Any opinions on colleges in Fairfax, VA?

Hi there, I am a junior who lives in Fairfax, VA. I am considering local colleges, and I am keen to learn more about them. How is the atmosphere, and what are the academic strengths?

Fairfax, Virginia is home to several commendable colleges, but the two that often come up are George Mason University (GMU) and Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC).

GMU is the largest public research university in Virginia. The university is well-regarded for its programs in economics, law, creative writing, and computer science. They also have a robust honors college for high-achieving students. GMU's more urban campus gives students easy access to internships and job opportunities in nearby Washington D.C and the tech industry hub, which is within Northern Virginia. In terms of atmosphere, students often mention that GMU prides itself on its diverse student body. There's a strong sense of community here, and the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.

NVCC, on the other hand, is one of the largest community colleges in the U.S. If you're keeping the option to transfer to a four-year university open, NVCC has an agreement with the University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Tech (VT), and other VA institutions. This means that you could start your academic journey at NVCC and then easily transition to these institutions to finish your bachelor’s degree. In terms of atmosphere, NVCC is very much a commuter school, and students often balance work, school, and family commitments.

In the end, choosing a local college really hinges on your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. It's always advisable to visit the campuses if you can, or take virtual tours if available. This will help you experience the college environment first-hand and decide whether it would be a good fit for you.