Hey guys, when I got accepted into the 2015 HOME program, I came here to see if they had any information on the program, but couldn’t find anything useful. I decided to leave a review on here for future students that want a little bit more insight as to what the program is.
Like most programs that involve elite schools, everyone that was accepted was really smart. I’m more used to ACT scores so I would estimate most of the people that got in were 29 or 30+. The essay is extremely important however, as they definitely take it into account in their decision. They said about 150 students were accepted and 100 attended. The program can be completely free of charge with plane and meals taken care of if you ask, but not everyone did.
As to what we did during the program I believe is subject to change, but the first day started with getting to know the other students. I met some really great friends and some not-so-pleasant people, but there’s enough people to where everyone can find someone they are compatible with. The program was extremely casual, with some of the events optional giving you time to sit in on classes or tour the campus. Some of the events we had were current student discussion panels, professor discussion panels, admissions panel, and application workshops.
One of the best things, however, is getting to know the admissions counselors. I had the opportunity the hang out with most of the counselors and just had conversations so that they could get to know me past the application in a casual setting.
I know I scoured the internet for anything about this program beforehand. Personally I applied on a whim and though I did know about the school I had no idea that I wanted to consider attending there until I stepped foot on to the campus. I am from California and I ended up paying for my own plane ticket ( long story I broke my foot thought I needed surgery but didn’t and then it was too late) but it was well worth it (got a pretty cheap redeye flight). The vibe of the campus really fit with me I met some really great people who were a likeminded. For those of you who are from regular public schools I will say that it can be a little bit intimidating at some times because the people who are accepted to the program are the best of the best and their schools seemed much more intense than mine. My pieces of advice: don’t let yourself be intimidated, If your scheduling your own flight (especially if you live far away) schedule it so that you have as much time at the campus as you can ( even if it is at inconvenient times) it gives you more time to explore and meet new people, stay up into the night with the late night activities even if your tired (I stayed up 40 hours straight due to the red eye flight) and enjoy every moment of it because it is a really great opportunity.
If your looking to apply I would suggest it. Compared to many of the students there (and JHU stats) I am slightly below average (ACT 31, SAT 1900, GPA 4.10). As for the essay write about what you know I wrote about suburban culture and how it is killing me (because although I am 1/2 hispanic I do not have extremely cultural roots) and I know a kid who was cuban and wrote about coffee.
Always remember that the experience is what you make of it. Enjoy!
And just as an update if you see this next year even with my less than stellar stats I was admitted Early Decision to JHU and will be attending in the fall as a member of the class of 2020. There is always hope. I wish you the very best of luck.