Hi, guys!
I am planning to apply ED to JHU… I was just wondering 3 things.
- Is it easier to get into CS or Mechanical/Electrical/Computer Engineering. (Which is the easiest of those to get into?)
- How could increase my chances applying, besides applying ED, which I am.
- Do they take senior grades into account for ED applicants? Also what’s the deal with freshman grades?
Instate in California
Indian Asian
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2060 (CR-640 W-700 M-720) SuperScore ( 660 CR 790 M 700 W= 2150)
SAT II: Math II:750 Physics:710
Unweighted GPA for 9-11: 3.69
Weighted GPA 9-11: 4.28
Rank/percentile (if available): Top 10%
AP Scores: AP Euro (3), AP Chem (3), APUSH (4), AP Physics 1 (4), AP Calc AB (5), AP Spanish (3)
Senior Year Course Load: AP Gov, AP Comp Sci, AP Lit, AP Stats, AP Psych, AP Physics C
12 APs/14 offered taken, which is why I have a low GPA, but no excuses… most rigorous schedule
Extracurriculars:
3rd Degree Black Belt
Science Decathlon(Will this help?)
Taekwondo Teams/Tournaments
Taekwondo Instructor
Volunteer as Taekwondo Instructor
SSA Office Intern
Intern at major Aerospace company
AP Scholar With Distinction
COSMOS UCI CAMP
Howdy. As has been stated many times on this forum, only the Biomedical Engineering (BME) program requires a separate admissions process. Beyond that you would be applying for general admission. While I’m sure the application committee is keeping in mind a general amount of students they want to accept for humanities majors, biological sciences, engineering, etc., I highly doubt the committee is going into such detail as to be accepting students from CS vs MechE vs EE, etc. It is well known that the average undergraduate formally switches their major multiple times during their undergrad. Often the major is switched within a similar field (such as one engineering major to another), so I wouldn’t worry at all between applying as a CS vs MechE vs EE. Honestly, I would apply with whatever you have the most experiences with to demonstrate you are a mature applicant who has pursued activities, coursework, etc. in your field of interest and are likely to succeed with this content in college.
First semester senior grades will not be considered unless you will have additional grades to show them before the mid-December deadline JHU reports ED results by. Even if you have grades by early December the committee will probably have reached a decision and won’t have time to re-open your file. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive to get high marks since if you are rejected for ED (God forbid) you may still be considered for RD, and first semester grades will be important, very important (not to mention all the other RD schools that undoubtedly place high consideration on senior grades). Freshman grades of course matter, but of all four years they will be the least significant. Schools care about the student you are now and not the student you were three years ago. Upward trends are important and show you have matured as a student and a young adult.
In your case, higher exam scores surely wouldn’t hurt. The Physics Subject Test is on the lower end and the 3 in AP Chem isn’t helping your case. I would consider taking a subject test in either biology or chemistry to help establish a strong competence for the sciences (chem if you haven’t taken bio or AP bio). You don’t have to rush November scores and students are sometimes surprised with high scores due to the generous curving that can occur from one exam to the next. If you think you can dedicate a few hours a day to prep for a subject test (remember that grades at this point will matter more than a subject test for overall college admissions though) I would go for it. If you get a 750+ send it in, if not, no big deal, you reviewed material you will most likely need for college anyway.
Science Decathlon will definitely help your case. You love science so much you study it in your free time - oh boy! Remember though that it isn’t just putting the EC down but conveying what you got out of the activity. Write about activities that matter to you in your application and in interviews and explain why they matter with genuine, personal anecdotes and details. Avoid general statements at all costs throughout your application and interview. You need to stand out and you need to make a memorable impression. In your case you really should emphasize your aptitude for the sciences since you have average test scores (and possibly grades) in subject matter you need as an engineer (Physics and math especially). Remember to step back and look at your application as objectively as possible. When you’re writing your application remember this is all the information the committee has. Address weaknesses, don’t avoid them - the committee will surely find them. Play the devil’s advocate and remember that addressing weaknesses shows maturity and allows you to rebut the questions you can predict the committee will ask itself about your application.