Johns Hopkins does have a reputation for being academically rigorous, but the school is not as cut-throat as many put it out to be. This being said, you still have to put in effort in order to perform well. Some classes are easier than others, so as long as you prioritize and focus your energy in the right areas, you will be more satisfied with the results. The professors really are experts at what they teach and they are willing to help if you ask for it. Many of them do research too so they can make textbook material (which they may have even written!) much more applicable to modern-day life. Of course there will be those sections or labs that seem useless at the moment, but usually you’ll be able to find a connection between the material in those classes and the lectures later on. Everything is valuable so take advantage of it.
Oh, and PS. You don't have to pull all-nighters (ever) to do well at Hopkins. There is plenty of time outside classes, if organized well, to get everything done and also be able to have fun.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The first few weeks of college are always tough, being away from home and left on your own, but the closeness of the Hopkins community makes it much easier to adjust. All the staff and students are extremely responsive and willing to answer questions. Also, the freshman class becomes pretty tight-knit since everyone eats together, has some classes together, and not to mention, lives together. In terms of activities, because the campus is relatively small, it’s not hard to find things to do or groups to join. There are cultural groups, common interest groups, musical groups, you name it. The Hopkins campus is extremely safe as well, but even if you do decide to go off campus, Inner Harbor has concerts, movies to watch, places to eat, and events to attend. Towson has a shopping mall, restaurants, and lots of little stores. You can also go to Fells Point for frozen yogurt or really delicious gelato!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
College in general is not a cheap investment, and unfortunately, Hopkins is not an exception. But nevertheless, it is an important investment, and Hopkins is definitely a good place to put your money towards. The little fees you have to pay here and there after coming can be annoying at times (for lab manuals and goggles etc), but the resources and opportunities offered can’t be matched. If you want internships or jobs, Hopkins is the place to find them. There are so many informed staff (in the Career center, advising office, even your teachers) that can help you search and apply. The cost is high, but definitely worth it.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
1. Balance! The workload can be overwhelming at times, but don't let that stop you from staying social. Take advantage of the events on and off campus- there are shows, performances, dinners, and other activities. Just be smart about where and how you have fun. Use your common sense, stay in groups, and don’t make rash decisions.
2. Get involved early- figure out what the school has to offer and find things you are interested in. Just beware not to overload- you have four years to try things out.
3. Don't skip classes (or sleep through them). There are many professors here who are extremely enthusiastic about what they teach and a lot of material is covered in lecture. Some professors post their lectures online, but in class, they often go beyond what’s on the slides. Cramming the night before a test might work for some tests in some classes, but in general, because there is so much material covered, it would behoove you to pay attention in class and study over time.
4. Don't take covered grades first semester as an excuse to slack off, but don't stress too much either. Use that time to test out different study habits and find out what works and doesn't work so that when second semester rolls around, you will have a better grasp on how to succeed.
5. USE YOUR RESOURCES. They are there for your use! The teachers, TAs, and staff are available for questions as well as suggestions. If you need or want anything, use a resource to help you find it or get it done.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Hopkins would be great for those students who are self-motivated and proactive. The school has a ton of resources available for use- you just need to be willing to reach out for them. Not much is done for you, so as long as you can speak up and ask for help, you will be able to access the wide range of opportunities open to you. Join groups, participate in events, and Hopkins will really feel like the right fit. Those who are open-minded intellectually and socially would really enjoy the school, for coming in with expectations only sets one up to be blind to outstanding possibilities. Also, Hopkins really caters to those students who are curious and ask questions, since the college supports an attitude of exploration and genuine interest.
Johns Hopkins does have a reputation for being academically rigorous, but the school is not as cut-throat as many put it out to be. This being said, you still have to put in effort in order to perform well. Some classes are easier than others, so as long as you prioritize and focus your energy in the right areas, you will be more satisfied with the results. The professors really are experts at what they teach and they are willing to help if you ask for it. Many of them do research too so they can make textbook material (which they may have even written!) much more applicable to modern-day life. Of course there will be those sections or labs that seem useless at the moment, but usually you’ll be able to find a connection between the material in those classes and the lectures later on. Everything is valuable so take advantage of it. Oh, and PS. You don't have to pull all-nighters (ever) to do well at Hopkins. There is plenty of time outside classes, if organized well, to get everything done and also be able to have fun.
The first few weeks of college are always tough, being away from home and left on your own, but the closeness of the Hopkins community makes it much easier to adjust. All the staff and students are extremely responsive and willing to answer questions. Also, the freshman class becomes pretty tight-knit since everyone eats together, has some classes together, and not to mention, lives together. In terms of activities, because the campus is relatively small, it’s not hard to find things to do or groups to join. There are cultural groups, common interest groups, musical groups, you name it. The Hopkins campus is extremely safe as well, but even if you do decide to go off campus, Inner Harbor has concerts, movies to watch, places to eat, and events to attend. Towson has a shopping mall, restaurants, and lots of little stores. You can also go to Fells Point for frozen yogurt or really delicious gelato!
College in general is not a cheap investment, and unfortunately, Hopkins is not an exception. But nevertheless, it is an important investment, and Hopkins is definitely a good place to put your money towards. The little fees you have to pay here and there after coming can be annoying at times (for lab manuals and goggles etc), but the resources and opportunities offered can’t be matched. If you want internships or jobs, Hopkins is the place to find them. There are so many informed staff (in the Career center, advising office, even your teachers) that can help you search and apply. The cost is high, but definitely worth it.
1. Balance! The workload can be overwhelming at times, but don't let that stop you from staying social. Take advantage of the events on and off campus- there are shows, performances, dinners, and other activities. Just be smart about where and how you have fun. Use your common sense, stay in groups, and don’t make rash decisions. 2. Get involved early- figure out what the school has to offer and find things you are interested in. Just beware not to overload- you have four years to try things out. 3. Don't skip classes (or sleep through them). There are many professors here who are extremely enthusiastic about what they teach and a lot of material is covered in lecture. Some professors post their lectures online, but in class, they often go beyond what’s on the slides. Cramming the night before a test might work for some tests in some classes, but in general, because there is so much material covered, it would behoove you to pay attention in class and study over time. 4. Don't take covered grades first semester as an excuse to slack off, but don't stress too much either. Use that time to test out different study habits and find out what works and doesn't work so that when second semester rolls around, you will have a better grasp on how to succeed. 5. USE YOUR RESOURCES. They are there for your use! The teachers, TAs, and staff are available for questions as well as suggestions. If you need or want anything, use a resource to help you find it or get it done.
Hopkins would be great for those students who are self-motivated and proactive. The school has a ton of resources available for use- you just need to be willing to reach out for them. Not much is done for you, so as long as you can speak up and ask for help, you will be able to access the wide range of opportunities open to you. Join groups, participate in events, and Hopkins will really feel like the right fit. Those who are open-minded intellectually and socially would really enjoy the school, for coming in with expectations only sets one up to be blind to outstanding possibilities. Also, Hopkins really caters to those students who are curious and ask questions, since the college supports an attitude of exploration and genuine interest.