James Madison University Early Action for Fall 2025 Admissions

When do merit awards come out?

Did you reach out to them - is it his first choice?

I have not reached out. Ithaca accepted, PSU - accepted, UVA rejected ED, JMU deferred and VT haven’t heard from. It would be between PSU, JMU, and VT. But if he’s getting deferred JMU I can’t imagine he gets in VT. He would happily go to PSU, but the OOS would mean loans where we can pay instate cash.

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Congrats on PSU, my son is still waiting (my older one is a junior there) - amazing school. VT will be out within 3 weeks, that will be huge. Really hoping both our kids get in. :heart:

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I have a feeling my son’s final two will come down to Penn State and JMU. We’ve visited JMU and loved it, have not yet seen PSU, going in a couple weeks. The issue, and reason I’m pulling heavily for JMU, is bc he got into PSU’s school of education which is great, but we’re OOS for both schools and $55k+ a year for education seems a little nuts. Whereas w JMU I believe he put down sports management but could pivot and have more leeway. For $10ka year less.

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I was really hopeful my Penn Stater would go to JMU too, because we’re in state and it’s such a huge cost difference - but he didn’t love JMU and once he saw/experienced PSU, it was game over. He loves PSU so it feels like a good investment so far.

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Would anyone know if you can send in additional information to JMU if you were deferred? (midterm grades, test scores)? I’d ask my child but he’s at something in Richmond.

It looks like they discourage additional unsolicited info, but they have a FAQ about deferred decisions and there’s a form that you can submit to speak with someone in 10 days: Admissions Decision Inquiry

We are excited about visiting JMU in March. It will definitely be in the Top 3. Waiting on VT also, not sure how this kid is going to make a final decision. We already have some nice offers on the table. I hope JMU gives some merit but we are nervous they won’t to match other schools on her list.

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Talked to school counselor just now - there was a call this morning about EA that they participated on. Apparently the median GPA for EA admitted students was 4.12 - in past years it’s been 3.7. They are also admitting less students than in previous years because they went over quota the last few years and don’t have room.
She also said counselors are encouraged to ask student to withdraw their applications if they have decided on another school and they won’t be accepting admission to JMU regardless. I’ve heard it doesn’t work that way, but apparently it does here, so we’ll be discussing if JMU would even be considered if they get into VT.

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4.12?? That’s insane. These poor kids are killing themselves to have “perfect” grades to get into state schools. It’s not right.

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My sentiments exactly. It’s a wonder kids get in anywhere.

The more I read about kids getting deferred and denied, there really is no rhyme or reason as to why it is happening. My daughter was accepted OOS, 3.6UW, 3.8W for biotech. Some of it must be In State vs OOS for tuition purposes or major dependent. And this isn’t just JMU, she was just deferred at UW Madison where we were full on expecting a rejection and there are kids with much higher stats who were flat out rejected. It really makes no sense at all.

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Exactly. Being a “good” student should be enough. Perfection or straight As and all honors/AP/DE classes is ridiculous. Makes me sad for these kids.

Can’t wait for VT decisions
 ugh


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That’s makes one of us. I fear it won’t be any better. A lot of kids are going to be left with little choice.

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How do you want being a “good student be enough” work, exactly? There are only so many spots available at the school. Are you suggesting they should reject higher performing applicants in favor of those from the middle of the pack?

The reason this is happening is because JMU has been getting more well known, expanding their programs, and drawing more and better applicants. More people apply so it becomes more competitive.

It’s a byproduct of JMU’s success. There are other state schools with higher acceptance rates.

I don’t think it’s just about perfect grades. They want to know that a kid will be successful being away from home and living on their own. I do believe life experience helps students stand out from the kid with only “perfect” grades. At least that was my experience.

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Totally with you. I’m feeling almost survivor’s guilt bc my OOS son has almost identical stats and got in. Yet got waitlisted at UMass Amherst in state. I’ve had to read his letter 100x to confirm he actually got in lol.

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My OOS son just withdrew his offer of admission. Best of luck, all. It seems like a wonderful school!