JMU vs. UVA

Miles90 · 03-25-2008, 10:29 PM

Academically, is it better to be one of the many at UVA, or to stand out at JMU?

kindaslick89 · 03-25-2008, 10:42 PM

If I worked hard enough to get into UVA, I would definantly go there.

SENI08 · 03-25-2008, 10:55 PM

From the other thread comparing VA state schools, at least in terms of science departments...

Quote:

"I just went on a tour of the science facilities, which are recently built, so here's my input on that front.
Their science equipment and buildings are impressive for the size of university that they are, especially because their size means that these are open to undergraduates, which isn't the case even at UVA, where the expensive equipment is reserved for graduate students and research faculty (I also work in a UVA lab). GMU, on the other hand, didn't even have that level of equipment. Science majors are treated very well. One caveat: the science buildings are distanced from the others because they are new.
The old buildings are also very nice. THe bluestone ones in particular are pretty.

Given the choice between JMU and UVA, prices being equal, I'd lean heavily JMU for science. Partly because of what I've said already, and partly because UVA is full of cliques, rather preppy, and does not have a defined campus hardly at all...it's mixed in with Charlottesville. UVA might have a better science reputation, but keep in mind that it has graduate statistics skewing the picture.

On the downside with JMU, I really disagree with their course requirements.

In general, VA state schools are awesome. JMU is no exception."

Of course, UVA has a lot going for it...it's science has a MUCH better reputation than JMU's and there will be more opportunities to work in graduate labs. However, if you actually visit JMU's science facilities, they are more extensive and impressive than would be expected. I believe the rest of the campus is surprisingly good as well, and this comes withOUT UVA's cliques and preppiness.

cavalier302 · 03-26-2008, 01:49 AM

There is literally no reason to go to JMU over UVA unless you're receiving a substantial scholarship from JMU. This shouldn't even be a question. And no, I'm not saying this because I go to UVA.

strat15 · 03-26-2008, 09:11 PM

JMU has just partnered this year with SRI, a huge research company from Silicon Valley. This research center is huge and makes their science and technology programs hands down beat UVA. I've been there, and their ISAT program is amazing. Plus, at jmu you can hang around with normal people.

cavalier302 · 03-26-2008, 10:01 PM

Is this all elaborate flame? Don't get me wrong, JMU is fine at the undergraduate level (I'd easily go there over VT), but it simply isn't on par with UVA, W&M or W&L academically. It's a bold statement to say that studying science at JMU even approaches studying science at UVA...you should at least back yourself with better facts and numbers. And what do you mean about hanging out with normal people at JMU? Are you implying that people at UVA aren't normal? LOL@ your skewed perception of the world.

SENI08 · 03-26-2008, 10:27 PM

No...UVA definitely has more money and more professors; I'm just saying that the lack of graduate students at JMU and the fact that FOR A SMALLER UNIVERSITY they have great facilities, you will still be able to get a great science education there, and since it is so much smaller, has a much much nicer campus (in my opinion; Charlottesville is nice but UVA has little defined campus, which I don't like at all) and because the undergraduate science isn't overshadowed by graduate science, JMU might be a more pleasant choice for some people. Some people prefer smaller colleges with nice campuses where the science is actually intended for the undergraduates. As for the social aspects, from living in a student area in Charlottesville, I have some idea of the atmosphere, and don't think it would suit me.

I wasn't bashing UVA; it's a great school, I applied there, and work there, and just don't think it is for me. I was just pointing out that there are still great opportunities at JMU and the OP shouldn't go to UVA just because it's bigger and more prestigious. If they like it and think that they would do well there, they should go. If I have to choose, I would find it a very difficult decision. However, until last week when I toured the new science buildings, I wouldn't have considered JMU over UVA. Knowing that their facilities are much better than I had expected made a big difference, and I was just trying to provide that same information to the OP.

Globalist · 03-27-2008, 02:45 AM

What are you talking about? UVA definitely has a defined campus. We call it the Grounds. You can walk from one section of the University from the Darden School and Law School on North Grounds past the new JPJ sports center through Lambeth past the Architecture School, the Lawn, the old Comm School and the Engineering School to the First Years dorms. You speak as if UVa is like NYU or VCU which blend completely with New York City and Richmond respectively. Anyone who's been to UVa knows we have a campus. It's a United Nations World Heritage site for God's sake.

SENI08 · 03-27-2008, 03:40 PM

Yeah, I live here, I know what it's like. Again, I'm not saying JMU is better than UVA; that's not true. I'm just saying that UVA isn't for everyone, and that JMU is a good option too.

SENI08 · 03-27-2008, 03:41 PM

For the record, UVA is a great school; I'm not disputing that at ALL.

dblair45 · 03-31-2008, 10:36 AM

i would definately choose UVA. You seriously just cannot pass up the opportunity to attend such a prestigious university of UVA. It is easily the Number 1 public university in the US, and it conistently ranks top of the nation in all of its departments. The career alumni is of the best nationally, and you are virtually guarenteed a great job after graduations. Also, the sports are much better at UVA.

pedsox · 04-01-2008, 03:36 PM

I clicked on this thread because I couldn't believe that it was a serious question!

strat15 · 04-01-2008, 09:27 PM

To say that there is absolutely no reason to choose JMU over UVA is unless your getting a ton of money is simply ridiculous and you definately are just saying that because you go to uva(cavalier). i'd check jmu's isat program ,miles, before you read this biased thread. just an example of how uva students think they are better than everyone else.

kindaslick89 · 04-02-2008, 12:39 AM

As A disclaimer, I was rejected from UVA, but I will say that you would have to be wacked out of your mind to choose JMU over UVA. JMU is a nice school and all but strictly based on prestige, go anywhere else in the country, ask 50 people if they have heard of UVA and ask 50 people if they have heard of JMU, and then compare the lopsided results.

cavalier302 · 04-02-2008, 01:37 AM

strat, your trolling knows no bounds, does it? You're just saying stuff to get a rise out of people. Grow up. JMU is a fine school, but it simply doesn't have the breadth or depth of resources or the intellectual atmosphere that UVA or W&M do.