Is there any reason not to go to George Mason?

[Anonymous]

I’m the PP with a freshman DS at Mason. He chose GMU over some other Va schools that would have given him a rah-rah football/social experience, but he didn’t want that. GMU had the best rep in his chosen field, and proximity to DC area internships sealed the deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m the PP with a freshman DS at Mason. He chose GMU over some other Va schools that would have given him a rah-rah football/social experience, but he didn’t want that. GMU had the best rep in his chosen field, and proximity to DC area internships sealed the deal.

I posted earlier with the "reluctant" kid. I would agree with everything you wrote.

If GMU added a football team, they would probably exponentially increase in desirability. The programs are very strong, it just doesn't have that fun factor most kids want for college.

[Anonymous]

If DC does choose GMU, then I would urge that DC live in the on-campus dormitories at least for the first school year. That will help build student friendships and likely will provide a better overall experience.

[Anonymous]

Couple of kids from our school that had better college options are staying at GMU, some are top 1percent students, mostly due to mental health or physical health issues.

[Anonymous]

Coworker who lives in VA and is super smart with a super smart kid with near perfect SATs chose it over UVA and UMD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Couple of kids from our school that had better college options are staying at GMU, some are top 1percent students, mostly due to mental health or physical health issues.

If you have a chronic medical condition say like diabetes its just easier not to change doctors. Some kid can be academic powerhouses but are late bloomers socially so GMU would be a good option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS got into the George Mason honors program and that's where he really wants to attend. He thinks it's a good fit for his desired major (political science), opportunities for internships and the students seem hardworking but not over the top, and not fratty. I agree it seems to be a good fit for him, but I also see people in the area dismissing GMU. Maybe because it has a high, not selective, admissions rate, or maybe because it's close to home. Those things don't bother DS. Is there any actual reason to steer away from this school? We liked what we see, and would have thought more people would feel the same.

Most HS kids have the adolescent desire for frats, football games and all the stuff that comes with a big college town. If your son doesn't care for those, Mason is absolutely a great school to attend. A lot of kids go to Mason because it's the best option for them for academic or financial reasons. Your son attending Mason because that's where he wants to be has a leg up over the others and will thrive.

No. You cannot speak for "most" HS kids because you don't know them, you only know a small number via your own kids and they may well not be representative of the majority. Its like saying "most Frat boys are rapists and meat heads". It might be true for some, but not all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS got into the George Mason honors program and that's where he really wants to attend. He thinks it's a good fit for his desired major (political science), opportunities for internships and the students seem hardworking but not over the top, and not fratty. I agree it seems to be a good fit for him, but I also see people in the area dismissing GMU. Maybe because it has a high, not selective, admissions rate, or maybe because it's close to home. Those things don't bother DS. Is there any actual reason to steer away from this school? We liked what we see, and would have thought more people would feel the same.

Most HS kids have the adolescent desire for frats, football games and all the stuff that comes with a big college town. If your son doesn't care for those, Mason is absolutely a great school to attend. A lot of kids go to Mason because it's the best option for them for academic or financial reasons. Your son attending Mason because that's where he wants to be has a leg up over the others and will thrive.

No. You cannot speak for "most" HS kids because you don't know them, you only know a small number via your own kids and they may well not be representative of the majority. Its like saying "most Frat boys are rapists and meat heads". It might be true for some, but not all.

NP here. Actually, I think PP was spot on -- it's very safe to say that "most" students want the trappings of the traditional 4-year university. It's an intangible thing. Your insistence to the contrary reeks of projection.

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS got into the George Mason honors program and that's where he really wants to attend. He thinks it's a good fit for his desired major (political science), opportunities for internships and the students seem hardworking but not over the top, and not fratty. I agree it seems to be a good fit for him, but I also see people in the area dismissing GMU. Maybe because it has a high, not selective, admissions rate, or maybe because it's close to home. Those things don't bother DS. Is there any actual reason to steer away from this school? We liked what we see, and would have thought more people would feel the same.

Most HS kids have the adolescent desire for frats, football games and all the stuff that comes with a big college town. If your son doesn't care for those, Mason is absolutely a great school to attend. A lot of kids go to Mason because it's the best option for them for academic or financial reasons. Your son attending Mason because that's where he wants to be has a leg up over the others and will thrive.

No. You cannot speak for "most" HS kids because you don't know them, you only know a small number via your own kids and they may well not be representative of the majority. Its like saying "most Frat boys are rapists and meat heads". It might be true for some, but not all.

NP here. Actually, I think PP was spot on -- it's very safe to say that "most" students want the trappings of the traditional 4-year university. It's an intangible thing. Your insistence to the contrary reeks of projection.

+1

[Anonymous]

This is OP - thanks everyone for the thoughtful feedback. I'm glad to know we weren't missing something and it seems like the lack of football and the commuter school vibe are what might give other kids pause. Doesn't bother DS at all, and the school checks the boxes in all other ways.

[Anonymous]

A current student told me a few weeks ago that they really enjoy it but that it lacks the residential campus vibe. He said although they are making efforts, there lacks culture & not too many students remain on campus on weekends.

My husband on the other hand used to work about 20 min away from GMU and said a lot of his peers attended GMU for graduate school- tech sector. He recommends it for graduate school.

I've read that they are making strides towards encouraging a more campusy vibe.

[Anonymous]

The law and policy faculty in Arlington are libertarian at the least if that matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A current student told me a few weeks ago that they really enjoy it but that it lacks the residential campus vibe. He said although they are making efforts, there lacks culture & not too many students remain on campus on weekends.

My husband on the other hand used to work about 20 min away from GMU and said a lot of his peers attended GMU for graduate school- tech sector. He recommends it for graduate school.

I've read that they are making strides towards encouraging a more campusy vibe.

I have a kid there.

The reaction of peers and their parents to Mason was mostly the wrinkled nose, "oh Mason" type response.

The reaction from adult professionals in the area, government, military and tech was along the lines of "Mason, that's a great school."

[Anonymous]

Immediate PP hit it on the head. This has been our experience too.

As parents we have been delighted with GMU and feel fortunate it’s so nearby.