<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>I am a first year Canadian student currently attending Western University of Ontario in the Biomedical Science Module (first year). My credits will include 1.0 Bio w/Lab, 1.0 Chem w/Lab, 1.0 Math, 1.0 Physc., 1.0 Physics/Lab. I would like to transfer to James Madison University as soon as possible because of its excellent academic reputation/environment and a very dear friend of mine if currently enrolled there. I will likely maintain a very high GPA (3.8+). What would I need to do in order to transfer to James Madison University (marks, cost, SAT?). I know there is a lot links for this on the site but I need specific steps I can follow in order to complete this transfer; I will do anything to make this transfer successful. Also what kind of costs would I be looking at as an international student? also how would the price change if I had dual citizenship/ permanent residence in the USA? I know this might be a difficult task but any help would be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I’m guessing this has more to do with the “dear friend,” because IMO UWO is better than JMU. Anyway, many of your questions are answered at [James</a> Madison University Office of International Admissions](<a href=“http://www.jmu.edu/admissions/international/]James”>International Admissions - JMU)</p>
<p>I will level with you, its all about the “dear friend”. Yea I got into UWO as a western scholar with +90% and countless people have told me it is a better university but I would really like to go to JMU with her. Since I am a freshman who just started, will I have to do SATs? Can you provide any insight on finical aid I could receive with a 93% average from high school and the likely-hood of me being accepted? I apologize if it is on the site but I am a complete n00b at this.</p>
<p>[JMU</a> - Information for International Transfer Students](<a href=“http://www.jmu.edu/transfer/inttrn.shtml]JMU”>Transferring from Outside of the United States - JMU)</p>
<p>That link should answer most of your questions.</p>
<p>I want to transfer there ASAP, would it be better to wait and give a strong university GPA for transfer or apply now with my high school marks (92%)? I have all the prereqs but no SATs.</p>
<p>I think since you should wait until you get 1yr of college course work to apply. Your stats seem pretty strong so I think you would have no problem getting in. I got into JMU as a transfer into their business department with a 3.5 GPA with 61 credits coming from out of state(Maryland). And are you an international student? If so, then you will not be eligible for federal or state financial aid. According to JMU’s website, the estimated cost of attendance for an OOS student is $33,166. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, then you can get federal aid and loans that can help you out with the cost. Hope that helps. All the best man!</p>
<p>Thanks alot man. When did you transfer from Maryland to JMU? after freshman year? I have a tentative deal worked out with a friend who currently goes there on a sports scholarship to live with them “free of charge” and I won’t be traveling back and forth to Canada that much, so it will be about $20,000, pretty much what I am paying at Western University right now. If I became a dual citizen, both Canadian and American; will I be eligible for financial aid? Can’t I just get a student visa instead? What kind of aid is there?; here in Ontario we have OSAP, what is offered in the states? I apologize for my ignorance on the matter, I am very new to all this. </p>
<p>Also how heavily are ECs weighted for the transfer? If I had a really strong GPA (3.85+) in biomedical science here at UWO with few ECs will there be a HUGE deterrent? Will the marks be what carries me through?</p>
<p>I applied as a transfer Fall 2010 from Montgomery College in Maryland. So your friend will cover the full cost of room and board? If that is the case then the cost of attendance should decrease by about $8000. So you will probably need the $20,000 for tuition + books + transportation + personal expenses.</p>
<p>How will you become gain the dual citizenship? If you can do that within a year then you should be eligible for federal aid. </p>
<p>If you have a student visa (F-1 students), you will NOT be eligible for any federal financial aid, which means you will be required to prove that you can afford the full cost of attending JMU($33,166). This can be done by using a bank statement that shows you have enough money to cover the full cost.
There are also many limitations as an F-1 student. For example, you cant work without DHS authorization, must be a full-time student at all times, e.t.c. </p>
<p>If you can become a dual Canadian and US citizen, then I would highly suggest you do that. It will simplify your transfer process and it will also make you eligible for federal financial aid (Grants and Loans).</p>
<p>About the EC’s, I think it wont affect your application. I only had about 4 EC’s when I applied. Just focus more on your GPA and the courses that you are taking at UWO. Go to JMU’s website and look at the class requirements for your major and try to match them with classes at UWO. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Can you just give me an idea of the process involved in acquiring a dual citizenship, just so I have a reference point to start with. Also in terms of federal aid; they would give me a loan that I have to pay off? correct? Are any bursaries or grants that I can access with good marks? Also would JMU have any inclination to provide me with any funds if I apply for their scholarship awards as an international student? or does being from Canada will make no difference?</p>
<p>sorry gotta bump…need answers.</p>
<p>US immigration procedures can be pretty ugly. I’m absolutely not an expert, but I’ve never heard of gaining dual citizenship in a year. Perhaps if you married a US citizen…?</p>
<p>You should ask on [International</a> Students - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/international-students/]International”>International Students - College Confidential Forums) . Also consider contacting the US consulate or embassy nearest to you.</p>
<p>noimagination is right, there is no way you can get US citizenship within 1 yr unless you marry a US citizen.</p>
<p>I was admitted to JMU and the reason I did not attend was because they didn’t offer me any aid as an out of state student. </p>
<p>So I would recommend you to start looking for outside scholarship now to fill out the gaps. Also call JMU and ask for department scholarships for transfer student. </p>
<p>You will probably get in to JMU if you maintain your grades but make sure you start looking for scholarships now so that when you get in, you will be able to attend.</p>