I’m a current high school junior at a very vigorous private school and my advisor told me she thinks JHU would be a good place for me so I’m trying to find out more about it! I’m having trouble deciding what courses I should take senior year to strengthen my chances of getting in, and any help would be greatly appreciated!
So I guess my main question is should I take more courses that market me as an arts/humanities student or should I take a wider range of courses to show that I’m well rounded? I also don’t want to overwork myself and lower my GPA. My sat score is 2100 and I’m retaking it in two weeks. I will most likely major in English or French Lit and minor in visual arts.
Also I know JHU is often marketed as a math/science/med school… but my people who follow the school closely ensure me that the humanities programs are also top notch (specifically creative writing and french programs, things i would very interested in). If I market myself as a humanities student would that strengthen my chances because they want to recruit people to their humanities programs since they get more math/science applicants? Or would my weaker (but not bad) math/science courses negatively effect me? Also how competitive are the creative writing and french programs?
Junior Year Courses:
English Lit AP
Pre-Calc
American Hist
French AP
Computer Science I+II
Chemistry
Adv. Photography
Main extracurriculars : Yearbook section editor, Weekly tutoring at school for kids w/autism, Photography courses outside of school, Photography magazine
Senior Year:
Definitely Taking: English Elective, Calculus(AP), Adv. French Lit. , Senior Studio Art AP
After these courses I can take maximum 3 more academic courses (or 6 sem courses), my options are: PLEASE HELP ME CHOOSE!
Adv. Computer Science = Pros: not dropping course I’ve been taking since 10th grade, second semester can design own project which I can make graphic design orientated which connects to my art interest Cons: very time consuming
Art History AP = Pros: relates to my interest in art and I believe I will enjoy it Cons: will be in class w/juniors as well
Economics AP = Pros: looks good on application and useful Cons: doesn’t relate as much to my main interests
Psychology = Pros: Interests me, related to tutoring Cons: Not AP, can take in college
Medical Ethics (1st sem) Religion in Fiction (2nd sem) = harder sem option
Understanding Gotham (architecture, 1st sem) Medical Ethics (2nd sem) = easier sem option
Same extracurriculars (hopefully yearbook co-editor, + head of photography magazine or autism tutoring club)
Summer: french program, photography internship, possible journalism program, let me know if anyone knows a particularly good program!
And just in general my main questions about JHU are about the campus vibe and life. Does it get boring in baltimore? Whats the social life like? I want my school to be academic but I’m also a very social person. Just in general hearing the pros and cons of JHU would be great! How are the teachers and the other students?
I appreciate all the help:))