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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JMU, VCU, and GMU...

Hope they accept a 1260/4.0 student. 8 APs 7 Honors

Should we look at CNU and UMW just in case?

Good for VCU and JMU. Well over the top layer for GMU, so much so as to knock out any need for a safety.

Thanks.

Assuming top 1/3 of class. Will be a shoe-in

Shoo-in, you mean. Obviously you didn’t go to UVA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
First visit complete. Went to George Mason.
My impressions...
Doesn't feel like a commuter school. When you are walking around it, it feels like self-contained college campus. While I was aware I was in Fairfax County, I could not see the surrounding suburbs when walking through the campus. We got to walk through the dorm section--actually got to see a room. Perfectly acceptable. They emphasized the opportunities for undergraduate research, as well as internships. Students we met were from PA, NY, and MA, so seems like a good mix of different people.
Attractive campus. Not as charming as the much older colleges, but attractive. Also good use of space. Despite being big enough to have 26,000 undergraduates, you can walk from one end of the campus to another in approximately 15 minutes.
We also went to the separate orientation about the Honors College. Seems to be a very competitive program, that offers a condensed high-level version of the required courses, option for living in the honors dormitory, smaller classes and priority at registration.
I assured my kid that if they attended GM I would not be "dropping by" to visit--that I'd treat it as if they left for a more distant college. Fortunately, based on my parenting style up to this point, kid could believe me! Overall impression was that it was a good solid choice. Not really able to compare it to others, as it's our first visit, but think kid was happy to have seen a college, feel confident they could get in, and more importantly they would have a good experience going there.

Thanks, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
First visit complete. Went to George Mason.
My impressions...
Doesn't feel like a commuter school. When you are walking around it, it feels like self-contained college campus. While I was aware I was in Fairfax County, I could not see the surrounding suburbs when walking through the campus. We got to walk through the dorm section--actually got to see a room. Perfectly acceptable. They emphasized the opportunities for undergraduate research, as well as internships. Students we met were from PA, NY, and MA, so seems like a good mix of different people.
Attractive campus. Not as charming as the much older colleges, but attractive. Also good use of space. Despite being big enough to have 26,000 undergraduates, you can walk from one end of the campus to another in approximately 15 minutes.
We also went to the separate orientation about the Honors College. Seems to be a very competitive program, that offers a condensed high-level version of the required courses, option for living in the honors dormitory, smaller classes and priority at registration.
I assured my kid that if they attended GM I would not be "dropping by" to visit--that I'd treat it as if they left for a more distant college. Fortunately, based on my parenting style up to this point, kid could believe me! Overall impression was that it was a good solid choice. Not really able to compare it to others, as it's our first visit, but think kid was happy to have seen a college, feel confident they could get in, and more importantly they would have a good experience going there.

+1 My hs kid and his friends sometimes go to events at GMU on their own and go to a dining hall ($10 bucks) or to one of the food spots in the Johnson Center and get just a little feel for what independent life at college is like. One thing he's realized since he started doing this is that while he used to say 'no way I'm going to GMU' because it's too close to home, he realized that it feels totally self-contained, is its own world, and there are a LOT of students there--it's now a perfectly acceptable option to him.

[Anonymous]

How is CNU’s rep within Virginia?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JMU is right on I81! Hate the location! Town is dumpy. Mall sucks!

Here we have the classic case of someone not bothering to actually get out of their car and walk around the very pretty campus and cute college town. The mall?? Who cares?

Cute town? Try the NE for cute towns. This was dumpy. The campus was pretty with 81 in the backdrop. No thanks.

Thank God for JMU you moved on!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
First visit complete. Went to George Mason.
My impressions...
Doesn't feel like a commuter school. When you are walking around it, it feels like self-contained college campus. While I was aware I was in Fairfax County, I could not see the surrounding suburbs when walking through the campus. We got to walk through the dorm section--actually got to see a room. Perfectly acceptable. They emphasized the opportunities for undergraduate research, as well as internships. Students we met were from PA, NY, and MA, so seems like a good mix of different people.
Attractive campus. Not as charming as the much older colleges, but attractive. Also good use of space. Despite being big enough to have 26,000 undergraduates, you can walk from one end of the campus to another in approximately 15 minutes.
We also went to the separate orientation about the Honors College. Seems to be a very competitive program, that offers a condensed high-level version of the required courses, option for living in the honors dormitory, smaller classes and priority at registration.
I assured my kid that if they attended GM I would not be "dropping by" to visit--that I'd treat it as if they left for a more distant college. Fortunately, based on my parenting style up to this point, kid could believe me! Overall impression was that it was a good solid choice. Not really able to compare it to others, as it's our first visit, but think kid was happy to have seen a college, feel confident they could get in, and more importantly they would have a good experience going there.

+1 My hs kid and his friends sometimes go to events at GMU on their own and go to a dining hall ($10 bucks) or to one of the food spots in the Johnson Center and get just a little feel for what independent life at college is like. One thing he's realized since he started doing this is that while he used to say 'no way I'm going to GMU' because it's too close to home, he realized that it feels totally self-contained, is its own world, and there are a LOT of students there--it's now a perfectly acceptable option to him.

+2
I concur with both PPs. My son, who was accepted at UVA, was *NOT* accepted GMU Honors. So, UVA wacko booster - let that sink in for a minute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is CNU’s rep within Virginia?

CNU is a popular school in VA. Very nice campus and academic offerings. I'd be happy if any of my kids went there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is CNU’s rep within Virginia?

I think it's one of those schools whose reputation might improve over time, but right now I think it's viewed as not quite up to JMU, GMU, VCU level. It has a reputation of being on the conservative side. I think that's in part because of where it's located and its start as being a local commuter option. Some also see it as a bit generic, mall-like. I think it's got dynamic leadership though and they will sharpen its character and reputation with employers as there are more graduates. They really focus on "soft skills" like communication which I think will play well since lack of those skills are a big complaint among employers. I see it as a kind of aspiring to be like a Denison University without the history.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
First visit complete. Went to George Mason.
My impressions...
Doesn't feel like a commuter school. When you are walking around it, it feels like self-contained college campus. While I was aware I was in Fairfax County, I could not see the surrounding suburbs when walking through the campus. We got to walk through the dorm section--actually got to see a room. Perfectly acceptable. They emphasized the opportunities for undergraduate research, as well as internships. Students we met were from PA, NY, and MA, so seems like a good mix of different people.
Attractive campus. Not as charming as the much older colleges, but attractive. Also good use of space. Despite being big enough to have 26,000 undergraduates, you can walk from one end of the campus to another in approximately 15 minutes.
We also went to the separate orientation about the Honors College. Seems to be a very competitive program, that offers a condensed high-level version of the required courses, option for living in the honors dormitory, smaller classes and priority at registration.
I assured my kid that if they attended GM I would not be "dropping by" to visit--that I'd treat it as if they left for a more distant college. Fortunately, based on my parenting style up to this point, kid could believe me! Overall impression was that it was a good solid choice. Not really able to compare it to others, as it's our first visit, but think kid was happy to have seen a college, feel confident they could get in, and more importantly they would have a good experience going there.

I have posted previously (daughter's top choices = CNY & JMU). We actually live right across the street from George Mason and we walk our dog on campus sometimes (the kids and the dog both love it . Anyhow, I think this description is pretty accurate. I agree that the campus is attractive and doesn't feel to me like a commuter school (though obviously some do commute). We've seen plenty of campus activities on our walks and kids hanging out, etc. The students are very nice as well and the campus feels very safe. There is a shopping plaza a short walk away with a movie theatre, grocery, Tropical Smoothie, deli, bar/grill, pizza, McD's, and supposedly a Taco Bamba soon . And Fairfax City is a long walk or a short bike or Uber ride away. It's a cute downtown with plenty of restaurants, library, coffee shops, some historical charm and lots of small town festivals. I would be thrilled if my kids attended GMU, but I understand why they have no interest considering they might bump into us on campus walking the dog at any given time . I have a few friends in Chantilly who have kids in residence at GMU and are very happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
First visit complete. Went to George Mason.
My impressions...
Doesn't feel like a commuter school. When you are walking around it, it feels like self-contained college campus. While I was aware I was in Fairfax County, I could not see the surrounding suburbs when walking through the campus. We got to walk through the dorm section--actually got to see a room. Perfectly acceptable. They emphasized the opportunities for undergraduate research, as well as internships. Students we met were from PA, NY, and MA, so seems like a good mix of different people.
Attractive campus. Not as charming as the much older colleges, but attractive. Also good use of space. Despite being big enough to have 26,000 undergraduates, you can walk from one end of the campus to another in approximately 15 minutes.
We also went to the separate orientation about the Honors College. Seems to be a very competitive program, that offers a condensed high-level version of the required courses, option for living in the honors dormitory, smaller classes and priority at registration.
I assured my kid that if they attended GM I would not be "dropping by" to visit--that I'd treat it as if they left for a more distant college. Fortunately, based on my parenting style up to this point, kid could believe me! Overall impression was that it was a good solid choice. Not really able to compare it to others, as it's our first visit, but think kid was happy to have seen a college, feel confident they could get in, and more importantly they would have a good experience going there.

+1 My hs kid and his friends sometimes go to events at GMU on their own and go to a dining hall ($10 bucks) or to one of the food spots in the Johnson Center and get just a little feel for what independent life at college is like. One thing he's realized since he started doing this is that while he used to say 'no way I'm going to GMU' because it's too close to home, he realized that it feels totally self-contained, is its own world, and there are a LOT of students there--it's now a perfectly acceptable option to him.

+2
I concur with both PPs. My son, who was accepted at UVA, was *NOT* accepted GMU Honors. So, UVA wacko booster - let that sink in for a minute.

Honors programs are tough admits, and admissions decisions can seem arbitrary sometimes. Congrats to your son for squeaking into UVA. I assume he went to UVA and ending up performing mediocre there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JMU, VCU, and GMU...

Hope they accept a 1260/4.0 student. 8 APs 7 Honors

Should we look at CNU and UMW just in case?

Good for VCU and JMU. Well over the top layer for GMU, so much so as to knock out any need for a safety.

Looking at the Naviance for our FCPS HS--VCU is the easiest to get into--95% of those over weighted 3.2 and 1050 get in. GMU is the next: 95% of those over weighted 3.4 and 1100 SAT get in. JMU is the next: 95% of those over 3.8weighted and 1100 SAT get in. I think your kid will get into all three if our pretty robust Naviance data is anywhere near accurate. I'd consider looking at Honors Colleges in each and you don't need further safeties if you apply to all 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is CNU’s rep within Virginia?

I think it's one of those schools whose reputation might improve over time, but right now I think it's viewed as not quite up to JMU, GMU, VCU level. It has a reputation of being on the conservative side. I think that's in part because of where it's located and its start as being a local commuter option. Some also see it as a bit generic, mall-like. I think it's got dynamic leadership though and they will sharpen its character and reputation with employers as there are more graduates. They really focus on "soft skills" like communication which I think will play well since lack of those skills are a big complaint among employers. I see it as a kind of aspiring to be like a Denison University without the history.

You'll probably get some divided comments on CNU because of its history. It was originally an extension campus of W&M. It only became 4 year in the 1970s and started to emerge in its current form when former senator Paul Trible became president in the 1990s. So it is really the new kid on the block, and older people in particular are not aware of it. Trible I think wanted to return it to its W&M roots, so it emphasizes liberal arts and sciences, smaller size, a residential feel, and traditional architecture. It appears to be developing one of the most coherent campuses in the state. While some view it as not up to JMU, GMU, VCU level, in terms of standardized test scores it is now at their level or even slightly higher, so I think it is safe to say it is an up-and-coming school. I think it has probably impacted Mary Washington University the most.

I'm not sure where the reputation for being conservative comes from. Trible was a Republican, so that might have had something to do with it, but there are really very few conservative campuses at public institutions in the U.S.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is CNU’s rep within Virginia?

I think it's one of those schools whose reputation might improve over time, but right now I think it's viewed as not quite up to JMU, GMU, VCU level. It has a reputation of being on the conservative side. I think that's in part because of where it's located and its start as being a local commuter option. Some also see it as a bit generic, mall-like. I think it's got dynamic leadership though and they will sharpen its character and reputation with employers as there are more graduates. They really focus on "soft skills" like communication which I think will play well since lack of those skills are a big complaint among employers. I see it as a kind of aspiring to be like a Denison University without the history.

You'll probably get some divided comments on CNU because of its history. It was originally an extension campus of W&M. It only became 4 year in the 1970s and started to emerge in its current form when former senator Paul Trible became president in the 1990s. So it is really the new kid on the block, and older people in particular are not aware of it. Trible I think wanted to return it to its W&M roots, so it emphasizes liberal arts and sciences, smaller size, a residential feel, and traditional architecture. It appears to be developing one of the most coherent campuses in the state. While some view it as not up to JMU, GMU, VCU level, in terms of standardized test scores it is now at their level or even slightly higher, so I think it is safe to say it is an up-and-coming school. I think it has probably impacted Mary Washington University the most.

I'm not sure where the reputation for being conservative comes from. Trible was a Republican, so that might have had something to do with it, but there are really very few conservative campuses at public institutions in the U.S.

If you just look at standardized test scores of VA students from SCHEV reports, it looks like of the four GMU is highest (avg R+ avg M= 1203); then CNU (1190); JMU (1184); VCU (1156).

[Anonymous]

When I look at Naviance for my kid's school, JMU looks way harder to get into than GMU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I look at Naviance for my kid's school, JMU looks way harder to get into than GMU.

GMU has about 5000 more undergrads than JMU and is willing to grow--so if you meet what they are looking for, you can be accepted. Also, I think JMU does more limiting on NOVA applicants (though they won't say it) to broaden geographic range (it's a regional school not a national one like GMU) so if you're from a FCPS school that's likely the case. It may also be that they weigh GPA more? That data is more tricky to assess. Looking at our FCPS Naviance data--it looks JMU is willing to accept kids with pretty much any SAT score as long as they have a 3.8 weighted GPA.