curious think happened today...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Johns Hopkins University
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<p>To those of you who think I’m over reacting, here are some quotes from the Newsletter comment board, these are from registered Users of the JHU Newsletter forum. :</p>

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<p>Who’s “blasting away” now?</p>

<p>SummerUdad said:</p>

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<p>summerdad, don’t you mean aspersions ? And , no , casting aspersions in the world of journalism is NOT fair game, nor is it legal. “Aspersions” are unfounded allegations, not responsible criticism. Not in this part of the US , anyway. </p>

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<p>…You don’t understand, summerudad, that’s not my concern. I think it’s you who is "blasting away…I have a reasonable argument. Let the students who don’t want to come the Hopkins go to Stanford then if they don’t want to come here on the basis of what’s said here.I have paid my dues to Hopkins,and I have suffered through other Hopkins mismanagement situations… I don’t really care if these comments discourage other students from coming. If you care, then you could have written your thread response with a little more deference to me. Yes, it’s “anonymous” here, so you really don’t know who I really am, do you ? A little more etiquette will go a long way.</p>

<p>I’m also curious as to why all of my detractors have only 20 posts to their names…is this actually admissionsdaniel trying to quiet me down?</p>

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<p>ahhh…wisdom at last, words from the great omniscient one…thanks so much.</p>

<p>prof101 : this may be an anonymous website, but let’s face it, as any lawyer would counsel me, anything written , and traceable on the web is fair game. Now listen, I don’t want to make too big a deal either, but admissionsdaniel does owe the JHU Newsletter an apology. What he said was without evidence, and therefore grounds for slander. The longer this goes on the worse it gets. </p>

<p>Here’s a thought experiment: Isn’t it entirely within the realm of possibility that I might have actually asked members of the Newsletter ,undergrads, and faculty what they thought about admissionsdaniel’s remarks, and therefore am not the only one who feels this way.??</p>

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<p>GoBlueJays. Thanks for thinking of that. Goodness knows we all are entitled to our opinions here, and clearly you’re a vocal supporting alumni of JHU. Your fervor for trying to straighten this blip in Hopkins cohesiveness does not going unnoticed and your support of the current JHU journalist students is laudable.</p>

<p>Hopefully AdmissionsDaniels will feel welcome back on CC. He might just be so engrossed in the Committee Review Process that takes place the last three weeks before mailings (that would be now) to enable him to steal any time away. That’s certainly trumps in responsibility. </p>

<p>I saw the comments on the Newsletter and laughed a tad while cringing. Clearly this has struck a raw nerve with many, and the best I think we can all do is learn from it, pick our future words carefully and move on.</p>

<p>Hopefully and probably, high school seniors and transfers have a stronger desire for a top notch education and can see through the strong emotions and on to the substance of a very desirable education. </p>

<p>Let’s see if we can hook up at the Homewood Homecoming, yes?</p>

<p>GHWM</p>

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<p>

Totally false. Never heard of the News-Letter and learned a lot from Daniel’s blog and posts. You accused other peope of slander while you are doing it youself. What a hypocrite! </p>

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Other people’s lawn is always greener.</p>

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<p>GHWM, </p>

<p>If I make it down to Homecoming, I’d be honored to meet you. Thank you for your superbly fair and sensitive summation of all sides of the argument. Hopkins needs more folks like you in their camp. On the strength of your comments, I would be happy to see admissionsdaniel back on this forum.</p>

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<p>Prof101,</p>

<p>If you really are a prof, then I think I’ve never had the pleasure of taking your class.
Just to clarify, here is the definition of the word “slander”:</p>

<p>a communication of false statements injurious to a person’s reputation.</p>

<p>In light of that definition, how were my statements slanderous? And therefore, how can you say that I’m a “hypocrite”? And thus , if it is not true that I’m a hypocrite as you say, then, aren’t your statements themselves slanderous?</p>

<p>and … "other peoples lawn (sic) is always greener " …? What the what?</p>

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<p>GoBlueJays –</p>

<p>I heard about this little discussion via a friend who’s in the throes of college admissions and who checks this site too often. </p>

<p>Why are you so bothered by this? I’m a current Hopkins student (who is procrastinating on M, I’ll admit – it’s midterms time), and I have no problem with AdmissionsDaniel’s comments re: The Newsletter. My roommate writes for it, yet he has no problem. However, you seem to be VERY hot and bothered. You say you graduated. Get over it, and move on. It’s a trivial matter anyway. </p>

<p>As for the comments about Hopkins’ enrollment, WE DO lose people to Stanford, to Harvard, to Yale. It’s a fact, and the admissions staff would be wholly dishonest to deny that. I mean, one of my friends from high school chose Harvard over Hopkins. IT HAPPENS. </p>

<p>Again, I don’t understand your motive behind trying to stir controversy. It’s unbefitting of an alumnus, as you claim you are, to take up such an argument on such a place as this. By bashing the school (or its employees) here, you only seek to taint its reputation, which seems pretty counterproductive. And this is no venue to ‘demand’ an apology, though you’ve apparently done so elsewhere.</p>

<p>Out of curiosity and nothing more, it says you were born in the 50s. Why are you posting at 2am on a site that deals with college admissions?</p>

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<p>GoBlueJays. I stand corrected. A better term would have been disparaging. I will say this however, based on your comments I will be rethinking writing any checks should my son be accepted. Your reaction to any comment you disagree with indicates an elitist attitude I’m not amenable to delivering my son into. This has been a major concern for me after his one experience last summer. In deference to you I can appreciate you have strong feelings for Hopkins yet you attack with the fervor of a zealot. I am wondering what has happened that one comment has sent you on a roar. Is this the final straw? Is this a way to blow off steam when other factors in your life have finally reached a critical level? Or are there other factors at Hopkins I should know about? I am above all things a curious sort.</p>

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<p>re post #36 which was directed to my post.
Driftwoodparty is a tag derived from the Marx bros, as in Otis B. Driftwood and is the name our family sometimes gives for reservations or when we’re waiting to be seated in a crowded restaurant. You know, during times of frustration to lighten the mood. I bring this up as a hint that this may be one of those times that you really need to step back and reclaim a sense of humor. </p>

<p>And if your comment re why do all these people responding have fewer than 20 posts refers to me, you couldn’t be further from the mark. I don’t comment a lot on CC because I’m busy and because I find comments often get misconstrued. But when a post really bothers me, I step forward.</p>

<p>Btw I’m a mom,not a dad.
And to all those considering Hopkins, at least in my son’s case, it’s been an excellent choice. Wants the academic rigor and to have fun. Loves the baltimore club scene and camden yards.</p>

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<p>summerudad, I’ve re read my posts, and I don’t see how any of it is" elitist".</p>

<p>Why does everyone question me on my motives? There are some, yes. But that doesn’t make it any better when admissionsdaniel doesn’t respond, and posters feel free to attack me with negatively phrased and condescending comments. </p>

<p>103103, who is your roommate who writes for the paper, and has no problem with it ?
Are you willing to have him make a statement to that effect and sign it? If so, then, I’ll reveal my motives as you so desperately ask for. You’re a hopkins student, and yet you write this kind of condescending holier than thou diatribe against an established alum ( remember you haven’t passed your midterms, or graduated yet )…I think it is you who is damaging the rep more than I .
I am only trying to simply get a simple response, and trying to do so without using the kind of off-putting language others have. I’m reasonable. But when someone comes at me with words that display exasperation, and plain disrespect, then that’s when I stand by my principles.</p>

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<p>BlueJays —</p>

<p>Why are names so important? I’m not going to post online the names of current students to drag them into your little mess (of which you seem so proud) for your own enjoyment – but at least I answered your question, even when you did not when I asked “Out of curiosity and nothing more, it says you were born in the 50s. Why are you posting at 2am on a site that deals with college admissions?” I do want to know. </p>

<p>There are some in the world who don’t need written, signed confirmations to make a point, BlueJays. You’re being oversensitive. Try being one of them. </p>

<p>You graduated. Congratulations. I’m being condescending? Reread some of your posts. I’m on track to finish my coursework early, so I’m not worried about my future status, btw (I say this to confirm I WILL graduate). Being an alum makes no difference here – I know more about the current tones and moods of the school than you, if for nothing else than I live here. I have accepted no grants from alumni – I don’t feel obliged to be nice to you when you’re simply wrong. Again, your actions here have done NOTHING to help your alma mater’s reputation – glad you’re caring about your school. </p>

<p>Re: AdmissionsDaniel’s absence - it is the week of committee in the admissions process, which likely explains his absence. After all, he does have a job, and that job isn’t answering to you. I think it’s commendable he takes the time to post on these sites to help prospective students learn more about the University, as if Hopkins Interactive does not. </p>

<p>To all prospective JHU students, I would like to apologize on behalf of the student body for this ‘alum’s’ posts and tones here. He is not typical of the Hopkins community. When I was applying here and was accepted, I found the information on Hopkins Interactive VERY helpful – helpful enough to have me spend ungodly amounts to come here. I for one applaud AdmissionDaniel’s job for taking the time to reply to all of these posts, and I am sorry that not everyone here gets the big picture of what Daniel and HI does for prospective students.</p>

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<p>10310319,</p>

<p>you’re missing my point about names. I was giving an EXAMPLE… he likely wouldn’t want to put his name on an internet webboard, and thus your quoting only one unnamed source who supposedly works for the Newsletter is useless. </p>

<p>Your remarks are condescending and you have a very haughty tone. I never asked you to “aplogize” for me to anyone reading this thread. Save your efforts for the midterms. I’m sure whoever’s footing your tuition would prefer that.</p>

<p>Actually, this is a nice vignette of JHU. If this “little” (your words ) conversation could actually dissuade a prospective student from the wealth of personal and academic development that Hopkins can give a student, then perhaps they should find another university more suitable to their needs. </p>

<p>Good to see you’re on track to graduate early. Not a premed are you ?</p>

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<p>I agree with SummerUdad it is a shame that JHU produces people like GBJ if he is a JHU graduate. Slanderous?</p>

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<p>My son will be making his decision based on factors other than CC. Knowing the high quality of students who will be applying to Hopkins, I find it unlikely that they will care about some posts on CC. </p>

<p>I am pleased to see that AdmissionsDaniel is focusing his efforts on reviewing my son’s application and not responding to this thread. No offense intended GOBLUEJAYS, but that is his job after all.</p>

<p>Good luck to everyone and hopefully we will all hear great news soon!</p>

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<p>After reading all 3 pages of this discussion, all I can think is “wow…” I am really shocked that this thread has evolved in to a “my horse is higher than yours” debate. It started out with an applicant who is overly stressed about the application process. As a current student at JHU and recent high school graduate, I can empathize with the stress and anxiety of apply to highly selective schools. It’s scary and nerve-racking, and sometimes drives people to post on these crazy websites like college confidential. This website is ridiculous, and it reduces the college admission process to some dispassionate algorithm of statistical analysis.</p>

<p>AdmissionsDaniel is simply trying to dismiss the myth that the admissions process is solely statistical. As someone who knows AdmissionsDaniel personally, I can say he possess a passion for his job that I have never witnessed before. He loves Hopkins just as much as a lacrosse super-fan or a head researcher or a newsletter journalist or a current-applicant. He adores his job of reading applications, which is evidently a highly stressful task. And after all of this at the end of the day, with all his spare time (which he has very little of), he heads Hopkins interactive, and logs onto College Confidential and answers the same old questions of prospectives. As an alum, you clearly have NO IDEA what this man does for the university and for students because you haven’t met him or understood the magnanimity of the things he does for this university. He gives so many opportunities to undergraduates who want to get involved in the admissions office. He has personally gave me an opportunity to meet so many great people at this university, to get involved in student activities, and overall increased my adoration for this university. He helped me find a place where I belong here at Hopkins, and I am eternally grateful for that. You say that Hopkins offers “a wealth of personal and academic development.” Well AdmissionsDaniel is a huge part of that for me. </p>

<p>So, if the main concern of this tread (or at least original concern) is the selection of the class of 2014, then I ask that we let AdmissionsDaniel do his job, which he does exceedingly well, and let the debate end here.</p>

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<p>prof101, and 101310319, you’re both being melodramatic. Maybe you both have life stressors. </p>

<p>Good luck to everyone from my standpoint. One of my D’s is there now. The middle one isn’t planning on attending, but I will always be around. Especially when JHU needs alumni donations.</p>

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<p>Well it appears a response from me has been demanded. To start I must say that I am a bit shocked by the reaction to my previous two posts and very surprised by some of the comments that have appeared here and on the JHU News-Letter comments site. In the nearly five years I have been posting on College Confidential I have never seen such a harsh reaction.</p>

<p>First, as for why it took a while for my response. Responding to posts on College Confidential is not in my job description. It is not a priority as it relates to my job as an Admissions professional. It is something that I do when I have the chance. Take a look at the times I post many of my responses, often early in the morning or late at night. More significantly, it is March in the Admissions Office and my focus and that of my colleagues is nearly 24/7 on reviewing applications and Committee work. Posting on CC occurs when I might have a free moment, and at this time of year it is extremely rare that I have such moments. </p>

<p>Second, I feel it is necessary that I provide an explanation of my comments when I stated, on two separate occasions, to question the source in reference to the JHU News-Letter. I stand by what I wrote and do not feel it was derogatory. For anyone who has followed my work here on College Confidential or any of the work I do through Hopkins Interactive and the Hopkins Insider blog, I have ALWAYS remarked that one needs to question the source. I have made this same remark in relation to articles in the New York Times or Washington Post, information posted on the College Board or US News web sites, any number of posts found on sites like CC, and even to question the source when related to Hopkins Interactive and my blog.</p>

<p>My comments regarding the News-Letter article are related to this “question the source” philosophy, as well as the fact that on three separate occasions I have been misquoted by the News-Letter. I did not choose to go into detail about those incidents previously, and will not provide details here either, as I am not sure if the writers/editors of those previous articles are still at Hopkins. I do respect the work that any college student who writes for their school newspaper puts in on a weekly basis as I wrote for my school newspaper. In the past I have praised articles in the News-Letter on my blog and on my Twitter account, and will continue to do so in the future. </p>

<p>Third, why can’t I have an opinion? Yes I do work for the Johns Hopkins Admissions Office but does that mean that I need to blindly agree and promote everything related to Hopkins. That is not something I believe in and that is not something I practice. If you disagree with that point of view I respect your disagreement and just state that everyone is entitled to their opinion. </p>

<p>I believe in transparency and feel that those who have followed my work would agree that I aim to be one of the most accessible Admissions counselors in the country. I do state the policies of my University and the Admissions Office I work for, but I also provide prospective students and their families insight into the mindset of an Admissions counselor at a highly selective institution. Many who follow me would agree that there is a difference between Johns Hopkins Undergraduate Admissions and AdmissionsDaniel. I believe in allowing prospective students to make up their own minds, and feel that it is my role to help them see the options and get the correct information they seek. I believe that it is my honesty, my transparency, and my personal points-of-view that are valued.</p>

<p>In the end there seems to be differences of opinions here and differences in what my role should be. My role has been pretty well-defined for over five years and has had the support of my colleagues and many a prospective student and their families. As I started using social media as a tool to connect with students and help them navigate this very confusing process, I knew there would be people who would disagree with me. However, I am thankful that I have met many people who have appreciated my hard work and honest and opinionated nature. (By the way, I know Matt McGann very well; he is a friend of mine, he is someone I highly respect, and his blog is wonderful. I have in the past (and will in the future) presented with Matt at national conferences about the issues of transparency and using social media tools to communicate with prospective students and applicants.)</p>

<p>Finally, I appreciate the News-Letter and their interest in covering admissions for JHU. I do expect there to be follow-up comments to what I have posted here but I do not have the time to continue in engaging in a conversation with there exists a clear difference of opinion. I need to get back to working with my colleagues and focusing on the 18,500 files.</p>

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<p>Thanks for chiming in, AdmissionsDaniel. I hope this can be laid to rest here and now.</p>

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<p>admissionsdaniel,</p>

<p>You said that your saying “definitely question the source” is something you would have said with even the New York Times, and that it’s a philosophy of yours to “question the source”…I agree, I always question the source, and certainly did it in this instance. However, you have to take your comments in context, and the implications you made.</p>

<p>If someone asks me, " I just read this article in the NY Times,.what do you think?“, and I replied, " well, the article states XYZ, and therefore xyz” then I’m answering the question with a legitimate answer. However, if I answer it with, “well, question the source” the implication is that you don’t trust the newspaper. Can you see the difference?</p>

<p>And if your unfortunate episode with the Newsletter occurred with a previous graduating class, then wouldn’t it be prejudiced and unfair of you to assume that the current author is going to do the same? </p>

<p>I actually heard the tape of the entire interview. That’s more than YOU have done.The quote is word-for-word. Before I went on CC to complain about your comment, I actually did my background checks and due diligence , or else I wouldn’t have been so vocal about your erroneous statement. Now THAT takes a lot of time and effort, and therefore should be respected.</p>

<p>Although I appreciate your helping others voluntarily on this website, I feel you have still not addressed your comment. It takes a lot to admit a mistake.</p>

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<p>GoBlueJays…
Now you are just being redundant, and short of falling on his sword, I dont believe there is a thing he can say that would placate you.</p>

<p>He was misquoted in the past, he doesnt have an obligation to track if the authors graduated or not, or to adjust his expectations accordingly. “Question the Source”.</p>

<p>He did not present his opinion as Fact…So he has no obligation to fact-check. This is not news, this is opinion. Only when he is presenting ‘facts’ would I expect him to be able to back it up. His original contention was that he felt the dean was not represented well, or that his comments were not in context, but (as you have ‘proven’), he was not correct. He has not questioned if you ‘listened to the tapes’, or questioned your motives or authority (others certainly have). If you felt, as an authority figure on an open message board, that Dan has a greater obligation towards the truth, you might be right. But we have the option of disappearing, whereas he seems to take some level of pride in his responsiveness…is this something you would want to curtail?</p>

<p>Hundreds of parents come on these boards and claim their daughters are gorgeous and genius…No one holds them accountable.</p>

<p>Hundreds of people respond to ‘chance’ threads as if they sit on adcom committees every day…No one holds them accountable.</p>

<p>Hundreds of people present facts that are outright fabrications every day…No one holds them accountable.</p>

<p>These boards are the editorials, the sports pages, the advice columns and the funny pages…If you want the headlines, click any collegename.edu, and follow the links to ‘admissions’. And relax!</p>

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<p>OK, now we’re getting there !</p>

<p>Imontoya, I thank you, I see your point. However, I think you have some of my points mixed up, esp about fact checking, he doesn’t have to say something is fact, he just has to SAY it, if it’s false , and on a public board, then it’s libel. I’m afraid the subtleties of my writings have caused many to misunderstand.Forgive me.OK OK I withdraw my call for his dismissal, …happy? </p>

<p>I am being redundant because so many have come here, and taken their potshots at me. I don’t know any of you.If you read my posts carefully, and I mean carefully, you might see that I’m not half wrong. Also , you’ll note that most of my posts are responding to others’ insensitive remarks…rather than to daniel…is that so wrong?</p>