James Madison University

The reason I chose JMU was because of their music program, which is truly better than I could have ever imagined.

There was a point when I felt pretty ostracized at this school. I didn't have a lot of friends and I was miserable all the time. I eventually realized that this, however, wasn't the school's fault, nor was it the student body's fault. I felt so miserable and out-of-the-loop because I wasn't getting involved in what I wanted to do. Once I realized that I started getting involved with several groups on campus and I instantly made lots of friends. A lot of people say the only thing to do is party, but I have had a lot of fun over the weekends doing activities that interest me, and I have never gone to a party.

The professors are incredibly helpful if YOU ask for help. Do not expect them to come to you. But that's how college is supposed to be, right?

The food is absolutely amazing to say the least.
College is truly what you make of it. I was looking for a good music program and a good christian group to get involved with, and I found both! You have all of the elements to make you happy at JMU, but it's YOUR choice to act upon it. I highly recommend JMU. The academics as a whole are top-notch and there are hundreds of opportunities to grow as a person. If you choose to be involved you will make fantastic friends which will create a unique support system for your overall success!

1st Year Male -- Class 2014

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: B-

Accepting my offer to attend James Madison University for my undergraduate degree was the best decision I have made thus far in my life. The campus is BEAUTIFUL- it is rumored that JMU spends just under the amount that Disney World spends on their aesthetic charm, the flowers, trees, well-kept grass, and bluestone walkways. It is actually hard to walk around campus without smiling at the sheer beauty of where you are. The food is DELICIOUS- it has been ranked 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th best food in the nation by Princeton Review. All of my classes have under 20 people in them; we get real face-to-face instruction from the brilliant professors employed here. Dorm life was unforgettable, and the freshman orientation week was a great kick off to my college career. Even though Harrisonburg isn't known for its booming city-life, I will still cherish all of the memories i have made here. If you are considering deciding James Madison University as your future home, stop by and come see for yourself. You won't regret it.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: C-

JMU is exactly what you make it.
I'm a music education major, and I've just completed my first year at JMU. First, I'll talk about the school as a whole, and I'll follow with my opinion of the music department.

There's the conception that JMU is a party school, and I must admit that it is. However, this is not a reason to turn away from JMU. The school promotes a "private school" experience for a "public school" price, and it delivers that promise. Class sizes are small and personable - I had one class over 100, and all the rest were in the 30's or less. There is a wide variety of a students as far as intelligence goes. I've met people who are here only for sports and can't hold a conversation beyond that, and I've also met some of the brightest and most scholarly students you'd find anywhere. You simply have to look! A lot of people get caught up with the party scene, but there are also genuine, intelligent, diligent individuals.

All but a couple of professors I had were very knowledgeable, most of them using their own books or currently writing one. JMU professors are extremely dedicated people. They love their jobs and they love their students, and it's a nice feeling when you know you'll get a response to an email within hours (and sometimes less than that). Assignments feel just about right - there is never busywork, but lots of reading.

The School of Music, however, should not be assessed at the same level as the rest of the university. While JMU is a good school, the music department is where it soars (and the school knows it - it's easily the most funded department). With newly built incredible facilities, multifaceted and dedicated professors, and an endless amount of playing opportunities, this school is easily one of the most underrated and fastest growing music schools not only in Virginia but on the east coast. After many years of being exposed to JMU through camps and otherwise, I've seen the growth of the program and it's incredible how much influence it has on the state of Virginia. Every other music school in the state has JMU's professors teaching in them. If you play saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, or especially trombone, this is the place to come. Members of the Marching Royal Dukes are scouted out and placed in the top DCI corps every single year, and the trombone studio is simply killer.

The top ensembles at JMU make recordings and premier pieces almost every year, and they bring in some of the nation's top composers to critique their own work.

All in all, I am very happy about my first year at JMU, but the opportunities to tarnish it's reputation are definitely there. If you want to take advantage of what the passionate faculty have to offer, you will succeed. Undergraduates that apply to grad school from JMU get accepted across the board to their schools of choice. This is a great "stepping stone" university. Don't waste your 4 years - make a difference during your undergraduate studies.

1st Year Male -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: B