<p>I was fortunate enough to be accepted into Stanford and the BME Program at Johns Hopkins. I've seen plenty of rankings, and from what I understand, Stanford is pretty much better than Hopkins in everything EXCEPT BME, where Hopkins is the best place in the nation. But the prestige of Stanford may open more doors at grad school, I don't know.</p>
<p>I'm not "set" on BME, however; it would be unwise to limit myself to such a narrow avenue at this stage. I want to pursue genetics/bioinformatics/biotechnology on a graduate level, and I know there are many ways to get there. Even more generally, I would probably be happy doing anything that merges math with biology, not excluding a double major. (Sidenote: not interested in med school at this point. I would rather be "behind" the doctors, creating the treatments and diagnostics of the future.) </p>
<p>Rankings say Stanford and Harvard share the top spot in Genetics at the grad level, so perhaps I would have better research opportunities at Stanford. At the same time, I have heard that Hopkins is about to build a huge new genetics facility somewhere between Homewood and the NIH in Bethesda (validation, anyone???); if this is true, Hopkins could quickly become the national center for genetics/biotech innovation.</p>
<p>Also, as a musician, I'm excited to be near the Peabody Institute (Hopkins' music conservatory) if I go JHU. My main focus is academics, though. And yes, I am considering housing, surrounding area, semesters at JHU vs. quarters at SU, the food, the people, the vibe... I want to develop as a whole person as well as a research scientist.</p>
<p>Can anyone speak to specific genetics/biotech reputation at the undergrad level, accessibility of profs, research opportunities, etc.? I need to decide TODAY!!!</p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptances.
With the information you have provided except for financial awards by each college, Stanford seems like a great FIT for you.
Yes JHU has its medical and engineering facilities and affiliates in place, but so does Stanford at a more sustained International level. Ranking does seem better for Stanford in all thngs except BME as you have listed, not sure if this due to the fact that this is still a developing field as compared to other engineering or science majors.
As far as grad schools prestige and name recognition, yes Stanfordās name usually trump JHU.You have done extensive research about JHU and surroundings which is great, however, you have not shared some info if you have done the same to Stanford. So with that, one might only be inclined that your heart is gliding towards JHU.
Either-way, you can not go wrong with either schools.
Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Even if true, it wonāt be up and running until you are long gone. </p>
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<p>Be careful with this decision point. The Peabody and Homewood academic calendars used to be at odds, such that is was difficult to take classes at both. Granted, The Hop has been working to better integrate them, but as a STEM major, you will have lab blocks at Homewood. And of course, music courses have their own lab blocks.</p>
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<p>Do you want urban, or suburban? Semesters/quarters donāt much matter for STEM majors: Frosh Chem is Frosh Chem, whether taught over 3-10 week quarters or 2-15 week semesters. Hopkins students tend to be outwardly intense, while Stanford students are quietly intense. Both schools can be intense!</p>
<p>ccco2018: I admit I am better informed about Hopkinsā opportunities because it has been on my radar for longer: the better part of a year vs. Stanford only since I was accepted. I did have my heart set on JHU BME because I didnāt expect to get in Stanford. I went to Stanfordās Admit Weekend and was impressed with what I saw (especially the weather), despite taking it with a grain of salt because it is Admit Weekend, not life at Stanford. And FYI, the costs of attendance will be about equal.</p>
<p>bluebayou: Thanks for the wisdom. I actually prefer Stanfordās campus and surroundings to Hopkinsā. I donāt drink though and am not into partying hard (health issues), so I would probably prefer Hopkinsā more sedate social scene.</p>
<p>Everyone: any insight on specific profs, research ops, individual anecdotes?</p>
<p>Now that the money worries is out of the way, Stanford would be a great place for you. That being said, if you can afford to visit the campus and the surroundings before August, then that will be even better. The two schools atmosphere are quite different, stanford campus presents a more richer, diverse and international hub setting, compared to JHU. and I would agree with ābluebayouā, Stanford students usually describe their experience as intense but with great outlets for stress release and are happier. The case is not often the chorus at JHU.
Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>while S does have a small greek scene, it does not predominate the social activities. If you prefer Stanford, you canāt go wrong with that choice (#2 Engineering school in the world). If there is a slight chance that you would choose other than BME, head to Palo Alto.</p>
<p>Both have a gazillion opportunities for research. Both have world-class faculty, some of which will actually speak to an undergrad and others that wonāt. :)</p>
<p>Picked Stanford! I wanted a river that was wide as well as deep. There will always be a piece of my heart at Hopkins though; perhaps Iāll teach there some day. Thanks to all!</p>