Why Pick JMU if GMU is Ranked Higher and Easier to Get Into?

[Anonymous]

I’m considering Virginia state schools for my child and looking at GMU closely. GMU is ranked 105th nationally by US News, while JMU is ranked 124th. GMU also seems easier to get into and excels in STEM programs. With all these points in GMU's favor, I'm curious why anyone might still go for JMU. Does JMU offer something unique that I’m overlooking? Would love to get some thoughts from anyone familiar with these schools as of recently. I know GMU was a commuter backup school a decade or more ago but it seems things have changed.

[Anonymous]

Completely different schools. JMU is known for strong school spirit centered on sports and a more traditional campus in a beautiful region. It also has pretty strong pre-professional programs (accounting, nursing, pre-PA, etc.)

Among kids from Fairfax specifically, GMU may be less appealing because it can be literally in their backyards. While a lot of GMU students live on campus, many non-traditional students also attend. And no football.

[Anonymous]

Some kids prefer the campus environment of JMU, or may prefer the offerings within their field of study. The difference in rankings is minimal and it's actually more useful to look at specific programs, where JMU might offer coursework, practical opportunities, or cultural benefits. If you are in-state for VA schools, the cost will be similar, so it comes down to other factors.

After you graduate from college, no employer or graduate school is going to make choices between candidates based on which candidate's school was ranked 105 versus 124 on US News. No one. Some employers will prefer JMU grads, especially for certain professional areas, because they know the school's rep in those areas better. Also, because GMU was for so long considered a commuter backup school, there are some people from older generations who might still look down on a GMU degree versus a JMU degree, though I think that's fading.

You should make the decision based on actual preferences and how well they match the school, NOT rank. Many students will apply to both, so the question of "easier to get into" is meaningless -- apply and see what happens.

[Anonymous]

george mason's national stock is rising

[Anonymous]

I posted this in another thread that the newer principal seems to be trying to make GMU more "college" and less "commuter"

Campus life has definitely improved over the past 4 year. Although a lot of that is pandemic related, with GMU holding tight to lock downs like most of Northern Virginia, some of the things seems like it is part of a steady plan to make campus more fun and appealing to young adults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:george mason's national stock is rising

Same for JMU

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I posted this in another thread that the newer principal seems to be trying to make GMU more "college" and less "commuter"

Campus life has definitely improved over the past 4 year. Although a lot of that is pandemic related, with GMU holding tight to lock downs like most of Northern Virginia, some of the things seems like it is part of a steady plan to make campus more fun and appealing to young adults.

Thqt being said, JMU is definitely more fun, parties, greek life, football games. GMU has a long way to go if they want to appeal to kids who want a traditional college experience.

[Anonymous]

GMU does have a lot going for it, but the "college experience" is honestly not one of them. For a kid who would like the traditional college experience of moving away from home, more social activities, more rah-rah school spirit, football games, frats and sororities, an older or more historic campus, a college town, etc., JMU has all that. GMU was founded in 1957 and for a very long time was considered to be a "commuter school." They've come a long way since then but the commuter school vibe is still there. A lot of students are NoVA locals and go home on the weekends, or commute daily.

[Anonymous]

Two totally differnt vibes plus most kids do not want to go to a commuter school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted this in another thread that the newer principal seems to be trying to make GMU more "college" and less "commuter"

Campus life has definitely improved over the past 4 year. Although a lot of that is pandemic related, with GMU holding tight to lock downs like most of Northern Virginia, some of the things seems like it is part of a steady plan to make campus more fun and appealing to young adults.

Thqt being said, JMU is definitely more fun, parties, greek life, football games. GMU has a long way to go if they want to appeal to kids who want a traditional college experience.

+1 Add to that kids wanting to be "away" and GMU feels too close. When my non-college-junior son was applying I thought he should apply to GMU since it had a much stronger program for his major than JMU (VT was 1st choice) but he wouldn't consider it and applied to JMU as his back-up. Fortunately, got into VT. It's very possible he'll end up getting a master's at GMU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m considering Virginia state schools for my child and looking at GMU closely. GMU is ranked 105th nationally by US News, while JMU is ranked 124th. GMU also seems easier to get into and excels in STEM programs. With all these points in GMU's favor, I'm curious why anyone might still go for JMU. Does JMU offer something unique that I’m overlooking? Would love to get some thoughts from anyone familiar with these schools as of recently. I know GMU was a commuter backup school a decade or more ago but it seems things have changed.

Because everything isn't about a superficial, somewhat random "rank" between 2 good state schools. And in 10 years other things will matter more, like your experiences, major, friends, connections, job placement, etc.

They each have enough students that end up choosing to attend, so it's working out well enough.

[Anonymous]

It might depend on DC’s intended major. It might depend on DC’s preferences - some students do NOT want to study in the same metro area they grew up in — and some students are the inverse. Too many possible reasons to list which would cause a student to go one way or another.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Completely different schools. JMU is known for strong school spirit centered on sports and a more traditional campus in a beautiful region. It also has pretty strong pre-professional programs (accounting, nursing, pre-PA, etc.)

Among kids from Fairfax specifically, GMU may be less appealing because it can be literally in their backyards. While a lot of GMU students live on campus, many non-traditional students also attend. And no football.

This is pretty much it in a nutshell. Both schools are good choices. It just depends on what the student prefers.

[Anonymous]

Football and a hard drinking culture.

[Anonymous]

Why do NOVA West when you can just do NOVA and at a better academic school?