About Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, MD
Undergraduate Population: 6,090
Most Popular Majors: Public health studies, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, creative writing.
Motto: Veritas vos liberabit (“The truth will set you free”)
Demographics:
Asian/Asian American 26.7%
Latina 20.7%
White 19.8%
Black/African American 9.4%
Multiracial 6.3%
Native American less than 1%
History:
In 1873, Quaker entrepreneur Johns Hopkins left $7 million upon his death to fund a hospital and university in Baltimore. The original university board opted for a university model building based on the Humboldtian model of higher education. It became an institution dedicated to research. The university’s first president, Daniel Colt Gilman, focused on the expansion of graduate education and support of faculty research. The university combined advanced scholarship with professional schools in medicine and engineering. The Johns Hopkins University Press, founded in 1878, is the oldest American university press that’s still operating.
In the early 20th century, the university, whose campus had become too costly, sold its land to the city as a public park. A team of locals resolved the matter by acquiring an estate in North Baltimore, which became the Homewood Campus, the main academic and administrative center of present day Johns Hopkins University. The flagship building, Gilman Hall, was completed in 1915. The School of Engineering relocated in Fall of 1914 and the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences followed in 1916. In 1909, the university was among the first to start adult continuing education programs and in 1916, it founded the country’s first school of public health.
A planned 88-acre expansion to the medical campus began in 2013. More recent construction has also included a new biomedical engineering building, a new library, a new biology wing, an extensive renovation of the flagship Gilman Hall, and the reconstruction of the main university entrance.
Today, Johns Hopkins offers 52 majors and 50 minors. While aspiring doctors are drawn to the university, the school also has a strong presence of students in engineering at the arts. Aside from departments such as mechanical engineering and chemical and biomedical engineering, engineering students can also major in newer offerings such as systems engineering and a minor in energy, a program administered with the earth and planetary sciences department. Students can receive a B.A. in creative writing through the Writing Seminars program. Aspiring musicians can pursue a dual degree in music performance with the university’s Peabody Conservatory.
Notable Johns Hopkins University alumni include businessman Michael Bloomberg, physicist Frank Oppenheimer, reporter Hallie Jackson, and Indian actor Akshay Oberoi.
Traditions:
- A university-wide “tailgate”, Blue Jay Day, starts off the year and features rides, games, photobooth, DJ, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with campus and community resources.
- The Johns Hopkins community gathers for a lighting ceremony known as Lighting of the Quads. This event also boasts musical performances, cider, sweets, crafts, and illuminated art.
- Annual Spring Fair features arts and crafts, games, contests, food, and live music. In the past, artists have included the Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, Meek Mill, and Kehlani.
Noteworthy Features:
- There are no university-wide general education requirements at Johns Hopkins other than a four-course writing component.
- During the optional January intersession, students can take courses or pursue independent study for one or two credits.
- Students enroll in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the Peabody Conservatory or the School of Education.
Admissions Profile
Average GPA: 3.93
Test Scores (mid-50% range): SAT 1530-1560 / ACT 34-35
Admit Rate: 7.6%
Test-optional? Yes
Offers Early Admissions? Yes—Early Decision I and II
Supplemental Essays
How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives, or skills—and what you want to pursue at Hopkins? (350-word limit)
This is a supplemental essay that combines common prompts about your background with a “why major” question. The college website has advised students to start out by picturing their life in college. “What does your community look like? Which aspects of your identity are most important for you to develop and nurture?” Consider what you want the reader to know about you. Supplemental essays provide further context to your application. So, no matter what you write about your background, your response should help admissions officers understand where you come from, what experiences have been meaningful to you, and how you’ll contribute to the diversity of the campus community. Don’t just mention what your background is—talk about how it has shaped you and your perspective. Next, consider how the background ties into your intended major. Start by researching Hopkins’ offerings.
During the research process, go beyond information that is easily available on the college website. You must show that you’ve dug deeper than just the homepage of your chosen academic department. Read course descriptions, faculty profiles, and seek out information about special programs students participate in. Once you’ve conducted in-depth research, connect Johns Hopkins’ resources to your interests and make your essay personal.
Rather than writing generic statements that could be true for any school, focus on the uniqueness of Johns Hopkins and how specific qualities can support your interests and goals. Don’t just write about what you’re going to get out of the experience, but why it matters to you as well. How will the university help you grow? In what ways will you contribute?
Leave a Reply