James Madison University Top Questions

What should every freshman at James Madison University know before they start?

Michael

When choosing which college to consider, it is best to imagine yourself living there for the next four years. This will be your alma mater--your mother school. You will learn here and futher mature in this established environment. Another thing to consider is the quality of the program of which you seek to gain a degree. Sure, it's easy to look for available majors, but it's also important to look deeper into the study; look at what classes they offer and see if any of them interest you. It is very important to make the most out of your college experience. Yes, you do in fact learn in this environment, but it's important to develop friendships and do a little soul-searching. For most, it's their first time away from their parents; there's a sense of independence that sparks as soon as the student steps out of that car and onto the college steps. Don't mask your true identity from others as well as yourself. Be who you want to be, not because someone expects you to be something, but because you want to. There's always someone wanting to find a connection.

christina

Understanding the opportunities available on a campus is so important; I am so glad that I chose my school because it has literally any option a student could want. Classes are certainly what primarily bring a student body together, being that education is the primary reason for a university's establishment, but these clubs and activities are what allow us to diversify our experience and meet like minded students. Besides the friendships formed through involvement in these organizations, these organizations foster personal growth to match a student's education. Without finding passion, there is little use for education. Therefore, my best advice, which I wish someone had provided for me as a confused high school senior, would be to find a university where you are able to learn, where you will be able to grow as a person. My university is one of those magical places which fosters a balanced growth for students; no matter your interest, there is an outlet to enable students to pursue interests and learn more about themselves.

Allison

In order to find your right college you need to visit a few to get an idea of what type of campus you would like to attend. Some campuses are bigger than others with more students and not everyone fits into a large campus. With whatever school you decide fits you best whether is be a big school with large classroom size or a small school with small classroom size, make sure you take advantage of your professors office hours or schedule your own meetings with them. Transitioning from high school to college is a big step, bigger than more freshman realize until you start taking college tests. By taking advantage of one on one time with your professors, they will help you succeed and figure out the right study techniques and how to do well. Along with classes, it is always great to get involved. College is big, even small schools, and it is hard to get to know people, so by getting involved in clubs, sports, or fraternities and sororities, you can find your nitch and your life long friends, as well as have the best college experience you can possibly have!

Heather

College is a learning experience, not only academically, but personally as well. Being on your own and leaning how to take care of yourself and live with other people teaches you more than most classes will. Be open to new experiences and people; don?t concentrate solely on class work. While classes are obviously a main priority, college will be miserable if you don?t take the time to make friends and build relationships. Manage your time appropriately and you will succeed in classes and have time to have fun. Don?t load up on classes during your first semester; this will allow for an easier transition to college, and will prevent you from stressing out. Choose a few extracurricular activities and focus on them. This allows you to make friends and really become a part of a group. Trying to become involved in too many programs will be overwhelming and, overall, a waste of time. So, the summer before college, get excited for the coming year; you are about to embark on a totally new experience. Remember to enjoy every single day of it, though, because the time goes by faster than you think.

Jennifer

When I was looking at colleges, I was only deciding between two schools. Yet the decision was just as difficult as if I were deciding between ten. My advice is to take many tours and talk to as many current students as possible, preferably ones who are interested in the same program/s. Ultimately my decision came down to my gut feeling. I felt like I belonged more at one school than the other and today I can?t imagine attending any other school. No matter what school you end up choosing, it can only be as good as you make it! So make it amazing! Get involved in extracurricular activities. I joined and became a leader in many organizations. People in my major were very close knit. This was due in part to the fact that we worked in a studio environment. However, some of the people in my class would work at home instead of collaborating with those of us in the studio. Their work inevitably suffered, as did their relationships with the rest of the class. There are special bonds formed in college. You need to be an active participant to make your college experience a success.

Whittney

Choosing the right college is very important. When deciding what college you want to go to its always important to be 100 {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that you want to be there and that it fits who you are. Size is something to really look at when determining what college you want to attend, whether you want a small college where the learning and classroom are very intimate or a large college where there are classrooms of over 200 people. Its important to decide how you like to learn and what works best for you.Also what I believe is important is to look at what the school offers and if those are things you enjoy. I know one thing that pulled JMU towards me was all the programs they had available for minorities which helped to make me feel as if they want to include more minorities and make us feel as if we belong at a majority white school. In order to make the most out of college it is important to feel that you are a valuable part of the college. So take action once you find the college thats right for you and enjoy the time you spend there.

Kathy

Pick the right school for you. Having an award winning business program will do no good if you already know that the size/distance/religious orientation/mascot will make you too depressed to take advantage of it. Now you?ve picked the right school, packed enough possessions to ensure your parents are driving home with a full car because fitting all that stuff into that small dorm room that couldn?t possibly be meant for two, is a matter of physical impossibility, and now you?re alone and terrified. Everybody else feels the exact same way and are also looking for friends. You?ll never have an easier time making them than the first week. A sense of impending doom every time you sign up for a class is not a good thing. If the thought of completing your major and getting a corresponding career depresses you, maybe its time to change your major. This is not a sign of weakness; this is evolution on your journey of self-discovery. That ballroom dancing class that won?t contribute to completing your major and in no way will help your GPA or to get a job. Yeah, that one; take it.

Aleksandar

Choosing a college that?s right for you can be quite daunting. Hopefully, my advice will make your decision a little bit easier. To avoid making a potentially regretful decision, listen to your inner voice, trust yourself and follow your heart. Your instincts will serve as your guide to a compatible school. By listening to yourself, you will find the school at which you feel most comfortable. You are setting up the foundation for a great college experience when you select a college where you feel content and welcome. The process of transitioning and integrating into college life will then be an easy one. Get involved in school events, sports, and student organizations, all of which will contribute to a better college experience. Your college life will be enriched by engaging in discussions with students about academics, career goals, common life experiences, and cultural differences. Its also important to stay organized, be on time, and whatever you do, don?t procrastinate. Find a happy medium between your academic and social life. Don?t get carried away with one aspect of college life. Finally, remember to enjoy your college days because they cannot be relived and are too precious to forego.

Lesley

When selecting the right school you have to most definately trust your instincts. I firmly believe that every student has a corresponding school that best fits their personality and goals. The most important aspect is being able to determine it and follow through with it. When someone steps on a campus you will know its the right fit if you feel like it could be your home away from home and can invision yourself spending the next four years of your life there.

Vaughn

Think about the values and beliefs that you have grown up with. Integrate those values into your decision for a major considering the career fields you think you will go into after graduating. Once you have made it into college be sure to get involved. The more people you meet, and contacts you make, the more successful you can be in the future. Getting to know the people around you is one of the most important aspects of college life becuase you're building communications skills that you will be using for the rest of your life. Parents, don't pressure your kids to go to the school you want them to go to or have the career you want them to have because in the long run they will work harder torwards a goal, and be more successful, if it's something that truely interests them.