I'll try to break down GMU in categories:Education: My degree at GMU is very good. It's been regarded as such by NSA. Some gen-eds are a little unneeded, but the major courses are well planned and taught by bright professors. Those rating the education as "F" or "C+" are either in a very easy major, hasn't gotten into upper level courses, are just one of those brilliant kids, or just hate the university so much (non-educational reasons) that they'll give them bad scores on everything. I see comments saying "TEACHERS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND WON'T HELP" ... if the education quality is so poor, then why do you need help? Seems a bit contradicting, huh?
GMU has better educational programs (in specific majors) than other major universities. Challenge yourself and you will be rewarded by the education here.
Campus: It's nice. Not too big, not too small. I'd say it's a medium-large size campus, and pretty nice. Lots of construction is going on, and will continue to go on for years to come. However, the construction thankfully doesn't necessarily get in your way.
Resources: I've had no problem with the computer labs and other resources. For those who say "they're always packed", they're probably refering to the ones in the JC. In Innovation Hall, on the 3rd floor there is a computer lab that is rarely packed. That's the one you should use.
Faculty/Staff: People here saying "blah blah, faculty sucks" obviously doesn't do much research. There are at least 10+ professors who are very reputable and some of the best in the country. Names like Trefil, Hazen, etc name a few. I've personally only had a problem with one professor, and this professor is just a victim of the power trip. He believes that he knows more than everyone, and frankly, tries to degrade his students. Every other professor has been helpful and usually clear with what they expect.
Social Life: It's gone downhill. The university has basically banned fraternity rush parties. Also, the university police has a main goal: stop drinking. They are known to do this, and have even noted this in a public resource (washingtonpost). There are still parties, yet nowhere near the volume of other universities. The bars, though, are fun and usually packed of Mason students on Thursday nights, which is the only reason I rate the social life a B-. If it wasn't for the bars, it'd probably receive a C.
Athletics: These used to not matter. The school spirit was low. However, it can't be told yet, but with GMU's run to the Final Four, the school spirit might be of some value now. My opinion: Go to the basketball games. They're fun and relaxing.
The commuter debate: Yes, GMU was a huge commuter school. Yes, GMU is still a commuter school. Yes, it's changing. No, it won't be an instant change.
I look at GMU as two large groups at one university: Commuters and non-commuters.
Commuters tend to live at home with the parents, work part-time or full-time jobs, show up to class, leave, and complain about how the university sucks.
Non-commuters tend to live off campus with roommates, or on campus, work a day or two a week, show up to class, hang around campus, drink more often, join fraternities, and complain about how the university could be better.
Take it for what you want.
Oh, and just of note, disregard the "I'm a senior in high school and smarter than freshmen." "GMU is for retards". Blah blah. This kid has no clue what he's talking about. He lists his "major" as Computer Science, yet talks about Literary topics? ... weird.
In summary: I would go to this university again for my education. I value my education more than being able to bong 20 beers at a house party. I believe you will have a good career with a Mason degree (regardless of what these reviews say) and there is proof of such. Mason has alumni that are presidents of major corporations, executive VPs, CEOs, etc.
Mason is a young school, if you can't handle the transition and want a default "WOOO I GOT HAMMERED ON A TUESDAY NIGHT AND FAILED AN EXAM YEAHHHHHH" university, then go there. If you value your education and actually want to go to graduate school and have a successful career, then I would suggest coming here.
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