JMU vs GMU for CS

[Anonymous]

DS isn't a senior yet. Has very good grades, but know that VT and UVA is a pure crapshoot for CS. I know GMU is a lot higher ranked for CS than JMU. It also is near a lot of internship opportunities. But from a social aspect from afar, seems like JMU would be much better. I'm an engineer and after my first job, I don't think the school I went to matters that much (I went to UMCP). Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

GMU

[Anonymous]

I think you've correctly compared the two schools. Y'all will have to decide what the priorities are. It seems like he won't graduate and be unemployed and living in the basement if his degree is computer science. But that's just my anecdotal observation.

[Anonymous]

G Mas.

[Anonymous]

Fwiw, if your student is weaker in math, JMU has easier requirements to get the Com Sci degree than GMU or VT. You CAN still take the more advanced track at JMU, but you can also opt for the standard degree path (which is slightly easier).

[Anonymous]

I have a kid at GMU.

It is a better school academically.

However, if your kid is set on the college social/sports/party/greek life experience, they might be happier at JMU. GMU is a more serious school and does not have a big party culture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at GMU.

It is a better school academically.

However, if your kid is set on the college social/sports/party/greek life experience, they might be happier at JMU. GMU is a more serious school and does not have a big party culture.

OP here. DS isn't really a partier and probably wouldn't do greek life. He would like the other social aspects of college, including sports (both intramural/club and going to games as a spectator). To the other poster, math is his strongest subject, so he would probably take the additional optional classes if he went to JMU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at GMU.

It is a better school academically.

However, if your kid is set on the college social/sports/party/greek life experience, they might be happier at JMU. GMU is a more serious school and does not have a big party culture.

Bringing the facts!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at GMU.

It is a better school academically.

However, if your kid is set on the college social/sports/party/greek life experience, they might be happier at JMU. GMU is a more serious school and does not have a big party culture.

Are there stats somewhere that back GMU being the better school academically, and doesn't it depend on major?

Also, why does it seem the majority of students being referenced on DCUM are CS or Engineering students? That's not how it is in real life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS isn't a senior yet. Has very good grades, but know that VT and UVA is a pure crapshoot for CS. I know GMU is a lot higher ranked for CS than JMU. It also is near a lot of internship opportunities. But from a social aspect from afar, seems like JMU would be much better. I'm an engineer and after my first job, I don't think the school I went to matters that much (I went to UMCP). Thoughts?

Our FCPS kid has gotten into CS at GMU and JMU (Business School; Information Systems). We are also struggling with the same decision but suspect DS will likely go with JMU if it comes down to these two. I don't think you can go wrong with either and it is easier to 'downgrade' from CS to a softer majors - Applied CS, DS, Information Systems, etc. (or 'upgrade' in the other direction) at either school. I'd let the kid decide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at GMU.

It is a better school academically.

However, if your kid is set on the college social/sports/party/greek life experience, they might be happier at JMU. GMU is a more serious school and does not have a big party culture.

Are there stats somewhere that back GMU being the better school academically, and doesn't it depend on major?

Also, why does it seem the majority of students being referenced on DCUM are CS or Engineering students? That's not how it is in real life.

Maybe because the non-CS/non-engineering students don't have any questions to ask??

[Anonymous]

I don’t think you can go wrong with either academically but think GMU might be stronger. But if he wants a more well-rounded college experience, then JMU is the better way to go. Apply to both, visit both and see where he falls. Keep all options open.

[Anonymous]

I think companies/hiring people in the DMV KNOW what GMU com sci program requires and they are comfortable assessing someone with that on their resume.

They are probably a little less familiar with a JMU com sci degree.

Both can lead to success and if the student has a strong interest in the JMU campus experience, then it would be fine to get a com sci degree there. We have looked at both for my son as well, and ultimately, the quality at GMU, to us, makes it a better choice. But, if my kid was really heart-set on going to JMU, I'd be o.k with that too. There are other schools that I wouldn't be so o.k. with (like High Point or an OOS school like WVU b/c of the cost being higher and the quality being lower).

But, if the comparison is JMU vs. GMU, the cost is essentially the same. The quality, number of in-major electives, and industry-familiarity is better at GMU, so I'd go with that. But, the difference is not SO SO huge that JMU couldn't work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at GMU.

It is a better school academically.

However, if your kid is set on the college social/sports/party/greek life experience, they might be happier at JMU. GMU is a more serious school and does not have a big party culture.

OP here. DS isn't really a partier and probably wouldn't do greek life. He would like the other social aspects of college, including sports (both intramural/club and going to games as a spectator). To the other poster, math is his strongest subject, so he would probably take the additional optional classes if he went to JMU.

NP. I’ve had two non-Greek kids graduate from JMU and both were involved in intramural sports and other clubs. Both loved going to games, etc. with friends. Plenty of kids do not go Greek at JMU - only 20% are Greek.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid at GMU.

It is a better school academically.

However, if your kid is set on the college social/sports/party/greek life experience, they might be happier at JMU. GMU is a more serious school and does not have a big party culture.

OP here. DS isn't really a partier and probably wouldn't do greek life. He would like the other social aspects of college, including sports (both intramural/club and going to games as a spectator). To the other poster, math is his strongest subject, so he would probably take the additional optional classes if he went to JMU.

NP. I’ve had two non-Greek kids graduate from JMU and both were involved in intramural sports and other clubs. Both loved going to games, etc. with friends. Plenty of kids do not go Greek at JMU - only 20% are Greek.

Riight.

But if they want that greek stereotypical college experience, they won't get that at GMU. There are a handful of frats/sororities, but being located in the middle of an affluent community like Fairfax means that GMU does not have the same party culture of JMU.

If OPs kid or anyone's kid wants that college party experience, JMU is a better bet.