James Madison University

I think JMU is a great school and has many strong points. In fact I love everything about it, only I would not recommend students who are seriously invested in archaeology to attend. I was disappointed to realize after my freshman year that the scope of the program offered at JMU is severely limited. There are apparently only 2 full time archaeology professors, which makes for a less than satisfactory learning environment because one does not receive a variety of perspectives or learn in depth about various schools of thought within the discipline. I am considering transferring after next year to go to a more prestigious university at which I will develop a better understanding of archaeology for all that it is. This would also increase my chances of being accepted into a good graduate program in the future. JMU is doing a great job for its size and funding, but it just doesn't have top academics. Coming from an excellent high school at which I was enrolled in 5 AP classes during my senior year, I was surprised to find that college was SIGNIFICANTLY easier than I expected. I just breezed through all of my classes with minimal effort and came out with a GPA of 3.93 for my first year. I'm not sure that it's supposed to be like that, JMU may just not be the best fit for me. At the same time I love JMU so much for the warm social environment and overwhelmingly positive attitude exhibited by all students, faculty, and staff that I have been seriously considering changing my major and life plan of being an academic archaeologist. I am very satisfied with the diverse people I have met and befriended and never felt bored, although I got a little sick of the never-ending party culture from time to time. I felt that there were other options to drinking every single saturday night, such as going to the movies or dances, shows and other events put on by organizations) only my friends and I were too lazy to pursue them (being car-less did not help). I would definitely recommend JMU for others who desire a well-rounded positive college experience. I, on the other hand, have always put academics first, and so the relaxed academic expectations leaves a little wanting.

1st Year Female -- Class 2016

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Education Quality: B-

JMU is an amazing school. It has a beautiful campus wonderful staff and the students are friendly and helpful. Nothing beats sitting on the quad all day.

The only thing I do not like about JMU is the greek system. Most the girls are involved in greek life and expect you to be involved also and if you're not you get dirty looks at parties.

The parties are amazing and there is always somewhere to go. The drunk bus makes it easy to get to place to place without getting in trouble with police.

1st Year Female -- Class 2016

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: D-

I'm a second semester Sophomore at JMU. When I was applying to colleges back in High School, I never really gave JMU the consideration it deserved. I applied here because, like everyone else is Virginia, I knew it was a good school. When I didn't get accepted to my first choice, I decided to come to JMU. The beginning of Freshman year, I wasn't happy here at all. Maybe it was because I was the only one from my graduating class to come here and all of my other close friends went to either Tech or UVa, or maybe it had to do with my living situation and being away from home. I didn't really get involved as a Freshman; I played intramural soccer and made some close friends in my dorm and through networking. As the year went on, I liked school a little more.

As a Sophomore, I have become more involved (joined Greek life, volunteer at a close by Elementary school, etc.), and I have truly realized that everything happens for a reason. I love JMU! I have had the best year here thus far. The campus is beautiful. It is divided up into three "sections" and all are and look very different, which is good because I never get sick of looking at the same architecture! The students and faculty at JMU are the kindest people you will ever meet. People ALWAYS hold doors, my professors show so much interest in students' success- they are always willing to help. I have made some of the best friendships here. Campus is the perfect size- big enough where you don't know everyone but small enough where you always run into someone you know. The food is great, as well as the off-campus housing, social life, and academics.

Sometimes I feel like JMU doesn't get the credit or attention it deserves. The classes here aren't easy. In fact, they are rigorous and challenging, and you have to work for your grade. JMU has a huge gened requirement (which sucks), but I know that eventually I'll appreciate it. The people here tend to live by the motto: "work hard, play hard".

What I like most about JMU, aside from the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and people, is that it provides me with opportunities that I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. JMU is known for its number of organizations, majors/minors, and study abroad programs. The faculty here do their best to make it possible for each student to become more well-rounded socially, academically, spiritually, you name it. I am currently a Health Services Administration major (about to switch to Marketing) with a double minor in Business and Spanish. Other schools such as UVa don't even offer this major or minors. I am studying abroad next spring for a semester in Salamanca (to fulfill my Spanish minor requirements). It has always been my dream to study abroad and JMU has provided the opportunity for me to reach it. I could ramble on and on, but reading this review doesn't do the experience I've had here justice. If you are a High School senior and thinking of applying, do it. It will be the best decision you've ever made.

1st Year Female -- Class 2015

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Surrounding City: C+