(JMU) I really think the negative reviews are coming from

How this student rated the school

Educational Quality	A+	Faculty Accessibility	A
Useful Schoolwork	A+	Excess Competition	A+
Academic Success	A+	Creativity/ Innovation	B+
Individual Value	A+	University Resource Use	A+
Campus Aesthetics/ Beauty	A+	Friendliness	A
Campus Maintenance	A-	Social Life	A+
Surrounding City	A	Extra Curriculars	A+
Safety	A-

Describes the student body as: Friendly, Approachable Describes the faculty as: Friendly, Helpful

Female

Quite Bright

Lowest Rating Creativity/ Innovation	B+

Highest Rating Educational Quality	A+

She rated most things higher than other students did.

Date: Aug 14 2010
Major: Nursing (This Major's Salary over time)
I really think the negative reviews are coming from student's who A)didn't give JMU the chance it deserves B)don't even attend this university or C)haven't found their niche yet. I applied to most of the school's in VA and got in everywhere (UVa, Tech, VCU), and no offense to anyone but JMU is hard to get into, there's a surplus of people who applied and didn't get in, and it gets more difficult every year. I chose JMU because of the people (friendly, especially to freshmen, we understand you're new and need a little help), the campus (which is gorgeous, even in the snow, although it can be treacherous). While there is a small percentage of the student population does go out 3-4 nights a week that's not the majority, by far, most of us limit it to 1-2 nights, because we're also using the time to study and relax. My major is one of the most difficult on campus, but, I love it and wouldn't have it any other way, the faculty is great, even in the GenEd's. It may take some time to adjust and feel out the campus, but get involved, be open to meeting new people and it will feel like home in no time. Everyone I know loves it and can't wait to get back to school come August. GO DUKES!

Responses

You forgot option D): There might be someone who is posting multiple negative reviews. I can't prove this, but it's a possibility. On the other hand, I can say that I did have a roommate who posted multiple positive reviews of JMU on several college preview sites, such as this one. He's had several positive postings on this site with various aliases. Why? I don't know. Besides, it wasn't as if he was hired by JMU to submit his postings. All I know is that he really loved his school. Was he wrong to this? Maybe yes, Maybe no…I'm leaving the decision up to you. All I know is that he really loved our school. However, I thought your review was in poor taste as its main purpose was to target other reviewers who had views opposite of your own. Let them state their opinions and be done with it, or you can direct respond to their reviews as I have done with yours. I’m attacking your critique because it’s misleading in its undertone; it is by no means positive. If you love JMU, use your space to highlight more of the positive aspects of the school such as the fairly new facilities and dorms on East Campus. Mention how Human Anatomy & Physiology classes are taught by some extremely gifted professors, who don’t rely on their degrees to earn respect from their students. By the way, there is at least one who holds an M.D. and she earned my respect in the humbleness that she exhibited inside and outside of the classroom. I can go on and on. If your goal is to recruit new students to JMU, then the method you’re using isn’t going to be very effective. Personally, when I read your review I think, “Wow, what a close-minded individual!” In turn, I can’t take your review seriously. You can’t understand why some may not like JMU because not everyone is the same. Learn to accept the fact that we don’t live in a communist society where everyone shares the same train of thought. When you do, then perhaps we may be treated to a positive review that is convincing of the many great qualities that JMU has to offer.

I don't see how my personal opinion and statement of JMU and all that it has to offer is close-minded. I did mention that the faculty is great but because I have a limited experience/interaction I won't be posting specific departments, I have friends with other majors and it seems that their professors are equally as great so why single out one specific department or one specific teacher, let them form their own opinions as everyone's not the same. Am I trying to convince someone to come to JMU? Yes, because I think it deserves the chance that it might not otherwise receive. Am I writing a convincing review? Maybe, maybe not, but if you're not a freshmen in college entering the school or a high school student making a decision on where to go, then you can't give me an accurate answer. The new dining facilities are mentioned every 5 seconds in a tour so I decided to focus on the overall picture. And I don't know why you're being so outlandish in your statements "Learn to accept that we don't live in a communist society where everyone shares the same train of thought" you have no idea of my beliefs/thoughts/ and the actions precipitating my beliefs. You should learn not to judge others and look in the mirror before you hand out labels. I'm sorry to see that you go or went to JMU, I feel like you have a very high opinion of yourself and obviously aren't very humble or open-minded. The glass is always half full - or do you see it as half empty?

Why are you sorry that I went to JMU? Was it because I loved the school throughout my four years of undergrad, or is it because I hurt your feelings about your review? I'm thinking the latter. Personally, I'm glad that you attend JMU. While your comments lead me to think that you may be somewhat close-minded, I can see that you are passionate about your beliefs. I have no problem with either of those qualities as long as they don't interfere with the views of others. True, I have interposed my views upon yours with my responses, but you were the first to strike through your initial review statement – go ahead, take a look and see just how liberal your statement sounded. That brings me to another point of inquiry. How is attacking other students' comments who have views different from your own open-minded? Have you asked yourself that, lately? By the way, how does one go about giving JMU the chance it deserves? I knew one kid from Nova who spent two years studying at JMU; however, he also frequented weekend apartment parties, was involved in club sports, and spent his winters skiing at Massanutten. Did he fail to give JMU "the chance" that you mentioned? What criteria constitutes this chance that you spoke of? Also, you should take some of your own advice regarding your comment about not judging "others and [looking] in the mirror before you hand out labels." You've clearly demonstrated your inability to abide by your own statement as you have: 1) Condescendingly placed judgment on those who have stated their displeasure with JMU, and 2) Distributed some of your own labels upon me while failing to recognize that those same labels are just as well suited for yourself. In closing, I would like to mention that JMU is a fine institution and I don’t think it is in need of a self-anointed defender; just take a look at the growing number of quality applicants that apply from year to year. Additionally, I would like to say, “Take a chill pill or cold shower, whatever works for you, and spend more time enjoying school and less on what others think about JMU. After all, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Good luck to you and have a great senior year.