Reviews

All of the classes are full of material and even the intro classes go above and beyond what one would have learned in high school, and even in an AP class.

Although the environment is competitive, most people here are very friendly and the smaller community makes it relatively easy to become close knit with individuals from all over the nation and the world.

It is rather expensive but considering the opportunities available and all that there is to do on and off campus, as well as the high quality of most of the classes it is worth the cost.

Have a balance and don't blow off your studies, but makes sure to make time for socializing and friends. It will be difficult but if you stay on top of your work then there should be few problems. Join groups on campus, they help you meet others and to get involved in the surrounding community as well as on campus, there is something for everyone. Have fun, there is lots to do. Don't worry about competition, it is competitive but not to the point of sabotage and there are plenty of places to get help if you need it, so if you need help don't hesitate, get it, and your peers are also willing to help you do your best, although competitive, others are always there to encourage you as well.

Great for students who don't mind putting in study time, and like to learn a lot. Especially those who are self motivated and driven as well as focused, and enjoy a competitive environment. Also for those who are willing to get involved. Many here have a clear idea for what they want to do with their future, but you don't have to be like that and there are many opportunities to change your mind and explore other areas as well.

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.

Although Johns Hopkins has a reputation for being an ultra-competitive institution, this does not mean the people there want to sabotage you grades in order to better their own. People are always willing to help you understand the subject matter better and to make your time at Hopkins a good time. Hopkins may be tough academically, but the students there still know how to have a fun time.

Make sure you have a well-balanced application. Additionally, you want to sure true interest in the school. Schools can tell if you would really like to go there or not and they will accept students accordingly.

Good grades may be tough for some people to achieve, but personally, I have not had any problems yet. All that is needed is good time-management skills and a good support team. Professors are very willing to help you learn the subject matter better and other students are always there to help. As long as you study hard, you can still do fine.

The dorm I lived in this past year (Wolman) is considered a less social dorm than the AMRs. However, my floor became a tight-knit bunch and I made friends that I would not have made otherwise. Having a common room was great as it was place to do homework, watch movies, and just hang out.

At first, the idea of an unlimited meal plan intrigued me. Unfortunately, I started growing tired of the food at FFC (the cafeteria). I don't think the food was bad; everyone was just expecting more of the food. Sure, there's other places to eat, but you have pay for those (outside of the meal plan money). On St. Paul, there's a lot of places to grab food (Subway, Chipotle, Uni Mini, etc.).

You can always go into Baltimore for fun and relaxation on the weekend (Inner Harbor, Mount Vernon, Fells Point). There is also the Towson Town Center (an OK-mall, coming from King of Prussia Mall, it's not thaaat great). There's intramurals for you to relax and pick up soccer games all the time. Finally, there are parties for those who enjoy them.

There is a great variety of things to do, from community service to sports. The intramurals are great and can be very competitive. Because of the location, Hopkins does a lot of service with the schools around it. For example, I help mentor, not just academically, a high school student from one of the surrounding high school. There is something for everyone.

Baltimore is not considered the safest place, but we do have a great campus security system. There are people watching over us at all times, and as long as you aren't stupid, you'll be fine. I've felt safe walking alone on campus at 3 or 4 in the morning.

Although painstakingly hard academically, the people you meet and the moments you have make up for all the long nights spent studying. You don't find opportunities; the opportunities find you when you're a student at Hopkins. It's a place like no other.

Be yourself. It's so diverse here, you will find people you mesh with!

What you hear is true. It's difficult, to say the least!

The AMRs are the most social, with hall parties and endless fun!

The food is actually really good. The variety, however, is not. There are great off campus choices that are in walking distances that are very popular.

Baltimore has great restaurants! The campus is also beautiful, and lounging around outside is the best.

Expensive, but it's worth the experience you'll get when your here, and the prestige tied to the name when you graduate.

The rooftops are an amazing place to stargaze, people watch, and drink heavily. Also, the annual Spring Fair is always filled with delicious fair food, and a weekend of partying in the beer garden.

Freakishly intelligent, and looking for an academic experience like none other.

Your cup will runeth over with endless professional opportunities. There are also a huge variety of club sports, ranging from the normal to the bizarre (e.g. Quidditch).

Close knit! And the three date parties/formal a semester held by each of the greek organizations always means a good time on a random weekday night.

Campus security (Hop Cops) are everywhere. Actually everywhere.

Even the intro classes that everyone takes are very intense. Once you reach the higher level courses you cover large amount of info on a very specific topic over a relatively short period of time.

Social activities at Hopkins are pretty much limited to Athletics, clubs and study groups. But if you are active socially you will find that the people are very fun and you will make great friends.
The work is hard, but very rewarding, and there are a lot of oopportunities to participate in research.

Pretty expensive, but if you do well here it will open up incredible opportunities for you in the future. And the alumni network will be very valuable to you.

Get active in campus activities fast. Join a club, find a service project that interests you, join a lab. Try to make yourself known to your professors, it can be hard in the larger classes, but it is important.
Don't lock yourself in the library 24-7. it is easy to do, but usually only results in incredibly high stress levels

Type A personalities. People who enjoy studying, thrive in a competitive environment, and have pretty clear goals for the near future.

Johns Hopkins University has truly brought together the ideal three characteristics of a school, in my perspective. The atmosphere is challenging but the people are willing to help. The education is top-notch, yet one must work for the desires grades, and there is a great deal of help from upperclassmen that I doubt is found at any other school.

Apply Early Decision! This shows commitment and a great want to attend their school. Just remember you are legally bonded to the school, if they accept you (and provide you with enough financial aid). You should also visit the school. Get the feel for the classes (attend a few lectures!) and sit down and talk to students. Walk into the Brody Learning Commons and just ask a few people how they like it there.

It's a lot of work, but it will only pile up if you LET it pile up. Just like in high school, you're going to get homework and assignments, but they will be weeklong assignments. With that being said, there is a reason why they give you a week to do it. The worst thing you can do is ignore it until the night before, because chances are, it's a lot more than a night's worth of work. Keep that in mind. Also, take classes that will ease you into the school. Taking all upper-level classes probably won't be the best thing to do.

I live in a single (yes! A freshman in a single, those are a rare breed.) And I absolutely love it. Most people opt for roommates because they like having someone to share a room with, which I completely understand. Sometimes, your roommate ends up being your best friend. The building I live in is suite-style so I share a bathroom with two other girls. Those girls are roommates and they barely talk. However, my guy friend has a roommate and they do everything together. The thing with Hopkins is that it's very luck-of-the-draw. The buildings are nice. Well-kept. CLEAN, but you also need to put in effort into keeping your room nice. As for the social aspect, the people are awesome. You can generally just walk into someone's room and just start talking to them. It's really awesome and everyone is very open.

Here's where I start getting picky. I love my school, and I'm grateful for the meal plans, but the food they provide is generally... well, not the best quality. I ate their eggs for breakfast and I felt sick afterwards. The bread is stale. Always. The one good thing about our cafe is the Home-Style food they have. Hearty mashed potatoes, green beans, and sometimes exotic dishes; those are your best bet. Either that or the pizza. The pizza is pretty popular too. Those aren't your only choices though. Being in a city, there are MANY restaurants around the campus including Subway, a Ledo's pizza, Chipotle, a Starbucks, a Korean place, and many, many cafes.

The first week, I remember I spent most of my time ON campus. The place is a decent size, but you always discover new things on the walk. We also have activities every day. ResLife makes sure that they keep up busy, but in the best way possible. Just to name a few activities, we had Celebrity Poker, Condom Bingo, TV Show Marathons with Pumpkin Pie, and many more! If you're not into the school-activity spirit, there are always frats that have parties on the weekends. If partying isn't your thing, there are always stores and places you can check out. Just a hop, skip, and a bus ride away, there's the Inner Harbor. It's one of the most touristy places in Baltimore, and it's really nice. There you can check out the Baltimore Aquarium, or the Science Museum, or a brand-new Ripley's Believe It Or Not. There are SO many things. You can also take the college shuttle (just a free bus for college students) to the Towson Town Mall. A very nice mall with 4 floors and a variety of stores and restaurants. You can even walk out by the plaza across the street, which has a hidden, Indie Store (complete with records and old-school CDs) and a Smoothie King! Just be sure never to go to these places alone. ALWAYS, have at least one other person with you. You will be living in the city.

The thing about Hopkins is that if they accept you there, you were chosen for a reason. Therefore, they WANT you to be there. The sticker price is $60,000, but in reality, not everyone pays the full price. They will provide you with scholarships, grants, and student loans that don't accrue interest while in school. You definitely get the bang for your buck, IF you use your resources wisely. Like I said, there are many upperclassmen who are willing to help, but you have to reach out to them. You can enjoy fancy-eating but if you do that too much, you'll be spending WAY more than you need to, on food.

People have tried to get up to the Gilman Bell Tower, yet I haven't heard of a successful story yet. One unusual thing about our school is that we celebrate our Homecoming during the spring. Why, do you ask? Well, our lacrosse team is D1, and one of the best in the nation. Whereas our football team is still very good! (I have a few football buddies) But, not as good as the lacrosse team. With that being said, our school spirit knows no bounds when it comes to our lacrosse Homecoming game. We get into it. Another thing that freshman do during Orientation is the Dorms Wars. We won this year (: It's legitimately a lot of fun. Music is blasting, people are playing relay games, and it feels like you're back in elementary school on Field Day.

Hard workers, but also, people who are willing to have a good time. Down-to-earth individuals. You don't have to think you're all that and a bag of chips because you probably will meet people who are WAY smarter than you. And that's just something you have to be willing to accept.

I joined this really cool club called MEDLIFE, because I'm pre-med and I really like travelling (so this club has two). The clubs and organizations are SO much fun. The religious groups are actually very active and this ranges from Christians, to Muslims, to Jewish people. There are plenty of pre-health clubs but also regular volunteering groups, like the Red Cross. Then of course, there are the sports, which are really fun. Although they're not the official teams, people know there is a lot less at stake so they don't take it as seriously. They are fun to watch. Another cool thing is you can get a gym membership and do things like Zumba (which sounds weird but it's a lot of fun!) There are cultural groups out there too like Organizacion Latina Estudiantil (OLE), which is AWESOME. The other night, we had a dance party and it was all latin dancing. Even white kids, who didn't know how to dance salsa or merengue, got on the floor and had a good time. It was wonderful.

Your best bet is Pi Kappa, but I would also check out Sigma Chi (personally, I like AE Pi the best). Just text an upperclassmen and they'll tell you where the parties are. I'm not a huge fan of the Greek Life, but one thing that I do like is that they sponsor really cool activities. They had a Luau once sponsored by Sigma Chi, and because of how good the food was, we decided to go to their party that night. I would also go with people who know where to go and what they're doing. Otherwise, it won't be fun.

Like I said, it is a city, so it's dangerous to walk around with no one. They dedicate an entire, mandatory morning to safety on campus, which I feel is important. One thing is that there are security guards everywhere. I was walking home from work (not late, but not early) and I didn't feel entirely safe until I saw the bright-yellow jacket. Those people know what they're doing. We also have many, many cameras that can detect suspicious activity and will send security or a police officer to the premises. One last and important safety tip is that we have these blue emergency lines. There are poles with a blue light on the top. If you don't feel safe or comfortable in any sort of way, you can press the button and a security guard will come to walk you back to your building. The buildings are very secure too. You need to swipe in to get into any residence hall and there are security guards who make sure no one sneaks in as well. Overall, I'm pleased with the amount of security and steps the school takes in order to increase campus safety.

Johns Hopkins University is a gateway to a world of opportunities in nearly every field. Hopkins prides itself on making incredible opportunities accessible to everyone. At Hopkins, students from all over the world engage in groundbreaking research, fantastic athletic and extracurricular opportunities, and innovative and stimulating academia that is both challenging and rewarding in all disciplines.

Located in the heart of Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins is one of the top research universities in the world. Be prepared to work hard and play harder. The key to success at this school is knowing how to apply yourself to the maximum while still allowing time for fun outside the classroom. Get involved--join an acappella group, volunteer with local charity organizations throughout Charm City, or apply for a research job or internship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the highest ranked hospital in the US. No matter what you decide to do with your time here, a Hopkins education will yield tremendous career opportunities in the future, regardless of your major.

Hopkins is no doubt challenging, but the opportunities that hard work yields at this school are phenomenal. Hopkins is often mislabeled as cutthroat, mostly because students here are extremely self-motivated and hardworking, but it is very possible for any student to excel here with enough determination. Hopkins is also known for grade deflation, but classes are curved appropriately and graded fairly. Class sizes are generally quite small, which makes professors accessible and willing to meet with students one-on-one. Overall, be prepared to work hard while still enjoying your work.

Dorm experiences vary dramatically depending on your particular dorm. Freshmen can choose between suite-style and traditional dorm living in a number of different buildings. Buildings A and B are more quiet but perfect if you prefer to study in your room. The AMR's are considered more social, especially because the traditional communal bathrooms foster a social environment. Wolman and McCoy are the newest freshman dorms with the best facilities, but regardless of where you live freshman year, your dorm experience is what you make of it. Juniors and Seniors live off campus, so be prepared for only one or two years of the traditional dorm experience.

Hopkins offers more or less your typical college food. The Fresh Food Cafe is the go-to place for all-you-can-eat buffet style food, and it's also the place where freshman take most of their meals. Levering Cafe is great for lunch, and Charles Street Market is the perfect place to pick up a quick snack or a few groceries. Variety isn't a problem because there's something on campus for everyone, and the local restaurant scene is phenomenal. The meal plans are quite expensive, however, and you may often feel like you're not eating your money's worth.

There is a reason Baltimore is called Charm City--the possibilities that await you here are endless. The Inner Harbor is a popular destination for great shopping and restaurants, and the National Aquarium is a must. The Baltimore Museum of Art is located right next to campus and is a free opportunity that every Hopkins student should take advantage of at least once. There are amazing opportunities on campus too. The most exciting is Spring Fair, an annual Hopkins tradition that brings dozens of food trucks, vendors, and entertainers to Hopkins for a weekend.

Like a lot of colleges, Hopkins is expensive. Don't hesitate to apply for financial aid, though, because you might be surprised. Overall, the opportunities that a Hopkins education provides are worth the investment.

Lacrosse is by far the biggest athletic tradition on campus, and oddly enough, Hopkins' Homecoming takes place during the spring, rather than during the fall, to celebrate the lacrosse team. Homecoming weekend is filled with a lot of fun that students look forward to all year.

Hopkins is the perfect place for students who are independent, self-motivated individuals who already know how to apply themselves. Nobody is going to hold your hand at this school, so success here is defined by your ability to stay organized and manage a big workload. If you're looking for easy coursework, this may not be the school for you.

There really is something for everyone at this school. From acappella to theater to service organizations, it's easy to get involved in anything that might spark your interest.

Fraternities and sororities are a huge part of student life on campus. Even the the sororities at Hopkins don't live in sorority housing, Greek life is a fun and rewarding experience for hundreds of women at Hopkins. Fraternities, meanwhile, are the center of the majority of the social life on campus. Whether or not you choose to rush, Greek life is definitely something to think about.

Hopkins is ranked as one of the safest campuses in the US. Every dorm features 24/7 security, and the Hopkins blue light system provides a way for students to notify security of danger with only the touch of a button. At Hopkins, security is something you will never have to worry about.

Many of Hopkins' courses provide tons of information about the material. I know of many professors that teach above and beyond what is available in required readings, and I have learned to think about things from different perspectives.

I have to admit it took a while for me to get adjusted to life outside of the bustling city of New York. However, the atmosphere at Hopkins is so laid back that it provides a refreshing contrast that makes it a lot easier for me to stay focused. The academic environment isn't nearly as competitive as I expected it to be, and most students are rather friendly. As a Black/West Indian student, I have become proud of the tight knit Black community at Hopkins, albeit a small one.

An education at Johns Hopkins is not cheap. However, the school has a rightful reputation for meeting most financial need. Moreover, resources are readily available for finding alternative methods to finance one's tuition, including loans, grants, and scholarships.

1. Don't limit yourself when it comes to choosing classes. Use your freshman year to take courses in diverse subjects; not only will this help you explore other career options, but doing so will help you fulfill Hopkins' distribution requirements.

2. Don't take advantage of the fact that grades are covered first semester. Instead, use this time to determine what study methods work for you. In this way, you will have them down-packed by second semester, when grades really do count.

3. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; explore extracurriculars and schedule downtime so you're not completely bogged down by your work. Hopkins has tons of clubs and pubs (publications) that let you have fun and meet new people. Be sure to visit the Student Activities Fairs to explore your options.

4. Be safe. Although Hopkins has excellent security, Baltimore can be a dangerous place, so you have to act responsibly. Participate in the Security Walk at the beginning of the year to learn how to stay safe.

Johns Hopkins is great for students who are driven enough to challenge themselves, and to follow through with these challenges. The ideal Hopkins student is involved in academics, extracurriculars, and community service. You don't have to be an inspiring doctor or engineer to feel comfortable at this university. Being a lacrosse fan is a big plus, however (go Blue Jays!)

The curriculum offered at Johns Hopkins University is excellent no matter what major you choose to pursue. The professors are generally approachable and they know their stuff, though some of the mathematics profs might not be able to speak english. There are so many research opportunities and the Medical school is just down the road, so you will learn a lot if you want to.

The social life gets ragged on a lot, but that's because people here are busy and they take work seriously and it is a smaller school. So don't come here expecting to attend giant greek parties in mansions or the school to put on raves. However, the people are awesome and you must join groups as you would in any place to really have fun. Also, Baltimore is a great foodie town.

It's extremely expensive (you can go to a state school for as much as it costs to go here almost in 1 year) but the education and potential connections you can make, along with the Hopkins prestige, is probably worth it for the people and the types of jobs they would go into if they are planning on coming here in the first place. That's why I chose to attend versus going to University of Texas at Austin.

Learn how to time manage and allot time to having fun as well as studying. Be open and try to get to know as many people as you can, including professors.

If you like research and smaller schools while still being a part of a city, then this is a good place for you.

I just finished my first semester of graduate school at JHU. Although I was expecting JHU to be difficult (and it was), I found that my first semester went very well. My advisor, fellow students and professors were very welcoming and walked me through the online class format. I've always been an overachiever and get my assignments done as early as possible, but here at JHU I found that even I needed to focus more on my studies than before. Although I've had to devote more time to studying, I did not feel like I had to pull an all-nighter like I did as an undergrad.

I didn't plan on going to graduate school right after I earned my undergraduate degree, but with today's economy I figured its a good time to continue my education. I was interested in applying for JHU, Yale and Cornell's programs, but ultimately JHU's program (including online coursework) fit well with my schedule and life. Although I would recommend applying for more than one school (backup options!!), I ended up ONLY applying for JHU and I am very grateful and still super excited that I'm in the program of my dreams. I feel like I'm in a close-knit and diverse family.

JHU is very expensive compared to graduate programs in my area. Although I'll rack up more student debt, I know JHU is worth every penny. I'm working with professors who currently work in the field I'm interested in, I have an excellent advisor relationship whether online or on campus, and I'm learning and retaining more information than any other academic program.

I worked full-time as an undergraduate student, but due to the course load I've cut back to working about 30 hrs a week. Like other reviewers, a student needs to find a good balance between work and school. One needs to have a clear schedule set aside for school work. It definitely helps to be organized and know what you can and cannot handle in your schedule.