Why choose JMU?

I recently surveyed several students at JMU and asked them why they chose JMU.  Here are their responses.

Connor Birkner

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Major: Media Arts & Design

Year: Senior

I chose JMU to be my home for the next 4 years because I was able to see it at all times of the year. My brother came here before me so I was able to see JMU from Parent’s Weekend to any ordinary weekend, and it never changed. The same spirit, the same community, and the same love for this institution remained.

Isha Arora

Hometown: Centreville, VA

Major: Computer Information Systems

Year: Senior

The answer is definitely the people. I strongly believe that the people
at JMU–the students as well as faculty, are what make this institution what it is today. From the second I stepped onto the JMU campus I was
taken by the energy, enthusiasm, and the warmth of the people at JMU.
Everyone was so nice, so helpful, and so willing to share their
experiences. No one had anything negative to say about JMU or any other
university, or the college experience in general. They got me so excited
to attend college! And now that I’m part of the JMU culture, I couldn’t
agree more with my statement. My experience at JMU has proven to me that
this university really believes in its students and is willing to go
above and beyond to bring out the best in them.

MaryAlyse Klement

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

Major: History; Minor: Secondary Education and Interdisciplinary Social Science

Year: Senior

JMU was not my first choice for college. When I arrived for Freshman Move-In, I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic or planning on staying in Harrisonburg for very long. I had every intention to transfer, but here I am four years later wondering how I could have ever thought about leaving this incredible place. What kept me at JMU were the people. Everyone here on campus is so welcoming and accepting! The campus has such a positive atmosphere that you can’t help but be in a good mood! You can be yourself at JMU, and don’t have to worry about not being accepted. While the student body may have varying interests and beliefs, we are all united by our love and pride for James Madison, we are all Dukes and we all bleed purple!

Rachel Navarrete

Hometown: Springfield, VA

Major: Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies; Minor: Elementary Education, Spanish

Year: Junior

When I began my college search almost four years ago, I never imagined I’d pick JMU.  I thought I wanted to go out of state and get as far away from home as I could. My parents insisted that I at least look at some in-state schools, and suggested we take a tour at James Madison.  I reluctantly came, thinking my heart was set on some school far away.  As soon as I drove on to campus I instantly had a change of heart.  The campus was beautiful and so inviting.  As I took my tour and heard more about what a great place JMU was I began to like it more and more.  By the end of the day I was hooked, I knew I wanted to spend the next four years of my life here and be a JMU Duke.  In just a few short hours on the campus and I could already tell what an incredible place JMU truly is. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is beautiful and the food is great!  I have found my second home here at Madison, and I have never once regretted my decision to attend JMU.
Tiara McKeever

Hometown: Petersburg, VA

Major: Psychology; Minor: Family Studies

Year: Senior

I chose to attend James Madison University because it had a lot to offer
me such as a positive environment; excellent academic classes that could help me develop new skills; and  resources such as the Center for
Multicultural Student Services, The Writing Center, and the Alternative
Spring Break Programs just to name a few. JMU also offered a diverse
group of organizations and clubs that I could become a part of. Being a
first generation college student isn’t easy, however JMU made me realize
that I could Be the Change.

Tara Vaezi

Hometown: Hackettstown, NJ

Major: Communication Studies/Public Relations

Year: Senior

Throughout high school I had never heard of JMU. No one from my area had attended the school so it was not on my radar. It wasn’t until a family friend wrote a letter to me describing her experience here as a Freshman, that JMU was added to my list of schools to visit. I didn’t come to JMU until CHOICES in April. I had no idea what to expect but the moment I walked into the convocation center, I was speechless. No other school had this much true passion and energy. It was one of those perfect sunny days where all I could see was a sea of purple and gold. JMU had the perfect balance of academics and student organization opportunities, I knew it was a perfect fit.

Nick Zurlo 

Hometown: Washington, NJ

Major: Biology, concentration in Pre-Medicine

Year: Senior

Although there were many reasons why I chose JMU, I was most drawn to the tight-knit community aspect of JMU. With a student body of around 18,000 people, most would think that one would just get lost in the crowd. However, my visit to JMU proved to be the exact opposite of what I expected. The student body was extremely nice and outgoing and everyone seemed to know each other or be extremely friendly to those that they didn’t know.  I was drawn to how tightly-knit the JMU community presented itself to be, which only made me feel more comfortable at this university. This is one aspect of JMU that will never be forgotten or overseen as I continue to see going on today.

Kristin Alexander

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Major: Communication Studies

Year: Junior

The first time I ever visited JMU was in April for CHOICES, an open house day for admitted students. On the way in to the welcome ceremony, we were greeted by a long line of JMU students wearing purple as they sung the fight song and did various JMU cheers. My dad pointed to one of the girls and said, “That will be you.” The spirit only increased as the day went on and everywhere we went there were friendly students providing encouraging words and advice. As someone who considers myself to be pretty school spirited, this had a big impact on me. I remember calling my mom as we left to tell her that I found my new home and that I couldn’t imagine feeling so comfortable anywhere else.

Ivaco Clarke

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

Major: Social Work

Year: Senior

I was introduced to JMU my senior year of high school by attending an open house event sponsored by Students for Minority Outreach called,
Take-A-Look. Being provided opportunities that promote cultural
awareness, representation, and expression were all factors that I took
into consideration when deciding the next step within my academic
career. Though the minority population may be perceived as small, this
event gave me a glimpse of college life from specifically a minority
student’s perspective. It was then that I also acknowledged the greater
possibility of contributing something significant and unique to the
campus and local community.

Allie Weissberg

Hometown: Murrieta, CA

Major: Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies; Minor: Elementary Education

Year: Senior

Upon submitting my application to JMU, I honestly had no intent on attending the University.  I had applied   because I have family in the area, but had my heart set on another institution.  I was visiting family in Charlottesville during Thanksgiving Break of my senior year and decided since we were in the area, that I might as well visit Harrisonburg and check out the campus.  By the conclusion of my tour, I had been bitten by the JMU bug and had gotten “that feeling” that you get when you figure out where your new home is going to be.  I fell in love with the spirit and atmosphere of Madison; the way that students held doors upon for others, smiled at fellow students they didn’t know, and cared, inwardly and outwardly, about their university.  Attending CHOICES sealed the deal for me, and I can honestly say that my decision to attend JMU has been the single best decision I’ve ever made.  The balance of academics and extracurriculars is perfect, and I could not be happier to say that JMU is my home.

Amy Moore

Hometown: Brick, NJ

Major: Graphic Design

Year: Senior

My college search started very late in the game in high school, mainly because I had absolutely no idea where I wanted to go to school. An east coast school with a graphic design program was all I knew I wanted, until I came to James Madison University.  My guidance counselor had given me a huge stack of university statistics to look through and decide where my college visits would be.  After narrowing down my choices, JMU still on my list, I headed out visiting (what I thought) was my top choice first.  I fell in love at this other university when I was there and was sure I’d end up at that school, and then I came to JMU for a tour. Immediately upon entering campus I felt a vibe of excitement, school spirit, and just plain old happiness! What a great first impression I had!  I proceeded to take a campus tour with an amazing tour guide who without even trying to show it, portrayed his love and passion for this university.  The remainder of the day as my Dad and I explored campus on our own, people seemed so genuinely happy to be here and as well as friendly, lending us helping hands when we looked lost.  The atmosphere, the community, the spirit, the drive, the way people hold the doors open for you ALWAYS, the beautiful buildings, the professors, the organizations, the on-campus food, the Duke Dog, the friends, the JMU family, the passion, the LOVE; these are the reasons I came to James Madison University, the reasons I love JMU now, and the reasons that I consider JMU my first home.  I couldn’t imagine my life without this amazing university and I’m SO proud to call myself a JMU Duke.

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