Admissions

Office of Admissions
Phone: (540) 568-5681
Email: admissions@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/admissions
Fax: (540) 568-3332
Location: Madison Hall, MSC 0101

The enrollment for the university is authorized by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The number of students admitted each year is limited by the resources available to the university.

Visiting the University

We encourage prospective students to attend a group information session and a walking tour of campus. To check our visitation schedule and make a reservation, visit our website.

First Year Student Admission

JMU’s admission process is competitive. We receive more qualified applications than we can accommodate. For the Fall 2020 admissions process, approximately 70 percent of applicants were admitted with 88 percent of the applicants being competitive. There is not a prescribed formula for gaining admission. The admissions committee works to select the strongest candidates from a high quality pool. We consider the following factors in evaluating applicants: program of study, academic achievement, optional standardized test scores, an optional recommendation, extracurricular activities and an optional personal statement. Each applicant is rated in the following four areas, listed in order of importance:

Academic Program

Competitive applicants should minimally have the following:

• four years of math with at least one full year beyond algebra II (i.e. pre-calculus, trigonometry, discrete, statistics, analysis, etc.). Consumer math, personal finance, and algebra functions and data anaylysis do not count and will not be evaluated as a full year beyond algebra II.
• three years of laboratory science (preferably biology, chemistry and physics or an AP, IB or DE science; general science or earth science does not count as a lab science);
• three to four years of the same foreign language or two years of two different foreign languages;
• four years of English; and
• four years of social studies.

Students who challenge themselves with the upper-level courses offered in their high school (i.e. Honors-level courses, Advanced Placement classes, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment) increase their competitiveness. Although schools provide different opportunities, applicants should pursue the most demanding college preparatory programs available. Because strong students come from different types of schools, we evaluate applicants within the context of their high schools.

Academic Achievement

To evaluate achievement in high school, we evaluate grades in the core subject areas: mathematics, English, foreign language, social studies and lab sciences. A competitive candidate is an “A/B” student in core courses. We look at performance throughout the entire high school career.

Standardized Tests

The SAT I or ACT are an optional part of the application. SAT IIs are not required for or considered in the admissions process.

Extracurricular Activities

We are looking for quality rather than quantity. For instance, we like to see what applicants have done in clubs, organizations and athletics beyond just being members. We also consider community service and part-time jobs. We look at the variety and depth of your involvement. Applicants must be academically competitive before extracurricular activities are reviewed.

Application Deadlines

Early Action Admission

Early Action is more competitive than the Regular Decision process. To be admitted through Early Action, a student needs to be superior in curriculum, grades, test scores and extracurricular activities.

The university will offer non-binding early notification admission to qualified first year student applicants. The deadline for early notification is November 1. Successful candidates will be notified in mid-January and must submit a tuition deposit by May 1 to enroll at the university. Most students who are not selected for early notification are considered under the university’s regular admission process.

For the last two years, 45 to 50 percent of students deferred from Early Action to Regular Decision were eventually admitted. Students who apply Early Action do not have an advantage over students who apply Regular Decision.

Regular Decision Admission

Because Early Action is more competitive than Regular Decision, students who apply through Regular Decision are not at a disadvantage. Applications must be submitted by January 15 to be considered for regular decision admission. All applicants will receive notification of their admission status the first week of April. Admitted students must submit a tuition deposit by May 1 to enroll at the university.

Application Procedure for First Year Student Admission

To access the application, apply online by filling out the application and submitting it electronically with an electronic payment. Students applying to James Madison University must:

• Carefully complete and submit the application, along with the nonrefundable application fee.
• Request that a counselor send a copy of their transcript electronically or through the mail to:

James Madison University Office of Admissions
MSC 0101
James Madison University
100 E. Grace Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807

• SAT or ACT scores are optional. Applicants should request SAT or ACT scores be forwarded to James Madison University directly from the College Board or American College Testing, respectively.

Information furnished on applications and all other university documents and records must be accurate and complete without evasion or misrepresentation. Submitting inaccurate or incomplete documents is cause for rejection or dismissal from the university.

Transfer Student Admission

To transfer to JMU, a student should:

• Have completed or be in the process of completing at least 24 credits at the college or university level, after graduating from high school or earning a GED, at the time of application.
• Successfully complete college course work in the following areas: English, math, lab science and social science in order to be competitive. The more college level course work a student completes, the less emphasis the admission committee places on the high school transcript.
• Be in good standing and eligible to continue or graduate from their previous institution(s). It is the student’s responsibility to provide the JMU Office of Admissions with official transcripts of work completed from all colleges attended. Concealment of previous attendance at a college or university is cause for cancellation of admission and registration. (Students with holds on their academic records will not be considered for admission until holds are released).
• The university recommends students have a “B” cumulative grade point average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) to be competitive for admission.

Application Procedure for Transfer Admission

To apply for transfer admission to the university, applicants must:

• Submit the online application for undergraduate admission along with the electronic application fee. This fee is not refundable or transferable and will not be credited to the student’s account.
• Request official transcripts be sent from all colleges attended prior to the application deadline.
• Submit an official high school transcript or a copy of a GED in addition to college transcripts, regardless of the number of college credits completed or the number of years out of high school.
• Complete a one-page personal statement (optional) for review by the Admissions Committee.
• Indicate a major.

All materials are due by October 1 for spring admission, February 1 for summer admission and March 1 for fall admission.

Evaluation of Transfer Credits

Credit will be awarded for those courses equivalent to courses offered at JMU in which the student has earned a grade of “C” or better.

After the student has been approved for admission, the Office of the Registrar will evaluate the transcript(s) of each transfer student to show the credits accepted by the university. The academic unit head of the program in which the student is majoring will determine the credits required for graduation.

With the exception of some community college degrees in General Studies, JMU General Education requirements will be waived for those students who have completed either the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or the Associate of Arts and Sciences degree at a Virginia community college. For the complete listing of degrees associated with a Virginia Community College that waive all General Education requirements, go to the Transfer Advising. Students who complete one of these associate degrees and are offered admission will receive junior-level status; however, due to varying major and degree requirements, junior-level status does not guarantee graduation in two years. For more details, consult the Office of Admissions or the JMU Virginia Community College Transfer Guide.

Advanced Placement

Applicants for admission who have completed advanced work in secondary school may use AP test scores to apply for course credit at JMU. Information about AP exams is available at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/about-exams. For a full list of available AP credit opportunities at JMU, refer to the Advanced Placement table.

Advanced Placement Chart

The score necessary to earn college credit at JMU, the corresponding course title at JMU and the credit hours which can be earned appear below. The grading scale is from one to five with five being the highest score. Credit hour equivalencies are reviewed annually by academic units.

¹ ART 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in art or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
² BIO 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in biology or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
³ CHEM 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in chemistry or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
⁴ ISAT 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in integrated science and technology or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
⁵ ISCI 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
6 GNED 123 fulfills the Cluster Two  Literature requirement.

International Admission

The Office of Admissions is responsible for the admission and enrollment of undergraduate international students. It also evaluates “A” Level examinations for academic credit.

Credit will be awarded for those courses equivalent to courses offered at JMU in which the student has earned a grade of “C” or better.

All non-U.S. citizens and nonpermanent residents of the U.S. must complete the international student application. This application and an international student information guidebook are available in the Office of Admissions, located in Madison Hall.

In addition to regular first year student and transfer admission requirements, international students must present evidence of English proficiency and documentation of sufficient financial resources.

The university welcomes international applications and is authorized by federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Requests for information concerning the admission of undergraduate international students should be directed to:

Office of International Admissions, MSC 0101
James Madison University 100 E. Grace Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: (540) 568-7865
http://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/international.shtml

International Examinations Credit

JMU will follow the recommendations of the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials when awarding academic credit based on international examinations. Questions regarding the evaluation of international examinations should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

Cambridge International Examinations and United Kingdom “A” Level Examinations

Students who participated in the Cambridge International Examination program or the United Kingdom “A” Level examinations may be awarded general education or other credit. Credit is evaluated by the appropriate academic unit.

For a full listing of available Cambridge International Examination courses and credit opportunities, refer to the table below.

2020-2021 Cambridge International Examination Courses

The grade necessary to earn college credit at JMU, the corresponding course title at JMU and the credit hours that may be earned appear in the Cambridge International Examination table. The acceptable grading scale is A, B, or C, although the acceptable grade for credit may vary between courses and the level of the exam taken. Credit hour equivalencies are reviewed annually by academic units.

United Kingdom “A” Level Examinations

Credit will be awarded to those students who receive a “C” or higher on an “A” level exam. Credit will be comparable to completing the two-course introductory sequence (six credit hours) in the subject.

French Baccalaureate

Students with scores of 12/20 or higher on examinations in subjects studied at a coefficient of 4 or 5 may be awarded general education or other credit. Evaluation of credit will be directed by University Programs in coordination with the appropriate departmental undergraduate office. The “Total Score” of the French Baccalaureate is not used to determine credit eligibility.

German Abitur

Students who participated in the Thirteenth Class (Dreizehnte Klasse) German Abitur program may be awarded general education and other credit for examination scores of 10 or higher (15-point scale). Evaluation of credit will be directed by University Programs in coordination with the appropriate departmental undergraduate office.

International Baccalaureate

JMU recognizes the International Baccalaureate diploma and individual IB courses by awarding credit on IB higher-level examinations in essentially the same manner in which credit is allowed for Advanced Placement courses.

Typically, credit hours will be awarded for each higher-level examination on which a score of five, six or seven has been earned. Credit hour equivalencies are reviewed annually by academic unit.

Some standard-level examinations will also be considered for credit. The university encourages the completion of the IB diploma and will give special consideration for admission to students who have completed the IB program. The grading scale is from one to seven, with seven being the highest score.

For a full listing of available IB courses and credit opportunities, refer to the International Baccalaureate Courses table.

2020-2021 International Baccalaureate Courses

This information is subject to change at the discretion of James Madison University. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the scores displayed in the online catalog supersede the scores in the printed undergraduate catalog.

Higher-Level IB Courses

Standard-Level IB Courses

¹ BIO 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in biology or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to regular first year student and transfer admission requirements, students who want to major in music, musical theatre or dance must also complete an on-campus audition. Incoming freshmen, transfers and change-of-major students intending to major in architectural design, graphic design, industrial design or the BFA in art studio are required to submit an online art portfolio in SlideRoom for School of Art, Design and Art History   admissions consideration.

Art

Phone: (540) 568-6216/6661
Email: art-arthistory@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/art

Art History Majors

Students intending to major in art history are not required to submit a portfolio, but should follow the regular JMU admissions process. Prospective art history majors who wish to be considered for the Lisanby Art History Scholars in Museum Studies must e-mail Ginny Soenksen at soenksvm@jmu.edu to schedule a Lisanby Scholarship interview and complete application requirements. To enroll in the museum studies concentration in art history, students must have a 3.3 GPA in the major and a minimum of nine credits in Art History  and General Education  Art History  courses.

Architectural Design, Art Studio, Graphic Design and Industrial Design Majors

All prospective freshmen, transfer and change of major students intending to major in architectural design, graphic design, industrial design or studio art must meet JMU admission requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. In addition to meeting JMU admissions requirements, all students seeking the BFA degree in architectural design, art studio or graphic design, or the BS in industrial design are required to submit a portfolio to the school’s SlideRoom account (https://jmuart.slideroom.com). The submission of a portfolio is optional for students seeking the BA or BS in art studio. There is a $10 charge for this submission. Additionally, all transfer and change of major students, except those seeking the BA or BS in art studio, will need to upload unofficial transcripts and a statement of intent to the school’s SlideRoom account that explains their educational and artistic goals, articulating the reasons for choosing this area of study. The submission of a portfolio is seen as evidence of a student’s interest and potential for future success in art. All students, regardless of degree type, who wish to be considered for a scholarship must submit a portfolio to SlideRoom and attend an on-campus Portfolio Review day (requests for Skype interviews are considered on a case-by-case basis). All scholarship awards are based on merit and vary in amount, up to the full cost of tuition.

The  School of Art, Design and Art History  offers students the opportunity for feedback on their portfolio, prior to the digital submission, through several on-campus and off-campus portfolio review days. This portfolio review event will provide an opportunity for feedback on actual artwork, as well as an opportunity to meet with faculty from the school. Tours of facilities and program info sessions will take place at on-campus events. All prospective freshmen, transfer and change of major students are strongly encouraged to attend a portfolio review day prior to submitting their portfolio. For these in-person feedback sessions, it is highly recommended that student show actual works of art; however, a portfolio that consists of printed images is acceptable. If time-based media examples (video and animation) are included, students will need to bring their own digital device for presentation purposes. Refer to the SADAH website for the dates of the upcoming portfolio review days and for additional portfolio requirements.

Students seeking official acceptance into the graphic design major must enroll in GRPH 208  and submit a portfolio representing work completed in GRPH 101  ; GRPH 200   and GRPH 206. Typography I (0, 9) . Students not admitted may reapply the following semester.

Students seeking official acceptance into the architectural design major must enroll in ARCD 208  and submit a portfolio representing work completed in ARCD 200. Architect Design Studio I  and ARCD 202. Architect Design Studio II . Students not admitted may reapply the following year.

Students seeking official acceptance into the advanced industrial design courses must enroll in INDU 208 and submit a portfolio representing work completed in INDU 200  , INDU 202  , GRPH 101  , INDU 220 , INDU 380  and independent design related work. Students not admitted may reapply one time.

Music

Phone: (540) 568-3851
Email: music_admit@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/music

Auditions for music are given on one specific November date, and three specific dates in January and February. It is important that students indicate their intention to participate in the audition process by January 15.

Nursing

Phone: (540) 568-6314
Website: http://www.nursing.jmu.edu/

In addition to the regular first year student and transfer admission requirements, students who intend to major in nursing must submit a BSN Admission Application. Applications, admission criteria and admission deadlines may be found on the School of Nursing website.

Special Expenses

A differential tuition of $90 per credit hour is added to the standard charge for courses carrying the NSG prefix. This charge applies to all students, both in-state and out-of-state, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with the exception of students enrolled in the R.N. to B.S.N. program.

Theatre and Dance

Phone: (540) 568-6342
Email: theatredance@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/theatredance/

Admissions to the dance, musical theatre and theatre majors are by audition for performers or portfolio review for design/technical theatre, theatre studies (directing, dramaturgy, theatre scholarship, etc.) or theatre education students.

Theatre and musical theatre auditions/portfolio reviews are held in late fall, January and early February for first year and transfer student applicants. Refer to the school website for more information on requirements for admission to the programs.

Dance major auditions take place in November and in February. Transfer students must audition at one of these audition dates. For the dates of the dance auditions and for information on what is required in order to audition, refer to the school website.

Credit for Military Service

JMU encourages veterans to apply for admission as full-time or part-time students. Information regarding VA Educational Benefits is available from the veterans’ coordinator, Student Success Center, 5th floor.

Veterans who have one or more years of active military duty will be granted six hours of health and kinesiology elective credit (providing they have no previous credit in this area). Students must submit a Report of Separation (DD-214) to receive this credit.

Additional credit may be given for successfully completing certain service schools. This credit will be determined based on recommendations in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. An official copy of the Joint Services Transcript (JST) is required. Consult the Office of the Registrar.

Credit is allowed for courses taken at the Defense Language Institute. The amount of credit varies with the type of courses successfully completed.

JMU must receive an official transcript. Credit allowed is based on their recommendation in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. For those languages not offered at JMU, a maximum of 12 hours is accepted.