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Office of Admissions	International Admission
Visiting the University	Special Admission Requirements
Freshman Admission

Office of Admissions

Phone: (540) 568-5681
Fax: (540) 568-3332
Web site: http://www.jmu.edu/admissions

The enrollment for the university is authorized by the State Council of Higher Education in 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 www.jmu.edu/admissions/visit.shtml. In inclement weather, the Office of Admissions cancels conferences and tours. If weather conditions are severe, please call the Office of Admissions, (540) 568-5681, before you come.

Freshman Admission

JMU’s admission process is competitive. In fact, we receive more qualified applications than we can accommodate. For the 2005 admissions process, approximately 65 percent of applicants were admitted; however, 90 percent of the applicants were competitive. There is not a prescribed formula for gaining admission. The admissions committe works to select the strongest candidates from a high quality pool.
We consider the following six factors in evaluating applicants: program of study, academic achievement, standardized test scores, Secondary School Report Form and 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 (one full year beyond algebra II),
• three years of laboratory science (preferably including biology, chemistry and physics; general science or earth science usually 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, 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 many 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” or “B” student in core courses. We look at performance throughout the entire high school career.

Standardized Tests

Performance on the SAT I or ACT helps discern past academic achievements and potential for future academic success.
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.

International Admission

The Office of International 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 International Admissions, located in Sonner Hall.
In addition to regular freshman 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 nonimmigrant 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
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-7865

Credit for International Examinations

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 International Admissions.

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. 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 table on page 15.

International Baccalaureate Courses

Higher-Level IB Courses¹

International Baccalaureate Course	Minimum Required Score	JMU Equivalent	Credit Hours Earned
Anthropology (social and cultural)	5	GANTH 195 and ANTH elective	6
Art/Design	6	ART 140 and ART elective	6
	5	ART 140	3
	4	ART elective	3
Biology	7	BIO 114 and BIO 124	8
	5	BIO 000 (elective)	4
Chemistry	5	Majors: CHEM 131, 132	6
	5	Nonmajors: CHEM 131, 131L, 132, 132L	8
Computing Studies	5	CS 139 and CS 238	8
Economics	6	ECON 201,GECON 200	6
English A	5	GWRIT 103	3
Foreign Languages (Course numbers are the same in each language)
	7	300 + elective	6
	6	231-232	6
	5	231	3
	4	102	4
Geography	6	GGEOG 200	3
	5	GEOG elective	3
History: All Regions	6	HIST elective	6
	5	HIST elective	3
History: Africa	6	HIST 263	3
	5	HIST 263	3
History: Americas	5	GHIST 225	4
History: West and South Asia	6	HIST electives	6
	5	HIST elective	3
History: East and Southeast Asia and Australia	6	HIST electives	6
	5	HIST elective	3
History: Europe	6	HIST 202 & HIST elective	6
	5	HIST 202	3
Mathematics	5	MATH 235 and Math 0004	4 3
Mathematics with Further Math	5	MATH 235	4
Philosophy	6	GPHIL 101 & PHIL elective	6
	5	GPHIL 101	3
Physics	5	PHYS 140 & PHYS 150	6
Psychology	4	GPSYC 101	3

Standard-Level IB Courses¹

International Baccalaureate Course	Minimum Required Score	JMU Equivalent	Credit Hours Earned
Social Anthropology (social and cultural)	5	GANTH 195	3
Art/Design	7	ART 140	3
	6	ART elective	3
Chemistry	6	Majors: CHEM 131	3
	6	Nonmajors: CHEM 131-131L	4
Computing Studies	5	CS 238	4
Economics	6	ECON 201 with IB diploma	3
Foreign Languages	7	232	3
	6	231	3
	5	102	4
Geography	5	GEOG elective	3
History	5	HIST elective	3
Mathematics	5	MATH 135	3
Further Mathematics	n/a	No Credit	n/a
Philosophy	5	GPHIL 101	8
Physics	6	PHYS 140 & PHYS 150	6
Psychology	6	GPSYC 101	8

German Abitur

Students with the German Abitur for 13 years only may be awarded up to 30 credit hours of advanced standing. Awarding of credit will be based on a grade of "C" or better. A passing grade will be equivalent to six credit hours in the subject.
The German Abitur will fulfill general education requirements with the exception of 9 credit hours and the information literacy competency exams (Tech Level I and the ISST) required in Cluster One and of the 4 credit American Experience requirement in Cluster Four.

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.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to regular freshman and transfer admission requirements, students who want to major in music, theater or dance must also complete an on-campus audition. Prospective art students who intend to major in studio art are encouraged to submit a portfolio and be interviewed.

Art

Students unable to travel to JMU may send a videotape, color photographs or slides of their work in support of their art application. Students who intend to major in art history are not required to submit a portfolio or additional material for review, but should follow the regular JMU admission process. Students who submit a portfolio will be eligible to receive a freshman art scholarship.
On-campus portfolio reviews for art majors are held each Saturday throughout January. Other portfolio reviews are conducted during November, on campus and at selected off-campus sites. For the complete schedule of portfolio review/interview sessions and additional information, contact the School of Art and Art History (540) 568-6216, e-mail: art-arthistory@jmu.edu.

Music

Auditions for music are given on three specific dates in January and February. It is important that you indicate your intention to participate in the audition process by Jan. 15. For more information, call the School of Music at (540) 568-3851 or e-mail: music_admit@jmu.edu.

Nursing

In addition to the regular freshman and transfer admission requirements, students who intend to major in nursing must submit a supplemental application. Applications may be obtained from
Department of Nursing, MSC 4305
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-6314

Theatre and Dance

The School of Theatre and Dance is flexible in scheduling auditions. Most theatre and dance auditions are given in January and February. For more information, contact the School of Theatre and Dance at (540) 568-6342.

Nontraditional Academic Credit

Advanced Placement

Applicants for admission who have completed advanced work in secondary school may apply for advanced credit in certain subjects at JMU. Students may apply to the College Board for permission to take one or more of the tests offered through the Advanced Placement program at the following address
Advanced Placement Examinations
P.O. Box 6671
Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
Interested students should discuss advanced placement tests with their guidance counselors or principals. The College Board reports the results of the examinations to the university. The minimum advanced-placement scores required to earn college credit are shown in the table on Page 17.

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, Warren Hall 504.
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. The Office of the Registrar should be consulted.
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 the 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.

2005-2006 Academic Year Advanced Placement Courses

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.
For more information and the most recent scores, refer to the Office of Admissions Web site at http://www.jmu.edu/admissions/facts/scores.shtml.

Advanced Course	Minimum Score	Equivalent	Credit Earned	Placement	Required	JMU Hours
Art History	4	GARTH 206	3
Art Studio: Drawing	4	Art elective	3
Art Studio: General	4	Art elective	3
Biology	5	Majors: BIO 114 and BIO 124	8 total (4+4)
		Nonmajors: GSCI 103, GSCI 104 & BIO 0002 or GISAT 113 & BIO 0002	8 total (3 + 1 + 4) 8 total (3+5)
	4	GSCI 103, GSCI 104 & BIO 0002 or GISAT 113 & BIO 0002	4 total (3+1) 8 total (3+5)
	3	GISAT 113 & BIO 0002	8 total (3+ 5)
Calculus AB 3	4	MATH 235	4
Calculus BC 3	4	MATH 235 & MATH 236	8
Chemistry	4	Majors: CHEM 131 & CHEM 132	8
		Nonmajors: CHEM 131, CHEM 131L, CHEM 132 & CHEM 132L	8
		or CHEM 120 & CHEM 120L	4
	3	GSCI 101 & GSCI 104	4 total (3 + 1)
Comparative Government	4	POSC 240	3
Computer Science (A or AB)	4	CS 139	4
Economics (Micro)	4	ECON 201	3
Economics (Macro)	4	GECON 200	4
English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition	4	GWRIT 103	3
Environmental Science	4	GISAT 112 & ISAT 000 or GSCI 115 & ISAT 000	8 total (3 + 5) 8 total (3 + 5)
	3	ISAT 000	4
French Language or French Literature	4	FR 231	3
Human Geography	4	GEOG 280	3
German Language	4	GER 231	3
Government: U.S.	4	GPOSC 225	4
History: European	5	HIST 201 & HIST 202	6
	4	HIST 201	3
History: U.S.	4	GHIST 225	4
Latin Language	4	LAT 231	4
Music	n/a	No credit given	0
Physics B	4	PHYS 140, PHYS 140L, PHYS 150 & PHYS 150L	8
	3	GSCI 101 & GSCI 104	4
Physics C: Mechanics	4	PHYS 240 & PHYS 140L	4
Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism	4	PHYS 250 & PHYS 150L	4
Psychology	4	GPSYC 101	3
Spanish Language or Spanish Literature	4	SPAN 231	3
Statistics	4	MATH 220	3
World History	5	GHIST 101	3

 

Publisher:
JMU Academic Affairs
MSC 8002, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

For more information contact:
JMU Catalog Office at
ug-catalog@jmu.edu

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