James Madison University Top Questions

Look at your financial situation so that you will be able to attend all four years if you want to. Make sure you learn really good study skills in high school because it will make a huge difference in your success at college. Don't judge a book by its cover, look deeper into what you really want from a college and is it a good fit for you. Actually look at the kind of person you are within your family, don't just think you want to go away from home to get away from your parents, because if you really are close to your family and you pick a school far away the college experience could be negative because you are so homesick. Try and think about the things that make you happy and think about those things when making your decision to attend a school. Talk to the students that already attend the school and get honest feedback. Try to get involved in something at the school so that you feel you fit in better . Work to your full potential in school because it makes a difference in the colleges that select you for admissions.

You should definitley go and visit all of the schools that you think you might be interested in. Set up some meetings with the professors in the field you are seeking a degree in and also see if there are any other students available to talk to in your field. It's worthwhile to get a feel for the college life to make sure whatever school you pick fits your mold. You should feel at home there seeing as it will be your home during your the years you spend there.

I think that the best way to find the right college is to go to as many schools as you can, and just walk around and relax. Not a campus tour, but try to get the feeling of the school for yourself. Also go during the school year and try to talk to some of the students about their experiences there and try to sit in on a class. I would also look at the courses that they offer and make sure that they have exactally what you are looking for and not something kinda like what you want to do. And the last piece of advice i would give, is to go with your gut. You want to get to the right school the first time around. Transfering is not so much fun. It's like starting all over again. As for making the most out of your experience there, it's not about how many clubs you're in, or if you were class president, find a tight group of friends and have the greatest time of your life with them.

I would advise students to choose a school that offers a wide variety of acedemic programs. There are few students that come to college and know exactly what they want. If you attend a university with a wide range of majors to choose from there is more flexibility when you decide what career path to take. Your college years are some of the most important in your life, so dont let money and distance stop you! College holds so much oppertunity and will impact the person you become, therefore the dynamic of the school is also very important. I find so much joy in the community and school spirit that my university brings. There is a great balance at JMU between students acedemic life and social life. I would advise all prospective families to seek this balance, it gives students freedom to be creative and use their interests in many differnt avenues. My last bit of advise would be to take into consideration the size of the school. The larger universities sometimes have larger classes and can be overwhelming at first while smaller schools will be more intimiate, but its all up to you! Happy Deciding!

Definitely put a lot of thought and effort into choosing the college that is right for you. Make sure you visit several campuses, sign up for a campus tour, sit in on a class, and make an effort to speak with students and faculty. You want to make sure that you can get a feel for the atmosphere that each college has to offer. Stop and think if you can see yourself fitting in there, spending the next four years of your life wandering around that particular campus, and interacting with the people there. Consider your personal values and interests and evaluate whether those particular aspects of your life will be fulfilled at this school. If you come away with a positive experience and optimistic answers to these questions, then chances are that you've found the college where you belong. Once you accept their offer of admission and you move in the next fall, just make sure to be yourself. Keep an open mind and be respectful of others who may be quite different from you, but don't compromise the values and beliefs that make you who you are. Stay true to yourself and have a great time!

First, I would say don't always chose a college because they have the major you want. I know I personally, and at least half of my peers, have ended up changing their major at some point. Find a college that suits your identity and meets your needs. You should be proud of the college you attend and since you have to be there (as most jobs these days require a college education), you might as well enjoy it. Take the time and visit schools to check them out for yourself and evaluate if you can see yourself there. When you do decide on a school, definately live on campus for freshman year. I know I personally hated how small the dorms were and I spent many nights bitterly awake from my roommate's snoring. However, it was honestly the time of my life. You meet so many new people and gain experiences that will be with you forever. Maximize your college experience by putting your maximum effort into succeeding in your academics because that's why your there in the first place. Participate in activities that interest you and be fearless in meeting new people. Lastly, enjoy the ride!

I think it's really important to visit a college. Don't worry about prestige or sports teams or anything superficial like that. The most important thing about finding the right college is finding where you feel happy and where you think you will be most comfortable. I could have gone to more prestigious schools, but chose not to because I didn't think I would be able to really enjoy my college experience. Grades are important, but it's the experience you're really paying for and that you're really going to remember. To take advantage of your experience, I would recommend staying in dorms; you meet more people and it is a more traditional college experience. Try and have fun, and take advantage of the college counseling centers. They are an underused resource and are there for a reason!

Try not to get lost in the social life that JMU offers. It's extremely active every single weekend of the year and you can get lost in it faster than you would believe.

I would tell parents and/or students that they should actually go to the school so they can see for themselves what type of atmosphere the school is in. I would tell the student to check on-line for reviews of different colleges, so they can find out whether it has a big Greek population or how much diversity is really there. Making friends on social networking sites from different schools, and asking them about the schools is also something that would be smart to do. To make the most out of your college experience, I definitely say particiapte in all the extra-curricular activities you can. That is where you will meet new people and learn more about yourself.

Finding the right college for you or your child is probably the most important decision you will have to make for the next four years. Make sure you look into what majors are offered, financial aid availability, extracurricular activities offered, housing availability, facilities and of course... cost! Just because a school isn't ranked number one by others does not mean that it couldn't be number one for you. Every school has different ups and downs and it is important to decide before you apply what you need and want in a college/university. Talk to students that go to the school and go on a tour. Reading from websites and books can't even begin to explain what a college is all about.