James Madison University

Wow I am so glad I picked this school. People are incredibly friendly and it's not hard at all making friends. The food is great, the girls are all hot and nice, and there are TONS of clubs to join. Right now I am in a cinema club, the fencing club, and a group that chooses bands to come to campus. If you're into partying there is plenty of that (just make sure you don't end up on probation) but there is a lot to do if you're not a partier. As far as academics go, the gen ed classes are hit and miss (some good, others not...) but my major classes have had great teachers and interesting material. As far as negative things, I wish I had gotten in one of the nicer dorms and parking is a nightmare (but you can use the free bus instead). Also Harrisonburg isn't really great but I spend so much time on campus that it doesn't matter too much. Overall I have been having the time of my life here and haven't gotten into many other great things about it....definitely consider this school.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Education Quality: A, Surrounding City: C+

Overall JMU is a very strong school, and I would suggest it to anyone that was thinking of attending. It offers a very friendly, safe and clean environment, with a campus full of people that greatly enjoy being there. You will run into friendly faces and polite people everywhere you go, from the students and teachers, right down to the faculty members that you run into around campus. There is a good percentage of the student population that comes from the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area, but what some people have described as the 'typical northern Virginia attitude' is not reflected by those students at JMU. The majority of students are concerned about good relationships with their neighbors, friends, letting loose when the time is right, and their education.

The overall academics are challenging, but aren't enough to leave you hidden behind books and living four years in the library. The campus, facilities, and educational experiences are all growing at an unbelievable rate at the school, and the education will only continue to improve from it. Just like any school, some programs are more challenging and accredited then others, and I'd advise doing some research on what you want to major in before you go to any school.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000