<p>CM4: My son is at JMU and had also considered VT (and got in). He ended up choosing JMU because of its greater focus on undergrads, JMU classes being smaller than at VT and being taught by professors (VT uses a lot of grad students/teaching assistants), and JMU’s orientation being a lot more robust. Also, JMU’s housing situation was a lot more appealing – all freshmen are housed in freshmen-only dorms at JMU, which promotes bonding and a strong community feel, whereas at VT your roommate will be a freshman, but there are a mix of freshmen and sophomores on most halls. JMU’s bread and butter is undergrads, whereas VT has a huge grad school. JMU works really hard to help freshmen adjust to college life. VT does have the bigger D-I sports program, especially in football; but JMU has football, and it does generate a lot of socializing and fun. JMU students are very spirited and upbeat, and that positive vibe really appealed to my son. VT is a friendly campus, too, but JMU just seemed a little warmer and more close-knit. Academically, they’re both great schools, but classes are smaller and more often taught by professors at JMU. JMU emphasizes the liberal arts a bit more – all students take some classes in the humanities, arts, and social sciences; even if they plan to major in something technical. Likewise, those not majoring in something technical are still expected to gain some technical literacy. Overall, though, they are both really nice schools, and you can’t go wrong with either one.</p>