The Other VA publics: CNU, GM, JMU, Radford, ODU, UMW, VCU

[Anonymous]

My daughter is at CNU and LOVES it there. Just the right size for her and she loves her classes, her major, her dorm (gorgeous and large room!), the food, her many many friends, and more. She's not conservative and fits right in (I've seen a few comments about CNU being conservative).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is at CNU and LOVES it there. Just the right size for her and she loves her classes, her major, her dorm (gorgeous and large room!), the food, her many many friends, and more. She's not conservative and fits right in (I've seen a few comments about CNU being conservative).

CNU has a very attractive campus. I think the conservative comments might come from confusion with Regent University.

[Anonymous]

On our visit, DC and I both found JMU and the town of Harrisonburg very charming. Idyllic college area--seemingly very safe. Students all seemed very happy--not stressed out but not idle. As I compare all the places we visited which blur together in my mind now, I have such a pleasant feeling from there. It seems like a great in-state option for our high-ish stats kid. We're full pay for all the in-state public schools, so the cheaper cost is attractive. There's a part of me that sort of hopes that DC's first choice of W&M doesn't work out because DC isn't that confident and being one of the weaker students in a top-notch school may create stress, while being one of the stronger kids in a solid, supportive school like JMU may promote growth. The only thing I noticed that gave me pause was class size and course scheduling--there were some very large intro and even upper level classes--and a sophomore acquaintance there told DC they skipped a lot and it didn't really matter they still got As. (I went to a SLAC so that concept is alien to me). DC is worried also about name recognition outside of VA--I'm not sure that matters really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On our visit, DC and I both found JMU and the town of Harrisonburg very charming. Idyllic college area--seemingly very safe. Students all seemed very happy--not stressed out but not idle. As I compare all the places we visited which blur together in my mind now, I have such a pleasant feeling from there. It seems like a great in-state option for our high-ish stats kid. We're full pay for all the in-state public schools, so the cheaper cost is attractive. There's a part of me that sort of hopes that DC's first choice of W&M doesn't work out because DC isn't that confident and being one of the weaker students in a top-notch school may create stress, while being one of the stronger kids in a solid, supportive school like JMU may promote growth. The only thing I noticed that gave me pause was class size and course scheduling--there were some very large intro and even upper level classes--and a sophomore acquaintance there told DC they skipped a lot and it didn't really matter they still got As. (I went to a SLAC so that concept is alien to me). DC is worried also about name recognition outside of VA--I'm not sure that matters really.

Name recognition helps, but I've lived in different places around the country and I've found that a lot of it comes from athletics, which isn't necessarily tied to a strong view of the school's academics. Outside top schools (e.g. Harvard) reputations are more regional. Pretty much every state I've been to thinks University of ___________ (enter state name) is pretty good.

[Anonymous]

OP, thank you for this thread. I have a daughter attending UVA and a son who is a high school senior and looking at several of the other VA schools you have listed.

Here's his feedback from our recent CNU tour: very nice campus and setting, new, clean buildings, student body seem extremely active, academically involved, avg class sizes run 13-19 students, professors get to know many students well. Strong emphasis on pledge of honor. Felt the student body placed a stronger emphasis on academics and less on social life. Overall felt it was too small for his interests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD is considering all because:

1. UVA and W&M are a bit more difficult as her SAT is only 1300 , but GPA is above 4.0. 8 APs and 8 Honors

2. Pre-med/or another professional health interest (Dentistry, PA) so VCU, GMU, and JMU are part of that mix. Not sure how VT stands in comparison as I know UVA is strong in health professions.

Your daughter has a good record and UVA will give her a serious look. William & Mary won't, because she's a girl. They'll use her SATs an an excuse to ding her in favor of a less qualified boy.

I'd strongly recommend that she take a hard look at VCU for pre-med. They have some sort of guaranteed admission to their med school, and they're very good at health professions across the board. And they'd love to have her. She'd be much better off going there over JMU or GMU.

Thanks. VCU is a strong choice...however, guaranteed med is not something she is interested in. My DW is a doctor who has taught many residents/med students coming from guaranteed admission programs and she states that these students sometimes are not as prepared as they should be.

Both JMU and GMU have improved their pre-med/other health professional programs.

Respectfully, that makes no sense to me. All that matters is that your daughter be well prepared and get admitted. If she doesn't want to go for guaranteed med, fine . . .MCV is a great med school, and your daughter unquestionably would have a leg up in admissions to MCV coming out of VCU than JMU and GMU. Pre-med is simply not what either is known for.

I understand, but my DW and her colleagues have experienced this in those student who’ done guaranteed admission programs especially those that are seven year ones. Also my daughter may eventually get interested in dentistry or some other health program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is at CNU and LOVES it there. Just the right size for her and she loves her classes, her major, her dorm (gorgeous and large room!), the food, her many many friends, and more. She's not conservative and fits right in (I've seen a few comments about CNU being conservative).

+1
CNU is high on the list for my junior. We toured and loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On our visit, DC and I both found JMU and the town of Harrisonburg very charming. Idyllic college area--seemingly very safe. Students all seemed very happy--not stressed out but not idle. As I compare all the places we visited which blur together in my mind now, I have such a pleasant feeling from there. It seems like a great in-state option for our high-ish stats kid. We're full pay for all the in-state public schools, so the cheaper cost is attractive. There's a part of me that sort of hopes that DC's first choice of W&M doesn't work out because DC isn't that confident and being one of the weaker students in a top-notch school may create stress, while being one of the stronger kids in a solid, supportive school like JMU may promote growth. The only thing I noticed that gave me pause was class size and course scheduling--there were some very large intro and even upper level classes--and a sophomore acquaintance there told DC they skipped a lot and it didn't really matter they still got As. (I went to a SLAC so that concept is alien to me). DC is worried also about name recognition outside of VA--I'm not sure that matters really.

My son is a sophomore at JMU and loves it. You're right about the supportive, happy community and the charming little town. However, I did want to mention that attendance does matter very much in some classes - it all depends on the teacher. It can definitely bring your grade way down if you're not attending class. And it probably depends on major, but my son has a very heavy workload (International Affairs). It's not at all easy.

Good luck with your child's decision! High marks from our family for JMU.

[Anonymous]

Excluding UVA, W&M, and Virginia Tech, my brief take on the other institutions is as follows:

VCU - A higher percentage of students seem to be interested in urban, diverse environments and VCU is the best situated in the state for that. It also is fortunate to have the hospital/medical/dental school tie in that adds some career opportunities in healthcare. It is pretty widely recognized in art, which is also rare. I think this has been a school on the rise in some respects, but admission rate is high which suggests they are having difficulty filling some spots (it is a big school). Urban campus has some interesting buildings (many acquired rather than built).

GMU - should have a lot going for it being located in the most affluent area of the state which also has the biggest economy and jobs. Has moved to become more residential, but still has too much of a feel of a commuter school, although it is much improved. Campus is nice, modern, but might lack character some want. Despite being in heavily populated area, it doesn't have the urban feel some want. For people in NOVA, it is probably too familiar to appeal to a wider segment. It feels like there should be substantial upside here, but that has been the case for a long time.

ODU -- is urban but not as interesting of an area as VCU. ODU seems to take seriously a role of giving area students from less affluent backgrounds a chance to advance themselves. It is focused on the region (military, shipbuilding, etc.) Does not seem to have much appeal outside as a first choice. Campus is pretty nondescript.

JMU -- Although now large, it is a different type of school to the above, located in a more remote area. This has pluses and minuses. It probably started to distinguish itself somewhat from the above schools by having better completion rates than the urban schools (which used to be typical), but it now seems to lack appeal for some because of its location. Good business school, interesting directions with CISAT, pretty undergraduate-focused despite size, but lacks a trendy draw like Virginia Tech engineering. Better school spirit than the schools above.

CNU - is perhaps an up-and-comer. Attractive campus is a big draw. It seems to model itself after W&M to some extent (residential, liberal arts & sciences). Has probably had the biggest improvement in selectivity among the schools listed here. It is much smaller than the schools above. I think it has stolen some of the thunder from Mary Washington. Strong undergraduate focus compared to VCU, GMU, ODU.

Mary Washington -- was essentially the women's branch of UVA, so it has some pedigree and it has an attractive campus. Location not too far from DC or Richmond should be good. Still, it seems to have struggled to create a more modern identity. It still may be a hidden gem, though, that could become more popular in the future.

Radford and Longwood struggle with their locations and creating an identity. I haven't visited either recently so won't comment further.

VMI is a great school for the right type of student. I've seen them take students (obviously mostly men) that need a push and some shaping and turn them into disciplined, quality individuals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Excluding UVA, W&M, and Virginia Tech, my brief take on the other institutions is as follows:

VCU - A higher percentage of students seem to be interested in urban, diverse environments and VCU is the best situated in the state for that. It also is fortunate to have the hospital/medical/dental school tie in that adds some career opportunities in healthcare. It is pretty widely recognized in art, which is also rare. I think this has been a school on the rise in some respects, but admission rate is high which suggests they are having difficulty filling some spots (it is a big school). Urban campus has some interesting buildings (many acquired rather than built).

GMU - should have a lot going for it being located in the most affluent area of the state which also has the biggest economy and jobs. Has moved to become more residential, but still has too much of a feel of a commuter school, although it is much improved. Campus is nice, modern, but might lack character some want. Despite being in heavily populated area, it doesn't have the urban feel some want. For people in NOVA, it is probably too familiar to appeal to a wider segment. It feels like there should be substantial upside here, but that has been the case for a long time.

ODU -- is urban but not as interesting of an area as VCU. ODU seems to take seriously a role of giving area students from less affluent backgrounds a chance to advance themselves. It is focused on the region (military, shipbuilding, etc.) Does not seem to have much appeal outside as a first choice. Campus is pretty nondescript.

JMU -- Although now large, it is a different type of school to the above, located in a more remote area. This has pluses and minuses. It probably started to distinguish itself somewhat from the above schools by having better completion rates than the urban schools (which used to be typical), but it now seems to lack appeal for some because of its location. Good business school, interesting directions with CISAT, pretty undergraduate-focused despite size, but lacks a trendy draw like Virginia Tech engineering. Better school spirit than the schools above.

CNU - is perhaps an up-and-comer. Attractive campus is a big draw. It seems to model itself after W&M to some extent (residential, liberal arts & sciences). Has probably had the biggest improvement in selectivity among the schools listed here. It is much smaller than the schools above. I think it has stolen some of the thunder from Mary Washington. Strong undergraduate focus compared to VCU, GMU, ODU.

Mary Washington -- was essentially the women's branch of UVA, so it has some pedigree and it has an attractive campus. Location not too far from DC or Richmond should be good. Still, it seems to have struggled to create a more modern identity. It still may be a hidden gem, though, that could become more popular in the future.

Radford and Longwood struggle with their locations and creating an identity. I haven't visited either recently so won't comment further.

VMI is a great school for the right type of student. I've seen them take students (obviously mostly men) that need a push and some shaping and turn them into disciplined, quality individuals.

I'd agree with most of this, but I'd disagree on the school spirit part. VCU is now way up there, thanks largely to the success of the basketball team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a told my DD there is a school out there for everyone. The super elite schools can only take so many kids each year.

Some kids (like mine) knew early in high school that she didn't want to get into the rat race. I applaud those kids and parents who have endured it and I wish them all the best when the decisions roll out.

She has had an awesome HS experience without constantly stressing about AP test, SAT scores and class rank.

I have no doubt she will be successful at her less selective school with rolling admissions.

FYI - It is also possible to have received ED results by now from some schools (Wake Forest) so presumption of an acceptance to a school will rolling admissions is misplaced.

+1,000 to all of the above.

Incorrect. ED1 at Wake Forest IS rolling admissions. Why do they have rolling admissions? Only the schools that need to having rolling do it. The average ACT and GPA at Wake Forest are much lower than most of the VA schools discussed in this thread.

The flip side is Wake Forest admission rate and USNews rankings are about the same as UVA as is its ranking in USNews. It does well in other rankings like future earnings. So even if Wake is pulling some levers in the admission game, it isn't hurting it in that sense. Wake is test optional now, which probably helps on standardized test averages, but that is a trend that is likely to grow (University of Chicago announced that path recently), and as a private school it isn't as bound as UVA and W&M to focus on transcripts.

The point is, if you have a child that wants to explore options out of Virginia (and you can afford it), or wasn't accepted to W&M or UVA and wants to look at options elsewhere that have some prestige in addition to the other options in-state, there are other routes.

You don't know that you can't compare admission rates of large publics to privates?????? If that's your level of understanding in the college admissions world, I strongly recommend that your daughter not accept her rolling admission to Wake Forest and wake up and try some other campuses. It's over $73,000 a year in after tax dollars now to attend Wake Forest and you don't seem to know even the basics of the college acceptance game. Get some books off of amazon and go see your daughter's counselor. You have far better options than Wake Forest at $73K. Really, you do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The worse thing GMU did was align the university with the Koch brothers (noted for their political activities donating to conservative and Republican Party causes)

Of all Virginia schools, I think only GMU has had any Nobel Prize winners associated with them at the time of their awards. This is a bit of a black eye on the state.

It was those scary Koch-supported economics professors that pp didn't want their kids to be exposed to.

https://www2.gmu.edu/news/311896

[Anonymous]

Two thoughts on this thread: GMU is a very good school, but its proximity the DC area (local/commuter potential) make it a non-started. DD will not consider it because my wife's helicopter would be there every day (8 miles from our house).

In terms of rankings, it depends on what you want to study. In some science disciplines, ODU/VCU is actually good. JMU is best for non-technical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two thoughts on this thread: GMU is a very good school, but its proximity the DC area (local/commuter potential) make it a non-started. DD will not consider it because my wife's helicopter would be there every day (8 miles from our house).

In terms of rankings, it depends on what you want to study. In some science disciplines, ODU/VCU is actually good. JMU is best for non-technical.

This is such a real post, it made me crack up. Agree 100% on GMU. However, CS and engineering are fantastic at GMU, and could be reasons to stay close by for a NOVA kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Two thoughts on this thread: GMU is a very good school, but its proximity the DC area (local/commuter potential) make it a non-started. DD will not consider it because my wife's helicopter would be there every day (8 miles from our house).

In terms of rankings, it depends on what you want to study. In some science disciplines, ODU/VCU is actually good. JMU is best for non-technical.

This is such a real post, it made me crack up. Agree 100% on GMU. However, CS and engineering are fantastic at GMU, and could be reasons to stay close by for a NOVA kid.

PP here. I am well aware of that.