Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 23:26     Subject: JMU or CNU
My DC liked both CNU and JMU but ultimately chose JMU - absolutely loves it.
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 20:41     Subject: JMU or CNU
If she really wants to do JMU honors college she can apply while she is a student.

https://www.jmu.edu/honors/prospective-students/apply.shtml
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 20:38     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:JMU, hands down.


+1

Agreed
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 19:39     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:Not sure what region of VA you live in, but JMU has a much larger alumni network and footprint in NOVA for after she graduates. Given the shrinking job market, it is something to consider.


This is true. Not just in NOVA, but across the country.

https://www.alumni.jmu.edu/s/1591/18/interior.aspx?sid=1591&gid=3&pgid=7560
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 18:33     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:Only on DCUM can a campus be criticized for being nice looking.


JMU, VT and UVA have nice looking campuses as well without looking like a hotel or museum.
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 17:51     Subject: JMU or CNU
Only on DCUM can a campus be criticized for being nice looking.
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 17:45     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:Not sure what region of VA you live in, but JMU has a much larger alumni network and footprint in NOVA for after she graduates. Given the shrinking job market, it is something to consider.


Exactly! I have talked to parents whose children went there and they have all gotten jobs after graduating and/or went on to Grad School. I really do not know anyone who has gone to CNU. She's very social and has good friends in HS and she is active in clubs, sports etc. I don't understand why she worries about JMU being a party school. I actually want her to have a good time at college, but of course also flourish academically. I also feel that JMU has better study abroad options.
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 17:35     Subject: JMU or CNU
Not sure what region of VA you live in, but JMU has a much larger alumni network and footprint in NOVA for after she graduates. Given the shrinking job market, it is something to consider.
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 17:02     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My vote would also be JMU and my kid (and I) are right there with you on the “hotel” feel of CNU’s interiors. It was enough to take it off the list for DC. Just didn’t feel enough like a school, DC couldn’t envision themself living there. Beautiful, but feels like a fancy hotel or museum inside.


The carpets and furniture felt very hotel-like, especially the design and I didn't really care for the university's library either. It felt limited and out of sight which made the hotel feel even more prominent. The dorms are amazing and my daughter loved them (probably the nicest we have seen). The tour guides were also great and very well spoken. I didn't like the lack of diversity and the guides were all involved with campus ministry which made me think because we aren't a religious family.


I didn’t know other people felt this way. My daughter toured it and said that the school felt fake.
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 16:54     Subject: JMU or CNU
Great advice from earlier posters to attend both admitted-student days. My daughter was initially set on JMU until she visited CNU. She felt that both we’re good options, but could truly picture herself at CNU. She loved her time there and later went on to a larger university for graduate school.
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 16:37     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:Walking into the admissions building was like walking into a classical architecture museum. Carpeted sweeping staircases with white balustrades and gleaming chandeliers hanging from 2-story ceilings. We had just arrived from a 2-hour drive on a crazy hot summer day and needed a bathroom and I literally felt scrubby and underdressed walking in. The staff were lovely and welcoming but the opulence of the space was off-putting.

Some interior photos available here: https://www.glaveandholmes.com/projects/christopher-newport-hall


Yes, I felt put off by the opulence as well. I felt like we didn't fit in. LOL!
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 16:36     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:All are good. She is entitled to have a preference and she has no need to defend it. However, if I were the parent, I'd consider that very few decide to turn down JMU in favor of VCU or CNU


Yes, I absolutely agree with you and I'm not going to push her. Ultimately, it is her decision. She also told me that JMU is a party school and that it is mostly for average students. I totally disagree. I think that the school has gotten a lot more competitive in recent years. She has very good stats, but they weren't good enough for VT or UVA. I feel that JMU is the best option.


JMU is no more a "party school" than UVA or VT. It's a big, fun school - yes. It also has tons to offer academically and socially. It's only 18% Greek, so that doesn't dominate. I have two kids who went there and loved it. They both had excellent internships, study abroad, intramural sports, academic organizations, and made wonderful friends. Highly recommend. (And the students there are above average - lots of smart, interesting people.)


Thank you! OP here. This was exactly my impression. I found the students, smart, engaging and interesting. I really hope that she considers the school. #fingerscrossed
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 16:34     Subject: JMU or CNU
Walking into the admissions building was like walking into a classical architecture museum. Carpeted sweeping staircases with white balustrades and gleaming chandeliers hanging from 2-story ceilings. We had just arrived from a 2-hour drive on a crazy hot summer day and needed a bathroom and I literally felt scrubby and underdressed walking in. The staff were lovely and welcoming but the opulence of the space was off-putting.

Some interior photos available here: https://www.glaveandholmes.com/projects/christopher-newport-hall
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 16:31     Subject: JMU or CNU
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:All are good. She is entitled to have a preference and she has no need to defend it. However, if I were the parent, I'd consider that very few decide to turn down JMU in favor of VCU or CNU


Yes, I absolutely agree with you and I'm not going to push her. Ultimately, it is her decision. She also told me that JMU is a party school and that it is mostly for average students. I totally disagree. I think that the school has gotten a lot more competitive in recent years. She has very good stats, but they weren't good enough for VT or UVA. I feel that JMU is the best option.


JMU is no more a "party school" than UVA or VT. It's a big, fun school - yes. It also has tons to offer academically and socially. It's only 18% Greek, so that doesn't dominate. I have two kids who went there and loved it. They both had excellent internships, study abroad, intramural sports, academic organizations, and made wonderful friends. Highly recommend. (And the students there are above average - lots of smart, interesting people.)
Anonymous
Post 01/26/2026 16:23     Subject: Re:JMU or CNU
My “average student” DD got into CNU, with no honors or President’s Leadership Program distinction. She had no interest in JMU, but I made her apply RD anyway. I personally loved CNU when we toured last year, and hope to do an admitted student visit soon. It’s a good size for her, but she’s a big quirky and CNU students seemed pretty buttoned up and conservative.

If she gets into JMU, I hope she at least considers it.