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JMU Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are JMU's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into JMU and build a strong application.

School location: Harrisonburg, VA

This school is also known as: James Madison University, JMU, Madison

Admissions Rate: 78.3%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at JMU is 78.3% . For every 100 applicants, 78 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet JMU's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

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We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

JMU GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.55

The average GPA at JMU is 3.55 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 3.55, JMU requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.55, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

JMU hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to JMU will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

JMU SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1205

The average SAT score composite at JMU is a 1205 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes JMU Competitive for SAT test scores.

JMU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1160, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1310. In other words, a 1160 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1310 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

JMU has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, JMU will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and JMU forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1160, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

JMU ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, JMU likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 26

The average ACT score at JMU is 26. This score makes JMU Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 23, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Even though JMU likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 23 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 23 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to JMU, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 23.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

JMU considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1160 SAT or a 23 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of JMU here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $70
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 3
• Social Studies 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 15 None
• Yes November 1 None

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 800 Harrisonburg, VA 22807
• Phone: (540) 568-6211
• Fax: (540) 568-3332
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in JMU, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to JMU.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than JMU. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for JMU, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for JMU, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If JMU is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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James Madison University

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations.

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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Is JMU test-optional?

James Madison University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

Regular Decision

Early Action

What is the application deadline at JMU?

Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at JMU during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.

And if you’re considering applying Early Action at JMU, remember that the deadline is November 1.

Should I apply Early Action at JMU?

Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.

Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.

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James Madison University

Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority.

Academic programs.

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Disability Services
• Intramural/Club Sports
• Military/Veteran Services
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research
• Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

Completing your application is easy! STEP 1: Submit your application ($70 fee). Step 2:  Submit an official high school transcript, including any dual-enrollment courses you may be taking. For transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent through the Common App, or another secure provider such as Naviance/Parchment, e-Scrip Safe, etc., or by mail from your school. If sending by mail, please use the following address: James Madison University Office of Admissions – MSC 0101 100 E Grace Street Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Please note, JMU will not accept recommendation letters that arrive via Parchment, postal mail, etc.

To apply for transfer admission, you should have completed at least 24 credit hours post high-school graduation before you would start classes at JMU. If you’ll have completed less than 24 credit hours, please contact your regional recruiter . Priority is given to applicants with associate degrees, or at least 48 college credits. Competitive transfer applicants have at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed college course work in English, mathematics, social science and lab science.  For more information, please see the Transfer Applicants section of our website.

Additional Information

Our home is in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a region known for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, the Shenandoah River, rolling farmland and breathtaking views. Only two hours from Washington, D.C., JMU's 675-acre campus is convenient to ski slopes and fishing, as well as coffee shops and live music. For more information about visiting our beautiful campus, please click here .  

JMU graduates are far more than merely educated. Members of a fellowship of doers, they know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and have become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Admissions office

100 South Main Street , MSC 0101 Harrisonburg , VA 22807 , United States of America

Phone number

540-568-5681

For first-year students

Admissions website.

www.jmu.edu/admissions/undergrad/index.shtml

Financial aid website

www.jmu.edu/financialaid/

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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, jmu supplemental essays.

Hey there! I'm starting my application for JMU and was curious if they have any supplemental essays or if it's just the Common App essay? Thanks for your help!

Hello! Over the past few admissions cycles, JMU has not required any additional essays for the general application process, so it's safe to assume that this policy will continue for future applicants.

However, it's essential to double-check their website or contact their admissions office for the most up-to-date information, as requirements often change from year to year. Additionally, if you're applying for a specific program or scholarship within JMU, there might be separate essays required for those applications. So, make sure to explore all the opportunities you're interested in and check for any associated essay requirements.

Best of luck with your application to JMU, and I hope this information helps you prepare!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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The Honors College welcomes applications from incoming first-year students, current JMU students, and incoming transfer students. The College seeks students interested in building a community of students, faculty, and staff united by their commitments to reach their full potential, learn with and from those around them, and address local, national, and global challenges.

The most important component of the Honors application is a 250-word student essay. For first-year and transfer applicants, the Honors Admissions Committee also reviews information on high school and college academic performance that students submit as part of their application to JMU. The Honors Admissions Committee reviews JMU grades for current JMU student applicants.

View Deadlines For:

• First-Year Students
• Transfer Students
• Current JMU Students

2024 Honors Application Essay Prompts

The mission of the James Madison University Honors College is to develop a diverse community of inquisitive and aspirational learners from all parts of campus through distinctive and challenging educational experiences. Our core values are 1) independent, student-centered learnings, 2) interdisciplinary training, 3) collaboration, and 4) active and informed service and leadership.

Respond to one of the prompts below to illustrate how participation in Honors education at JMU is aligned with your plans and values. Please limit your response to 250 words.

• Independent, student-centered learning
• Interdisciplinary training
• Collaboration
• Active and informed service and leadership
• The Honors College provides a source of community for students, faculty, and staff. How would you participate in and contribute to the community of scholars in the JMU Honors College?

Optional: If you feel your prior grades are not a reliable signal of your potential to succeed academically at JMU and in the Honors College, the application provides space for you to provide additional context for the admissions committee.

Direct Admission for Honors Transfers

Direct Admission allows JMU-admitted transfer students meeting certain criteria to join the Honors College without going through the standard application.

Elibigility To be eligible for Direct Admission to the JMU Honors College, transfer students must:

• Be admitted to JMU.
• Complete one year of courses (minimum of 24 credit hours) at another institution of higher education (these credits must be completed post-high school graduation). 
• Complete at least 9 credits of Honors coursework at their previous institution.
• Present a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) upon application to JMU. If a student has attended multiple institutions, they must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) at all previous institutions. 

Additional Terms

• The JMU Honors College may recognize up to 12 Honors credits completed at another institution as Honors Electives at JMU. 
• Students who are not eligible for Direct Admission to the Honors College may still apply through the standard process. 

If you would like to be admitted to the Honors College under this policy, please DO NOT submit the standard application; instead, reach out to the Associate Dean for the Honors College, Dr. Fawn-Amber Montoya .

Deadlines and Decisions

Deadlines and decision releases vary depending on your applicant type.

First-Year applicants should complete the Honors application after they have submitted their application to JMU.

Fall 2024 Honors Early Action

• Honors Application deadline: November 8
• If an Honors EA applicant is deferred to Regular Decision by the JMU Admissions Office, the Honors decision will also be deferred to Regular Decision

To be considered for the   Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship , students must apply Early Action to both JMU and the Honors College, and complete the Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship through   Madison Scholarships Hub   by November 15.

Fall 2024: Honors Regular Decision

• Application deadline: January 22
• Decisions released: early April

Transfer applicants should complete the Honors application after they have applied and been admitted to JMU.

Spring 2024

• Application deadline: November 15
• Decisions released: early December
• Application deadline: May 15
• Decisions released: early June

There are two application deadlines each semester for current JMU students. Students must apply by priority deadline to be eligible for priority enrollment or Honors housing for the next semester. The Honors College can rarely be completed in fewer than three semesters; please reach out to Honors Advising if you would like to discuss the feasibility of your proposed timeline.

Spring 2024 Admissions to the Honors College:

• Priority deadline: October 1
• Decisions released: late October
• Final deadline: November 15

Fall 2024 Admissions to the Honors College:

• Priority deadline: March 1
• Decisions released: late March
• Final deadline: May 15

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