James Madison University

“I worked very hard in high school and achievedNov 27 2013Finance
I worked very hard in high school and achieved a good GPA. I also was very involved in high school through sports, student government, and other clubs.
SAT: 1910 Male

“I was very active in student government and DECANov 11 2013Other
I was very active in student government and DECA (a business association), French club, and Yearbook, as well as sports in high school. I held many leadership positions. I had a 3.7 GPA and got a 2100 composite on the SATs. I took 6 AP classes and a challenging schedule my senior year. Be diverse! Apply early action!
SAT: 2100 Female

“I knew for sure that I would be accepted to JMUMay 22 2013Archaeology
I knew for sure that I would be accepted to JMU. I wrote an interesting and humorous college essay that I used for my personal statement. I did not have very many community service hours logged but held numerous leadership positions throughout high school and was very involved, having some extracurricular activity to attend nearly every single night. In addition, I had good grades, an average of 98 (weighted) on a 100-point scale. For all this I was awarded the Dingledine Scholarship, which covers the amount of in-state tuition. It was a long process to apply for and be selected, but something I would recommend for any person applying to JMU as a strong candidate.
ACT: 30 SAT: 1210 Female

“I graduated High School with around a 4Mar 20 2013Other
I graduated High School with around a 4.0 GPA (weighted). I took all honors with the exception of 6 AP classes (US history, Literature, Writing/Composition, Calculus, Biology, and Government).

I was involved...probably TOO involved. I played a different sport each year. In at least 6 clubs. Had a few officer positions (Treasurer of SCA, Historian of National Honor Society, etc). I also did a lot of community service through a Comm. club called Alpha.

My SAT scores were average- probably around a 1100 for critical thinking/math.

JMU looks for students that are well-rounded. They always look for quality, rather than quantity (i.e. dedication to sports and clubs, leadership positions, etc).

DEFINITELY write the personal essay, even though it's optional. I also think faculty recommendations are crucial.

Good luck!
Female

“I was part of a magnet school, took 8Mar 20 2013Other
I was part of a magnet school, took 8 AP classes, 2 Dual Enrollment, an SAT prep class outside of my school (a $300 class), and was drum major of my school's marching band, among being a member of 4 other clubs at my school for 4 years.
I would recommend less. Seriously, I did way too much to get into a school that excepts only 60% of its applicants.
SAT: 1570 Female