James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA · Public · 20,888 undergrads
- Admit rate: 71.5% (35,750 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1170–1340 (ACT 24–29)
- Undergraduates: 20,888 (0.7% international)
- Average net price: $23,322 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 80% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
- Regular Decision: Jan. 15, 2027
Essays
Honors College applicants, essay 1 (200 words)
What does your ideal college experience look like? In what ways do you hope the JMU Honors College will help you achieve that vision?
Honors College applicants, essay 2 (200 words)
Of the qualities listed below, which one matters most to you? Why? (Balance, Bravery, Confidence, Creativity, Curiosity, Diligence, Fairness, Faith, Flexibility, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Honesty, Hope, Humility, Humor, Independence, Integrity, Kindness, Love, Loyalty, Openness, Optimism, Patience, Perseverance, Prudence, Respect, Stability)
Editor's notes
- Your transcript does most of the work here. JMU's Common Data Set rates rigor and GPA Very important and the essay only Considered, and its first-year page says it wants mostly A's and B's in core courses plus a math course beyond Algebra II. Check that math requirement now, while you can still fix your senior schedule.
- The essay is optional, but it's still worth writing if you have something real to say. JMU names the letter and the personal essay as where it finds "additional information." If your grades dipped for a reason, this is the place for it.
