Advice for a Potential Hopkins Transfer Student

Colleges and Universities A-Z Johns Hopkins University
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<p>I recently found out I was accepted at Johns Hopkins as a junior for the Fall 2006 semester. I'm hoping this might be the right place to ask for some advice regarding my transfer decision. Here's my backstory:</p>

<p>I attended Cornell the first semester of my freshman year, but transferred to the University of Scranton (closer to home) where I've since been. As a recovering Cornell biology major, I realized my passions lay elsewhere and wanted to use Scranton as a stepping stone to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with my life.</p>

<p>At Scranton, I discovered my love for Psychology and rekindled my obsession with Film. I've also continued my study of French. However, Scranton only offers a "Communication" major with a "Film" track. To study film and find like-minded individuals (we don't even have a film club--and we're woefully conservative), I'd have to travel elsewhere. The issue is, however, that I don't actually want to direct or write films--but rather work somewhere in the industry. (Exactly what sort of job, I'm not sure--but I would like to find a job that allows for creativity and some form of personal expression).</p>

<p>So I'm presently at a crossroad. Though I'd love to work in the film industry, I worry that a "Film Studies" major (with a double major in "Psychology") at JHU would be too specific. Perhaps doing a triple major at Scranton (Psych, French, and Comm--with Comm tracks in "film" and "journalism") would be more advantageous--since I will definitely be attending grad school?</p>

<p>If I stay at Scranton (where I have a 4.0 GPA), I was offerred a job in the Foreign Languages department and (more substantially) offered a research position in the Psychology department (I would likely be able to travel to Boston to help present my professor's research project). Though I certainly need to escape the area, I know this opportunity will exist upon enrolling in grad school (when, perhaps, I'll be more secure in my post-college pursuits).</p>

<p>However, I fear staying at Scranton might be the easy way out. Though I feel secure here and have created a niche, perhaps I'd be screwing myself out of potential opportunities at JHU. But then again, I WOULD be entering JHU as a junior, and it would take time to acclimate and take advantage of those opportunities. Though Scranton is small, I can certainly more visibly accel (and we have a great Psych program that gets Ivy League graduate placements). Is the name JHU really worth it?</p>

<p>haha--Well for those who have braved my ambivalence, I hope some of you might be able to offer some (ANY!) advice to help influence my decision. Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond!</p>

<p>Michael</p>

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<p>Is the JHU name worth it? Maybe. Depends on what you are looking for and who you are. JHU will open many doors for you and you can do literally anything you want with a degree from here. You are going to be in an entirely different environment at Hopkins, with like minded academically motivated students. Will you be able to maintain a 4.0, doubtful, although it is possible. Will it challenge you, without a doubt. If that is what you are looking for than Hopkins may be the right place for you. You may have to work very hard to be on Dean's List but to some the satisfaction of that is worth the battle. In my opinion you shouldn't be questioning if the Hopkins name is worth it academically, because it can be, but whether taking on this change is worth it to you. </p>

<p>I could be very wrong, but it sounds to me that you love the idea of change but are scared to take that first step out of your comfort zone. It is already apparent that you are setting up some defense/justification as to why you don't want to attend Hopkins ("I worry that a "Film Studies" major at JHU would be too specific."). Hopkins will probably test you academically, just as it tests nearly everyone here. This could be a rude awakening or exactly the thing you need. It is really all about your comfort zone and how far you want to step out of it. It is certainly a risk that only you can decide if you are ready to take. </p>

<p>If money is an issue this decision is entirely different, JHU ain't cheap, and neither is grad school.</p>

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<p>is it THAT hard to be on the Dean's List? im planning on doing bio or neurosci. Approximately, how many frosh were on the Dean's List each year?</p>

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<p>To be on dean's list you generally have to be just above the average at Hopkins. In that respect its not that bad, but you have to put it into perspective as to what your average Hopkins student is capable of. After all, it is one of the best academic schools in the country where students really care about their grades and study a lot to get them.</p>