What Does it Take to Get Into John Hopkins University?

For Students With A Never-Ending Drive To Know More, Johns Hopkins University Is A Home Away From Home...

This research university has historic roots in its hometown of Baltimore, and the students that proudly call themselves Blue Jays are known for pushing the limits of conventional wisdom. If you’re looking to experience life at a prestigious university, but with a traditional college feel, Johns Hopkins University may be the right choice for your higher education.

What You’ll Find In This Article

• Johns Hopkins’ Ideal Student
• What You Need to Get Accepted Into Johns Hopkins
• Johns Hopkins’ Campus Life
• From Application to Career: What You’ll Experience at Johns Hopkins
• Your Future at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkin's Ideal Student

At its core, Johns Hopkins University stays close to its roots as America’s first research-driven institution. The ideal Hopkins student is driven by a deep passion for learning and delving into uncharted territory. Regardless of where they come from, students learn how to explore the greater world around them at Johns Hopkins.

Johns Hopkins uses a holistic approach to college admissions to find students well-suited to its core values. Of course, in addition to giving weight to all aspects of your background, Johns Hopkins’ admission process does consider your academic record. The average scores of students accepted to Johns Hopkins look like this:

• GPA: 3.9
• SAT: 1520
• ACT: 34

Students come from all walks of life to study at Johns Hopkins, however, there are certain shared values that drive them toward success. At this prestigious university, students are expected to collaborate and lift each other up, and these values help them succeed in their shared goals.

COURAGEOUS

Students are challenged to consider nothing impossible while studying at Johns Hopkins University. Therefore, students who already have a knack for diving headfirst into the unknown and bravely exploring everything the world has to offer will fit right in.

INNOVATIVE

At Johns Hopkins, collaboration fosters innovation at every level. If you’re naturally drawn to solving problems and thinking outside the box, this spirit of innovation will drive you to success. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and go beyond what they think is possible every day at this research-driven institution.  

CURIOUS

Naturally, curious students are drawn to explore the world around them and all there is to discover within it. These are the students that find success at Johns Hopkins, and the type of students it looks to nurture into respected professionals.  

AMBITIOUS

Ambitious students will find themselves drawn to the excellence of Johns Hopkins, and they’re the exact type of students that make the institution one of the highest-ranked schools in the nation.

WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE: JOHNS HOPKINS’ PROGRAMS

With 51 majors and 46 minors currently offered, there are a variety of programs that Johns Hopkins students can use to propel them towards their future. In all of these courses, students are encouraged to collaborate, investigate, and view the world with fresh eyes. Some of the most popular courses include:

• Nursing (Ranked 2nd nationally)
• English (Ranked 8th nationally)
• International Relations (Ranked 9th nationally)
• Music (Ranked 11th nationally)
• Engineering (Ranked 14th nationally)

IN SUMMARY: JOHNS HOPKINS’ IDEAL STUDENT

No two students at Johns Hopkins will approach a complex issue in the exact same way, and that’s the type of diverse student body this research university thrives on. The ideal student at Johns Hopkins is one who’s unafraid to challenge themselves, and everyone else, to seek new discoveries and explore the world around them.

If you’re constantly pushing the boundaries of your own thoughts and those of conventional wisdom, you’ll fit right in at Johns Hopkins University.

What You Need To Get Accepted Into Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins is as competitive as it is prestigious, with a 9.2% acceptance rate for the Class of 2023. Due to the holistic approach to admissions, students should focus on creating well-rounded applications that showcase all aspects of their background.  

THE COMMON OR COALITION APPLICATION

Johns Hopkins allows students to use either the Common Application or the Coalition Application to submit their applications. Within these applications, students are required to submit their responses to Johns Hopkins’ specific questions.

The deadline for early decision is November 1st. The deadline for regular decision is January 2nd.

You should begin work on your application early, as it can take some time to gather all the resources needed to fill out your Common App or Coalition App. If you wait to fill out your application until the last minute, you won’t have time to properly review and improve your application before you send it.

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT

Students are required to submit their high school transcript and a high school profile, in addition to a recommendation from their school counselor. Applicants are also required to submit a mid-year report and update their transcript in the spring of their freshman year as well.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Johns Hopkins requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well enough to provide valuable insight into the type of student you are. To increase the chances of landing a solid recommendation, ask the teachers who can offer the most comprehensive view of who you are as a student and what your passions are.

ACT OR SAT REASONING SCORES

Students may self-report their test scores for the ACT or SAT Reasoning tests. Only students who are admitted and choose to enroll are required to submit official scores.

APPLICATION FEE OR FEE WAIVER

There is a non-refundable $70 application fee that students are required to pay. However, students can request a fee waiver if the application fee would cause financial hardship.

“DO I HAVE A CHANCE?”

Overall, the chances of being admitted into Johns Hopkins University will rely on more than just your academic record. Your entire background, including extracurricular activities, achievements, and recognition will be considered. Therefore, you shouldn’t rely on only a single aspect of yourself to carry your application.  

Work to tell a cohesive story of pushing boundaries, exploring the world around you, and dedicating yourself to your academics if you want to increase your chances of being accepted into Johns Hopkins.

Johns Hopkin's Campus Life

Johns Hopkins is known for its historic and traditional feeling university. Located on the East coast, but with influences from around the world, students will enjoy an education with the backdrop of a vibrant city and community.

CAMPUS

Johns Hopkins’ historic Homewood campus is located in “Charm City”, Baltimore, Maryland. Students have the chance to explore the 140-acre campus, which is home to features such as the historic clock tower in Gilman Hall and the innovative Brody Learning Commons throughout their four-year experience. Students will enjoy spending time and crossing paths in the college’s quads or as they walk through the campus.

GREEK LIFE

Johns Hopkins is home to a variety of fraternities and sororities that promote community service, collaboration, and excellence. With 27 recognized organizations, there is a home for every type of student looking for a slice of traditional college greek life.

SPORTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

80% of students are involved in one of Johns Hopkins’ more than 400 student organizations. Student organizations are encouraged to get involved to experience some of the best social experiences colleges can offer. From dance teams to debate clubs, there’s a student organization that will fit your passions and help you connect to your fellow Blue Jays in new ways.  

Of course, students can also choose to represent the Blue Jays in one of 24 varsity sports. The Hopkins men’s lacrosse team is especially prestigious, noted as being one of the most decorated college sports teams of all time. If varsity sports aren’t your thing, there are also 10 intramural sports options for you to get involved in.

HOUSING, FOOD, AND TRANSPORTATION

As Johns Hopkins itself likes to say, “Homewood is your home”. Housing offered at Johns Hopkins places a focus on student connection and engagement. Students are required to live at Johns Hopkins for at least two years, or at home with their parent or legal guardian.

Dining at Johns Hopkins provides plenty of options, and features locations designed to promote meeting and community. At this university, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to connect with your peers and make new friends.

HOPTOBERFEST

Every year, students celebrate the fall season with live music, group activities, free food, haunted houses and more. With a culture focused on community and collaboration, this is just one tradition focused on bringing the whole campus together.

From Application To Career: What You'll Experience At Johns Hopkins

YOUR APPLICATION

Students who want to tailor their application for Johns Hopkins University should look for moments in their past where they demonstrated innovation, explored their curiosity, or challenged themselves. By highlighting these moments, you can show rather than tell that you understand the core values of the university. Create a cohesive application that highlights your best values, and don’t forget to secure letters of recommendation from teachers who can give insight into your story.

YOUR ESSAY

Your answers to the Johns Hopkins’ specific questions should be authentic and straight to the point. Don’t let yourself get caught up in trying to write the essay response you “should” write, and answer the prompt in a way that highlights your own personal experiences and achievements.  

YOUR COLLEGE YEARS

Your years at Johns Hopkins will be busy, but still full of enriching experiences and new discoveries. With the energetic city of Baltimore surrounding you, you’ll face a new challenge and make a new academic conquest each day. If you’re looking for a rigorous and fast-paced college experience, Johns Hopkins will provide the academic stimulation you’re looking for.

YOUR FUTURE

As an alumnus of Johns Hopkins, you’ll be counted among ambitious and innovative professionals and public servants. Johns Hopkins alumni include President Woodrow Wilson and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. Your education at John Hopkins will help propel you toward a future in a variety of fields, including:

• Research
• Engineering
• Consulting
• Finance
• Healthcare Services
• Legal

Your Future At Johns Hopkins University

Students at Johns Hopkins University are inspired to think beyond the limits of what they believe is possible. In the classroom and elsewhere, you’ll find yourself making new discoveries daily. With a focus on elevating each other rather than cut-throat competition, Johns Hopkins is a research university that fully embraces each and every student.

Due to this highly driven environment, admissions into Johns Hopkins is extremely selective. Your college application is a critical part of being admitted, and it’s important that you tailor it to showcase how you fit the vision of Johns Hopkins’ ideal student.

Thankfully, our WeAdmit counselors are experienced in perfecting college applications to showcase all your talents and achievements. In a holistic approach such as the one used by Johns Hopkins, it’s critical that students improve their entire application rather than just a single part. We work with our students to create a comprehensive plan for improving your chances of being admitted, from essay to application, and we’d love to do the same for you!

So, Are You Ready To Become A Blue Jay?