AdmissionsDaniel Returns: Johns Hopkins versus College X, University Y, Institution Z

Colleges and Universities A-Z Johns Hopkins University
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<p>Greetings once again College Confidential community. Yes, after a one month absence I return to the world of CC and hope to once again help many of you learn more about Johns Hopkins. </p>

<p>So why the absence?
I have been quite busy with on-campus programs, spring recruitment travel, answering emails and voicemails, and working on the various Hopkins Interactive projects. As I have always said, if you really want to connect with me my blog (Hopkins</a> Insider) and/or the Hopkins Forums (Hopkins</a> Forums) are always more reliable places to connect with me regularly – I responded to CC when I have free time as it is not one of my many job responsibilities. </p>

<p>That said, I actually did purposefully take a hiatus from CC. In my many years in this field, and specifically during my time interacting with online admissions committee, I make it a point to remove myself after the release of admissions decisions. Some years I have taken two weeks off, other years (like this one) I stay away for a longer period. I do follow the discussions, but I do not comment nor share my own thoughts. </p>

<p>Some may disagree with my decision, but as I return to the online discussion community now, I feel I made the best choice. Though I personally do not find many of the discussions that occur on these forums to be helpful, I do understand the popularity of such forums. First, they are pretty much anonymous and allow anyone to say anything. Second, they allow people to vent without consequence or concrete arguments. Third, they allow the uninformed to appear knowledgeable and they allow the "loudest" person to dominate. Fourth, ... well I can go on with a ton more reasons but I will refrain and maybe hold all those thoughts for a time when I am running low on blog topics.</p>

<p>Basically, I personally feel that during the weeks of April when admitted students are making the decision of which schools to attend, there is little assistance I can provide. I post on my blog my thoughts on making the Big Decision and then leave it up to each individual to make their own decisions. Additionally, I personally can't stand the threads comparing one school to another, so I place my self on this self-imposed CC ban.</p>

<p>WHY HOPKINS
I have returned now and I know that there are some of you still deciding whether to attend Hopkins or someone else. If you want my thoughts, my opinions, my advice … read these blog entries:
<a href="http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2009/04/why-hopkins-advice-from-admissions-daniel.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2009/04/why-hopkins-advice-from-admissions-daniel.html&lt;/a>
Hopkins</a> Insider: Why Hopkins: Let's Hear from the Students
Hopkins</a> Insider: Why Hopkins: Because we LipDub, Of Course
Hopkins</a> Insider: A Post For the Admits - Congratulations!!!</p>

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<p>With my return, there is one thing I would like to address. This is my own personal opinion based on my years of experience – not some official Johns Hopkins stance. I do hope though some of you will heed my advice. </p>

<p>I noticed during my absence the proliferation of discussion threads asking for comparison of Hopkins vs. College X, University Y, Institution Z … etc. I have always said the worst part of College Confidential is the “chances thread” … I may have to correct that statement and add these comparison threads to the mix. </p>

<p>I do not find these threads to be helpful. Make your own decisions – create your own personal pro/con lists – do your own self-assessment – it is **YOUR OWN **decision. You need to understand that many of the people who respond to these posts have their own personal agendas. The opinions they share are their own, and because this is an anonymous world how do you know that their opinions would even come close to your own opinions. And I say this for both the people who post extremely negative comments as well as those who post extremely positive comments.</p>

<p>A year or so ago I wrote the following about such discussion topics, and I feel it still pertains today:</p>

<p>(1) The best answers to such posts are from people who share the positives of their own school rather than attacking the other schools THAT THEY DO NOT ATTEND. Focusing on what is great about one’s school is much more helpful than attacking a school you probably don’t know much about from first-hand experience. And also avoid the dreaded “someone I know” said such-and-such … </p>

<p>(2) Take everything you read/hear with a grain of salt. I am not a fan of many of these comparison threads since often people responding have their own personal agendas, like to extend untrue myths, and just don’t know anything. Feel free to question what I write as well, though I think my track record has proven that I provide an honest point-of-view.</p>

<p>(3) Make every opportunity to visit the schools you are considering and make the comparisons yourself. Absorb all the information that is out there. </p>

<p>(4) Do not focus on rankings or other stats. Focus on what school best fits what you want - and yes I said what YOU want. Not your friends, not your family. </p>

<p>If you want to read more of my advice / thoughts, check out my most recent blog entry:</p>

<p>[Hopkins</a> Insider: WHY HOPKINS: Advice from Admissions Daniel](<a href=“http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2009/04/why-hopkins-advice-from-admissions-daniel.html]Hopkins”>http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2009/04/why-hopkins-advice-from-admissions-daniel.html)</p>

<p>Now I step off my soap-box.</p>

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<p>One final note … I do not have the time to go back to all the discussion topics from the last month. If you want my answer to any question you might have, I suggest for a quick response you post it to the Hopkins Forums. (In fact, search the Hopkins Forums, you probably find that your question has already been answered.) </p>

<p>[Hopkins</a> Forums -> Ask Admissions](<a href=“Leak nudes - The Home Of The Sexiest Thots, Nipple Slips, Bikini Pictures, Nude Streamers From Patreon, Onlyfans And Much More!”>Leak nudes - The Home Of The Sexiest Thots, Nipple Slips, Bikini Pictures, Nude Streamers From Patreon, Onlyfans And Much More!)</p>

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<p>The really important questions is: How’s your doggie doing?</p>

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<p>Are you really now out to recruit the Class of 2014 already… JEEZZ!!! man… wow.</p>

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<p>My son is waitlisted at Johns Hopkins. He is declared as a valedictorian at his school. Is it going to make a difference to get off the waitlist? Should we let the Admissions Office know?</p>

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<p>Driftwood Party:
Thank you for asking about Soze. He is actually sick right now but has antibiotics and he should be back up and running soon. </p>

<p>Phead128:
Recruiting for the Class of 2014 actually began in earnest in February when many high school juniors started to visit campus. We have had a record number of prospective student visitors throughout February, March, and April. And yes, the staff heads out on the road throughout late April and early May to recruit as well. No rest for the weary.</p>

<p>grantedin:
Yes your son should update his application with Admissions. Is it going to make a difference – it really depends. </p>

<p>The best source for wait list information can be found here:
[Hopkins</a> Forums -> Wait List Discussion Thread (2009)](<a href=“Leak nudes - The Home Of The Sexiest Thots, Nipple Slips, Bikini Pictures, Nude Streamers From Patreon, Onlyfans And Much More!”>Leak nudes - The Home Of The Sexiest Thots, Nipple Slips, Bikini Pictures, Nude Streamers From Patreon, Onlyfans And Much More!)</p>

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<p>AdmissionsDaniel:
Thank you for your reply! Is it too late to update his profile since it is after May 1st? Should he go ahead and update his profile?</p>

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<p>Yes he can still update his application … however, do know that there is no guarantee that any material submitted after May 1st will be processed.</p>