<p>We ate at one of the dining halls. Everything at that eatery is included with a meal plan. It was all you can eat. One would really need to watch out, or they will gain weight at JMU. They did not just offer potatoes. They offered it every form from mashed, french fries, baked and so on. Pizzas with every topping was available. My H and I actually had vegetarian Indian food. It was made to order, and one was asked about which ingredients one would like to add to the dish. The dessert table had such an assortment it was ridiculous. I could have been at a wedding reception. There were various little pastries of all kinds, ice cream, frozen yogurts, toppings..... Everything was great. The school is one of the top rated schools as far as food, so that says it all! They do offer healthy food selections. In fact one eatery, I believe, is called Mrs. Greens! </p>

<p>Academics- One needs to look and make sure the majors one is interested in, will be offered. I have been told that faculty are very caring. The school, although large is student, rather than research focused. One can find large and small classes. There is a vast core of general ed classes. There seems to be plenty of academic support if the student seeks it. There is a department called Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT). This seems to interest many science/math orientated students. I know that the business school is fairly strong, as this is what interests my son. It was ranked #35 for undergaduate business programs in "BusinessWeek".</p>

<p>Thanks for the info! Keep it coming if you can</p>

<p>Groenveld, northeast mom wrote a worthwhile, descriptive review. D and I visited in August, and we were very impressed with the presentation given by the admissions rep. Also, the tour guides were articulate, polished, and obviously enjoyed the school... If JMU has the major you're looking for, you should go and visit if possible. It's in a very scenic area of VA, and has become more competitive to get into this year, to the surprise of many.</p>

<p>ok thanks for the information... you may wonder why i post alot of 'how is this, how is that etc' posts, but i live overseas and 'visiting' is harder than it should be.</p>

<p>But thank you for your input !</p>

<p>JMU is the best thing that ever happened to me and I'm not just saying that. I was not planning on coming here, it was definitely my backup but I wouldn't change my choice for the world. I was accepted into the University of Maryland but JMU won me over for some reasons, apart from the fact that I now love it to death!</p>

<p>First, the atmosphere here really is different. I remember when I first came and even now people are excited to have you here. Everyone wanted me to be there and they just seemed really down to earth about everything. The campus atmosphere is very relaxed and easygoing but work definitely gets done for those of you who want to focus on academics. </p>

<p>Second, the town is small. I know this may be a downside but I liked the feel of it all. It really seemed like the middle of nowhere at first, but the campus offers alot of activities and there is nightlife around if you want that. Also since the town is so small, it's a very safe place and JMU definitely makes sure of that. </p>

<p>Third, the academics are improving. I thought that since JMU was my backup that I would not be challenged but they definitely are uping their standards and being more selective. Some of thier programs are recognized around the country for being good quality and really preparing the students for the outside world. Still we dont have the widest selection of majors so I would say to look into it on the website or such. </p>

<p>Finally, the activities keep you so busy. I know I didn't want to come to college and be bored or have to study extra because I have nothing better to do. JMU has so many activities, from clubs and orgs to greek life to campus ministries and of course the a capella groups. I know I was overwhelmed at first with all of the clubs but they really have something for everyone. </p>

<p>I hope this helped!!!</p>

<p>Yes, JMU is becoming more selective and it's a fine school. Some bright students in my D's class assumed they'd get in - but didn't. JMU is overshadowed in reputation by UVA and W&M, and that's not fair, IMO.</p>

<p>I definitely have to agree. I know that looking back I cannot believe JMU was my backup but I think that was just because I never visited before being accepted. If you visit the campus, it's hard not to fall in love. I remember when I was applying alot of people who had JMU as thier first choice did not get in. I know that JMU is viewed as second best to UVA or W&M but I really think it's what you make of it and what you're looking for in a college.</p>

<p>
[quote]
If you visit the campus, it's hard not to fall in love.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That is what happened to us. The day we visited, we had just come from visiting another college in MD. We were really tired and dragged ourselves to JMU. When we saw the campus, we just were rejuvenated. It was a beautiful spring day and the flowers were in full bloom. The grounds at JMU are really very pretty. After we took the tour my son and the rest of our family realized that this school was just a very good fit for our son. It is large, but not too large, so there is still that individualized attention. The professor focus is on teaching. It is still large enough to have a lot of school spirit, football games, etc. I am very pleased with the school for our freshman so far.</p>

<p>I think that most students admitted to JMU had at least a 3.5 or 3.6 GPA in HS. Which is pretty high in terms of an average, so I think that the students are smart, and the academics are rigorous. Most of the class are 40 people or less (many upper level classes are much smaller), so it is not really possible to "hide" out in the back.</p>

<p>Great posts !</p>

<p>Does anyone know how JMU's Political Science department is ?</p>

<p>Thanks ! You guys are awsome !</p>