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 havenât heard from. It would be between PSU, JMU, and VT. But if heâs getting deferred JMU I canât imagine he gets in VT. He would happily go to PSU, but the OOS would mean loans where we can pay instate cash.
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.
I have a feeling my sonâs final two will come down to Penn State and JMU. Weâve visited JMU and loved it, have not yet seen PSU, going in a couple weeks. The issue, and reason Iâm pulling heavily for JMU, is bc he got into PSUâs school of education which is great, but weâre 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.
I was really hopeful my Penn Stater would go to JMU too, because weâre in state and itâs such a huge cost difference - but he didnât love JMU and once he saw/experienced PSU, it was game over. He loves PSU so it feels like a good investment so far.
Would anyone know if you can send in additional information to JMU if you were deferred? (midterm grades, test scores)? Iâd ask my child but heâs at something in Richmond.
It looks like they discourage additional unsolicited info, but they have a FAQ about deferred decisions and thereâs 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 wonât to match other schools on her list.
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 itâs been 3.7. They are also admitting less students than in previous years because they went over quota the last few years and donât have room.
She also said counselors are encouraged to ask student to withdraw their applications if they have decided on another school and they wonât be accepting admission to JMU regardless. Iâve heard it doesnât work that way, but apparently it does here, so weâll be discussing if JMU would even be considered if they get into VT.
4.12?? Thatâs insane. These poor kids are killing themselves to have âperfectâ grades to get into state schools. Itâs not right.
My sentiments exactly. Itâs 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 isnât 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.
Exactly. Being a âgoodâ student should be enough. Perfection or straight As and all honors/AP/DE classes is ridiculous. Makes me sad for these kids.
Canât wait for VT decisions⊠ughâŠ
Thatâs makes one of us. I fear it wonât be any better. A lot of kids are going to be left with little choice.
How do you want being a âgood student be enoughâ 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.
Itâs a byproduct of JMUâs success. There are other state schools with higher acceptance rates.
I donât think itâs 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 âperfectâ grades. At least that was my experience.
Totally with you. Iâm feeling almost survivorâs guilt bc my OOS son has almost identical stats and got in. Yet got waitlisted at UMass Amherst in state. Iâve had to read his letter 100x to confirm he actually got in lol.
My OOS son just withdrew his offer of admission. Best of luck, all. It seems like a wonderful school!