George Mason University

GMU has the 4th best Law School in the States and the trend of quality higher learning is also clearly seen in the English Department. We are gifted with some of the best writers in the States such as Richard Bausch, and award winning poets such as Carolyn Forsche and Susan Tichy. I have learned so much here, and must also mention the amazing Religious Studies Department with professors like Dr. John Burns (former graduate of the elite St. Andrews in Scotland) whose love of Ancient Egypt inspired me and changed my life. The campus is multi-cultural and there is at least one activity that could interest every person.

The worst mistake people make is commuting, they don't take college seriously and put it second to work, social, and family life. By chosing to commute, you chose to distance yourself from all college activities and people who you may grow close to. Some commuters are not part of this group however, being one myself the first semester of my Freshmen year, most are. If you don't want to go to college, and live on-campus to get the full experience, don't complain about there being nothing to do and not getting the full experience; b/c you chose to commute an hour to and from every day is no one else's fault. If you want to go to GMU, unless you live no more than five minutes away, don't commute! Part of college is learning to move out of the house, even for brief periods of time, and strike out on your own. Usually the parents that want you to stay home the most are the ones that sorely need to back down and let their children grow more than any others. I know different cultural values may play a part in this, but still campus living is not only about leaving yourself open for social activities with friends, it also makes you more flexible with your class times and not having to worry about rush hour. You have more time to do your coursework on-campus and every hour counts. It can make you nervous to move out and away from your safety zone, but it's worth it and vital to finding out who you are.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2005

Education Quality: A+, Individual Value: B-

As of the time of this writing, George Mason University is a school that is on its way up. I, for one, am proud to have been there during this exciting time. I was witness to new buildings, renovations, new technology, and more and more students arriving.

GMU is one of the most diverse schools in the country, but that does not necessarily mean that it is united. Students tend to "stick together" for the most part within their own ethnic groups (this is seen more with South Asians, Middle Easterners, and such) but efforts are made to bridge the gap between races and religions.

As of now, George Mason University campus social life is minimal. Most partying goes on in the dorms; fraternity houses hire shuttles to take kids to their parties, and there is no fraternity row. The university does put on events ("First Fridays" is one that has both undergone a major overhaul and gained popularity), but the campus is a dead zone on the weekends. This has contributed to a depressive atmosphere during this time.Mason is also home to distinguished professors who are there courtesy of the Robinson grant; these include Russian expatriate author Vassily Aksyonov, and former Iranian journalist Shaul Bakhash.

4th Year Male -- Class 2004

University Resource Use/ spending: A, Social Life: C-

George Mason University is an institution rich with diversity. Student Life here is certainly what you make of it. Getting involved is so easy, and Greek Life is amazing here. Unlike most college campuses, the Greek Life here is very invovled and is a wonderful venue for social and academic progress. All organizations are friendly and open you to their group without any difficulty. The Student Activities office is always open and available for use. I have only been here for 2 months and honestly believe I am having the most wonderful and invovled college experience because it is so possible to do so here at Mason. We can eat dinner in Georgetown by hopping onto the metro. There are so many wonderful opporutnities here!

1st Year Female -- Class 2008

University Resource Use/ spending: A+, Education Quality: F