Applying to Johns Hopkins University as an early decision applicant was one of the most stressful decisions I made. However, after spending time at the beautiful Hopkins campus, with some of the most amazing people I have met has assured me that it was the right decision.

JHU has the image of being an extremely competitive school, and that is a sentiment that I can agree with. The application process for Hopkins is just as competitive. With accomplished faculty, amazing opportunities and a really talented student body, they look for students that stand apart from the crowd. I will do my best to outline certain tips and criteria to help assist you to prepare for your application to Hopkins.

Academics: Hopkins is incredibly rigorous. The classes (even the easy ones) will give you a fair amount of work, and your schedule with classes, homework, research (if you choose!) and extracurriculars ( we have a whopping 400+ clubs) is bound to be rigorous. While examining your application they want to make sure that you will not only be able to survive such an environment but will thrive in it. Good grades in standardised exams, as well as school, are important. However, make sure that you have a decent amount of extracurriculars that help you show that you can thrive in that environment.

Application Essays: The Hopkins Admissions Committee doesn’t know who you are. They don’t know what your personality is, what your biggest skills are, what traits set you apart. Your essay is the place where you demonstrate this to them. JHU doesn’t have an interview and this is the only place where you can adequately express yourself. While the story that you choose to tell is an important choice, it will be moot if you don’t give a picture of how you are as a person. Talk about fear, talk about a shortcoming, discuss how your group helped you cover it up. They know you are a human with imperfections, it is important to show how you learn from them (hence what you learnt from its part in the essay prompt.)

The network of counselors and mentors at UniRely can help you craft your perfect application essay to Johns Hopkins and the other universities where you want to apply. 

Work Experience: Hopkins learning is incredibly hands-on. Almost every student on campus is involved in some sort of activity that utilizes important skills they learn. Having some sort of experience, even if minor, will help set you apart. They like to see that you have practical skills that you will be building on (you don’t have to build on that exact same skill but showing the presence of one is preferable.)

Remember at the end of the day, your goal is to show that you will be a good fit for the school when you apply to it. Structure your application around that and feel free to reach out for advice via the UniRely.com platform! Best of luck.