JMU vs VCU

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I think she is very likely to stick with the major. She would not likely be interested in education without the art focus, and not likely to do studio art without the education component unless she could add possibly psychology and shift gears to art therapy. She has expressed interest in psychology but I don’t see her doing it as sole major. Maybe as a dual major or minor.

VCU is stronger in art and art education, but JMU is fine. I think actually it's harder to be an art education major at VCU because so many students emphasize wanting to be artists--and undergrads get the vibe that art ed is for those who can't cut it as a real artist (which is totally ridiculous, but they are 18-19 etc.). JMU has a stronger emphasis on education overall so there will be a lot of other people--not just in the arts--who are really excited about becoming teachers.

[Anonymous]

JMU graduate. DD may think she wants to live on campus as an upper classmen, but when the time comes - she won’t. I imagine that is true at most colleges. As PP said, the off campus housing is all students and it’s much nicer. You can still walk/bike to school or take a quick bus. This shouldn’t factor into the equation at all. For what it is worth, I loved JMU and all my friends are all doing very well professionally. Unfortunately, I can’t speak to the art program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I think she is very likely to stick with the major. She would not likely be interested in education without the art focus, and not likely to do studio art without the education component unless she could add possibly psychology and shift gears to art therapy. She has expressed interest in psychology but I don’t see her doing it as sole major. Maybe as a dual major or minor.

VCU is stronger in art and art education, but JMU is fine. I think actually it's harder to be an art education major at VCU because so many students emphasize wanting to be artists--and undergrads get the vibe that art ed is for those who can't cut it as a real artist (which is totally ridiculous, but they are 18-19 etc.). JMU has a stronger emphasis on education overall so there will be a lot of other people--not just in the arts--who are really excited about becoming teachers.

OP - thank you for this perspective. We also like the perspective of the JMU art Ed program which is that they don’t actually major in “art education” but rather in a studio discipline (painting etc) but also earn the teaching licensure.

We also get the vibe that VCU might be more competitive and focused on producing artists but wonder if that atmosphere might also be exciting for a kid who has struggled to feel inspired during COVID, online learning, and with the same art teacher for four years of high school. It could be exciting to have the opportunity to push herself artistically if that feels right in addition to pursuing the goal of teaching.

[Anonymous]

OP again - and I agree with the view that JMU more focused on producing quality teachers (in all areas) so that definitely appeals.

Appreciate all the views on the housing situation at JMU also. It has allayed some my concerns there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:JMU : Yes there is limited upperclassman housing on campus. Believe Honors college has first option. Off campus is close, about 90% live off after freshman. Lots of free college & public transportation, most off campus don't drive in. If campus life living is of interest, VCU is not a good fit for that. It is a college shoved & mixed within a city.

There are something like 400+ clubs at JMU.

The college campus experience could not be more different. JMU is traditional campus, VCU would be like living in an apartment (even if a dorm) and taking classes.

JMU has Grace Apartments- college owned apartment style housing on campus (for upper class only, no freshman).

[Anonymous]

Current vcu art parent so will give u the big picture. Art foundation, year 1 is hard. From most of my kids friends, most excelled at one class, average in two, and struggled in the last one. Not every art student can draw well, just like not every art major can sew. Year 1 definitely weeds out kids but can also expose your kid to new art that they never knew of. Social scene - not sure if COVID related, but felt there could have been more for freshmen to do together. Despite that, my dc has managed to fill every minute of their days with activities. Because vcu is extremely diverse, your child will be exposed to people and cultural things which may be new to them. I think an introvert may find the school challenging. Housing - there is upper class on campus housing, but this year most freshmen were not able to get in. The popular area where kids live post freshmen year is the fan. Think row houses, trending coffee shops, breweries. Crime - honestly I receive more alerts on weather and traffic then crime. Of all my kids, I receive the least crime alerts from vcu. Drugs - I smell pot no more in Richmond them I do in Washington DC. Do the kids set off dorm fire alarms smoking in their rooms, yes, but that happens everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current vcu art parent so will give u the big picture. Art foundation, year 1 is hard. From most of my kids friends, most excelled at one class, average in two, and struggled in the last one. Not every art student can draw well, just like not every art major can sew. Year 1 definitely weeds out kids but can also expose your kid to new art that they never knew of. Social scene - not sure if COVID related, but felt there could have been more for freshmen to do together. Despite that, my dc has managed to fill every minute of their days with activities. Because vcu is extremely diverse, your child will be exposed to people and cultural things which may be new to them. I think an introvert may find the school challenging. Housing - there is upper class on campus housing, but this year most freshmen were not able to get in. The popular area where kids live post freshmen year is the fan. Think row houses, trending coffee shops, breweries. Crime - honestly I receive more alerts on weather and traffic then crime. Of all my kids, I receive the least crime alerts from vcu. Drugs - I smell pot no more in Richmond them I do in Washington DC. Do the kids set off dorm fire alarms smoking in their rooms, yes, but that happens everywhere.

OP here - thank you for this input.

[Anonymous]

Another VCU art parent here. My son is graduating in May. He has a job lined up (thanks for your concern N. Arlington Mom).

He fell in love with the city when we first visited and has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Richmond. It's not the typical campus experience, but he didn't want that. He lived on campus his first year, then in an apartment with friends after that. Off campus living is much cheaper.

I would not recommend VCU for a student who isn't comfortable in a diverse, urban environment. But if you've got an arty kid who wants to be immersed in a funky art-school vibe, it can be the perfect fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another VCU art parent here. My son is graduating in May. He has a job lined up (thanks for your concern N. Arlington Mom).

He fell in love with the city when we first visited and has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Richmond. It's not the typical campus experience, but he didn't want that. He lived on campus his first year, then in an apartment with friends after that. Off campus living is much cheaper.

I would not recommend VCU for a student who isn't comfortable in a diverse, urban environment. But if you've got an arty kid who wants to be immersed in a funky art-school vibe, it can be the perfect fit.

+ one million

Parent of a JMU student (not in art or education) but have to say the "North Arlington" poster is a complete troll. We know many successful VCU grads. Annoying.

To the OP, your DC has excellent options and a tough choice. Not much to add other than good luck. Our DC loved (as did I) our VCU tour. But in the end, our kid chose JMU and loves it. But again not in art or education.

Wishing your DC all the best.

[Anonymous]

VCU has a top-ranked art program nationally, no?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has she toured VCU? She really needs to do so to understand the "campus". Outside of the interior physical college buildings, there are as many non-students as there are students on the "campus"

OP visited VCU. No need to try and scare her. Thar part of Richmond is very gentrified.

[Anonymous]

Any advice for a student wanting to major in a social science that's having a hard time deciding between JMU and VCU?

[Anonymous]

In the olden times of the 1990s, my friends and I lived in Ashby Crossing (off campus apartments at JMU) and we walked/biked everywhere on campus.....

[Anonymous]

Had kids at both:


JMU- Grace Apartments for on campus upperclassmen housing. Best Halloween parties. Friendly vibe. Never met anyone who went there who didn’t love it.

VCU- Artsy for sure. If your kid doesn’t mind the crime and is ok with city life this might be better option. Lots of unique students. They are building some new high rise apartments nearby geared for students.

[Anonymous]

VCU