<p>I'm an international student from Brazil and I sent an e-mail to JHU explaining that I attend a small school that offers no extracurricular activities nor honors and they aswered: "You would not be at a disadvantage. Perhaps you do some volunteering somewhere, something like that is looked upon very favorably."</p>
<p>Do you think I should still apply? There's no such thing as GPA here in Brazil and my ACT is 32. I also need a great amount of financial aid (full ride) and I know they're need-aware for internationals. What do you think? Does the affirmative action work for international students?</p>
<p>Would the lack of volunteering activities affect my chances and be used as a reason for not accepting me?</p>
<p>What's the social life like? Are there any good clubs nearby? Would you label JHU as conservative or liberal? Thanx!</p>
<p>Well, you have to somehow demonstrate to the admissions office that you are academically capable, and you really should devote your time to something. Surely, you can volunteer somewhere, or get a job, or tutor, or something like that.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say that Hopkins is necessarily politically charged, but I get the sense that there are more “liberals” than “conservatives.”</p>
<p>JHU does have financial aid for international students and I am sure that they take everything into consideration. You should apply for sure. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m in almost the same situation. I go to a small school overseas that doesn’t offer very many extracurricular activities or advanced classes. We’re the first senior class in the school’s history, and there are eight of us.</p>
<p>Definitely look for stuff outside of school that you can actively pursue. Volunteer a bit. Get a job. I did all that, I wrote about it in my essay, and I got in. :D</p>
<p>If you feel like you’re up to it, maybe you could work with the school administrators to start your own club? That would definitely show leadership skills, among other things.</p>
<p>However, I’m a US citizen so I’m not sure how much of an effect the financial aid issue will have. Definitely give it a shot though. Good luck :)</p>
<p>Applying for financial aid does have a big effect when you are an international but yes, there is no harm in trying.</p>
<p>mathnerd = are you going to Hopkins in the fall?</p>