James Madison University

“JMU seems to have become a bit more selectiveJan 18 2007Perfomance Arts
JMU seems to have become a bit more selective over the past few years due to growing popularity, but it's still a perfectly attainable goal for students with only a moderately strong application. However, the application itself is quite short, very simple, and has no essay, so your secondary school report, transcript, recommendations, and SAT/ACT scores are your best ways to show your strengths. (For instace, you have a limited number of spaces to talk about activities and leadership unless you send a resume.) I got in under Early Action with a 2120 on my SAT's (1440 without writing), a 4.3 GPA, a few AP classes and many Honors classes, and mostly A's with occasional B's for grades. I was heavily involved in theater, vocal music, and colorguard, with three leadership positions, one in an honors society and another as captain of the guard. I had received a few random awards/honors in 10th and 11th grade that I recorded. I also sent in a recommendation from a teacher who loved me. My class rank was my only real weakness - I was barely in the top 18% of my class (but I know multiple people with class ranks at least 20 below mine who also got in). When the Early Action letters came, the students with the lowest class ranks seemed to be the ones getting deferred or rejected. I suggest that if you have a real weakness, you need to have an obvious strength to counter it. For instance, a friend of mine with a rather low class rank was accepted early, most likely because he is literally the best singer in our city area and has received a large amount of prestigious music-related awards and honors. Overall, getting in is not that difficult if you are a good (or even just fairly good) student.
SAT: 2120 Female

“I recommend that you have a balance ofSep 17 2006Communications
I recommend that you have a balance of extracurricular activities and clubs that you are involved in during high school, as well as a pretty good SAT/ACT score and grades overall. Also, it is good to have been in a "leadership" position in clubs (ex: Secretary, Treasurer, etc).

“When I applied, the application was very easy, IMar 04 2006Unknown
When I applied, the application was very easy, I don't believe there was an essay at that time. I wasn't involved in any sports in High School, but did participate in a number of clubs (though never held an office) and was at the top 10% of my class.
SAT: 1230 Female

“Main factors are: GPA, SAT,Jul 04 2004Chemistry
Main factors are: GPA, SAT, extracurricular activites, personal statement, and recommendations. I believe that students should have above average stats.
SAT: 980 Male

“First of all, guys have a better shot atDec 25 2003History/Histories (art history/etc.)
First of all, guys have a better shot at getting in then girls. I know a couple guys who got in who I know didn't have the kind of grades in high school that warranted admission...but that aside, the main thing is to be involved in high school. Clubs, sports, volunteer...whatever! JMU wants students who aren't just gonna sit in their room, but kids who will get involved with campus life. I honestly think that involvement and personal attributes are weighed more in admission then grades. Also, take hard classes in high school if possible. Even if you don't make the best grades, it's important that you at least try to challenge yourself. Don't take cake classes!!!
SAT: 1250 Female