James Madison University

Date: Feb 17 2006
Major: Nuclear Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
I am actually an ISAT major (which was not on the list to choose from). This is a multi-diciplinary science major that suits me perfectly. I wanted to study engineering in college, but the problem is that my math skills and concept uptake are not perfect. I make lots of small mistakes and I need more time to fully understand concepts than the really gifted engineering students. In a traditional engineering program I would probably be bogged down and left behind unless I really dedicated 99% of my week to studying. With ISAT, I spend more 50 to 60% of my week studying (classes, homework, test prep.) leaving the other half to relaxing, partys, friends, and research. Still, ISAT majors do more work day in and day out than most other majors at JMU.

Speaking of research, I have co-authored one manuscript which was published in an international peer-reviewed journal, and presented my research at an international conference. ISAT provides amazing undergraduate research opportunities to its students. I have been paid ($6-$10) for the research ever since I started. This experience has been the greatest opportunity provided to me at JMU, and has opened many doors for my future.

Enough about academics… the people really make the college. For guys, JMU is the place to be. Our girl/guy ratio is something near 60/40. Any normal decent guy is in demand. The girls are absolutely beautiful. You can't walk through campus during the day without seeing at least a dozen hot girls. You can't go one night of partying without the opportunity to dance with or get to know some really hot girls. The people are really friendly and very easy to meet as freshmen. If you transfer its not quite as easy because people have their groups, but its still not hard.

Girls, its not very easy to find a nice JMU guy to have a serious relationship with. Most freshmen girls dont care anyway, but I have known some upper classmen girls that really get frustrated by guys. Hook-ups are easy, relationships arn't. Still, don't let this change your mind about JMU. Once you graduate, you'll be back in demand.

In general, the people at JMU are very active and take their lives seriously. They keep busy with academics and the amazing amounts of clubs and organizations that exist at JMU. In general they keep physically fit, our rec center is absolutely top notch.

When the time for work is over (usually starting Thursday or Friday night) JMU knows how to have a good time. Every weekend of the semester there are multiple off-campus parties with FREE beer that ANYONE can go to. The cops don't come into apartments, so you're free to drink. Just don't get caught with alcohol out in the streets and you'll be fine. After 2 years of partying every weekend, I have never had any trouble with the law. There is usually loud music and low lights at the parties, perfect for dancing. You'll see your friends and people you know whenever you go out. Its a good way to get to know people.

Main thing: IF YOU COME TO JMU, GET OUT AND GET TO KNOW PEOPLE! ITS SO EASY, AND ITS WHAT COLLEGE IS ALL ABOUT.