George Mason University

Date: Sep 09 2004
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
This a review for Commuters only, and I will talk about the school in three general areas.

GENERALLY - George Mason has transitioned well from a back-up, next step from NOVA to a school that is now becoming reputable for some of its academic programs. However, 87% of students who go here commute, and with that comes annoying traits. There is generally a lack of school spirit and as much as faculty may try to shed that image, they have huge amount of work instore for them. The campus itself is busy with alot of construction due to rise in students, but on the whole, very plesant to the eyes.

Academically - It really depends on your major and which teachers you pick. If you choose good teachers like I did last semester, you will be content, otherwise I've heard of some pretty bad experiences. Some academic programmes are good here like Economics, government, but the rest generally

serve their purpose.

Socially - As much as they GM may say its the most diverse University, they forget to mention how segregated the student body is. People from different backgrounds stick to their own people which is really strange, you'd think people would intergrate but not here. There are three types of people who go here 1) commuters who come here knowing people and have friends 2) dorm residents who move onto campus to make friends - thus making their social groups and 3) commuters who dont know people here, some who want to make an effort and try, but find it impossible to blend in. There are reasons for that - Id say most of GM's student body is "unapproachable." In classes, nobody is really interested in talking to get to know their peers, so its a very strange enviorment.

I knew one girl who lived on campus, but if her crowd wanted to do anything "fun" they would have to go DC, so always having to leave the campus. You can join clubs, organizations, but it takes such a big effort and you really have to have luck like I did. I met a few people in class and have kept up with them - so this semester will be bearable being able to see them at lunch twice a week, but Id hate to think what will happen if our schedules didnt coincide.

All in all, try to avoid going here, but if you're looking for a decent/cheap school to go to and live at home, welcome to GMU. otherwise go elsewhere, I have plans to leave soon.