George Mason University

Date: Aug 20 2003
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
Geez, Where do I begin with George Mason University. Ill start off with a flashback. Its the early 90's. People are done with classes and theres NO johnson center or Aquatic Center, so they walk around, talk and go home. This was the typical day on campus according to a family friend in the late 80's. So if you think the college is bad now, think how bad it was back then.

The Main Fairfax Campus has come a long way since then. It seems like somewhere in late 95 that the faculty STARTED USING THEIR BRAINS and and came up with a plan to improve the reputation of the University by finally opening the Johnson Center, followed by the opening of the new aquatic center in 98. Since 98, every year the University has improved slowly. More students, new/modern housing, more buildings and better academic programs. Its no longer known as a backup school because they're actually taking in smart students now with no less than 3.0 gpas.

But with all the effort that the faculty are putting in, GM still has abit to go.. like getting a football team. They're setting up one in 2006 but who has the time to wait. Sports, especially a good football team is what attracts alot of male atheletes to a school and GM doesnt have one which a major drawback.

Socially, its mainly a commuter school although I mentioned the faculty IN THE LAST 2 YRS and NOW doing their best to change that. You really have to put alot of effort in to get to know people since most commute from the surrounding area. The campus doesnt foster an enviorment where students are encouraged to socialize and theres a complete lack of school spirit. When trying to meet a new person, within 10 mins you know if the person is interested in even having a discussion with you or not, it may take longer but I think its easy to tell early, atleast for me. You should be proud of where you go and not hate it as some students at GM do. Ive found people tend to get on their mobile phones and start talking.

If you happen to live on campus, you probably will have a better experience. If you're an upper classman, you can now enjoy the new Liberty Square housing thats opening soon. Looks good from the outside. But beware, on Friday, the skool is dead. Everybody is either working, dont want to come to school or decide to head home for the weekend and Ive herd alot of resident students do that too. If you are going here in the future and commuting, best option is to join a frat if you want to get to know loads of ppl quickly.

GM academically has some good schools but it depends who you have for a professor which is why you should check student ratings on professors. Economics, Law and Nursing ive heard are good at GM.

In all, O.K. school, pricing is reasonable, slowly becoming a top choice skool but has a way to go before it reaches the top. If you want the classic college experience, do not go here. Thats why Im thinking of going to UMD College Park. GM has changed dramatically overall but I dont have years to wait for it to improve. YOURE ONLY IN COLLEGE ONCE.