James Madison University

I graduated in the top 10 of my high school but never planned to go to JMU. It held no allure to me as I have never been in to the party scene. I ended up at JMU because I grew up in the area, both of my parents are alumni and I thought I'd be saving money not because of having any love of JMU. I transferred in after the expense of a private university became too much. And after finally completing my degree I can say I still don't have any love of JMU. While JMU has had flashes of potential, the administration tends to squander it and the moment quickly fades. JMU's prestige factor is really in its own mind as I have found over the years since graduating that few people and employers are familiar with JMU. My success since college has been a result of what I have learned on the job. I got my diploma from JMU, but my education occurred after college.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I just completed my first year as a Biology major. I will admit, JMU was my backup school initially but I ended up choosing it over Penn state, University of Miami, Tulane, and University of Colorado at Boulder. Being a Biology major here has been great, I love the department. I definitely have some problems with the way other sciences are incorporated into my major but I'm sure thats the case at any school. Gen-eds are irritating to no end, especially when you are focused on your career path.

The social aspects of JMU are where I have problems. I have tried to find similar people to me by joining lots of clubs and organizations, and would describe myself as a popular outgoing person in general. However I have to say, (and please take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to go here,) that the general student body is cold, apathetic, and slightly trashy. No one seems to keep up with what's going on in the real world. No one is politically focused, and if so they are arrogant conservative minded. JMU is isolated and elitist. I always thought I would like a campus style school like JMU but am finding now that I may have been happier on an urban campus where people care about societal and global issues. I am considering transferring after sophomore year but we'll see how the next year goes.

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: F

This place sucks,. the people are trashy country kids that are dumb. Might as well of went to radford u. party's are lame. Cant wait to leave it.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2012