Institutional updates

Kelly Ball, director of JMU admissions, gave counselors an update just before the release of Early Action decisions. James Madison University’s new president, James C. Schmidt, is implementing a strategic plan with four phases: listen, envision, create, and implement. JMU athletic success led the football team to a college playoff appearance (they lost to Oregon). The new state-of-the-art library is nearing completion and will be open in fall 2026.

Application numbers hold steady

Holding steady since joining the Common App in 2021, JMU received about 43,000 applications as of January 15, the Regular Decision deadline. Early Action apps made up 73% of the total pool. In-state applications and out-of-state apps were roughly equal. Males accounted for 40% of the applications, first-generation for 25%, 40% underrepresented students, and 2% international. Geographic growth came from Maryland, New Jersey, New England, and the South.

Admitted, deferred, denied

JMU admitted around 23,000 EA applicants, deferring 5,500 to Regular Decision. No materials or action are required if you were deferred. Only 8% of EA applicants were denied admission. Preliminary financial aid packages will start coming through in mid-February. Helpful videos are available at jmu.edu/financialaid/learn/videos.

JMU will release Honors College decisions approximately two weeks after general admission decisions. If you applied for Honors and were deferred to the Regular Decision round, your Honors decision is also deferred. RD decisions will be posted mid-March. If you get waitlisted, there may be movement before May 1.

If you were deferred, realize that this is not a rejection. It just means you have to wait longer for a decision. You can email your admissions counselor one time to express continued interest. Focus on the academics in your letter, not on how much you want to cheer on the Dukes in football. Do not send additional materials or mid-year grades; JMU will let you know what they want from you, if anything. Notify JMU if you have any changes to your high school schedule, but it’s really not wise to change it.

Update JMU

If you were admitted but committed to another school, update JMU. Give someone else a chance! If you want to understand why you received the decision you did, submit a decision inquiry form. Notify JMU of any changes to your high school schedule. Counselors can request specific information on behalf of their students.