<p>Admissions Dan or Anyone else who knows:</p>
<p>I understand that JHU has a 4-1-4 calender, but what does that mean? Do the JHU students like it or is it stressful?</p>
<p>[url=<a href="http://webapps.jhu.edu/jhuniverse/information_about_hopkins/calendars_notices_announcements/academic_calendars/2006-2007_Arts_&_Sciences_and_Engineering/index.cfm%5DHere's%5B/url">http://webapps.jhu.edu/jhuniverse/information_about_hopkins/calendars_notices_announcements/academic_calendars/2006-2007_Arts_&_Sciences_and_Engineering/index.cfm]Here's[/url</a>] the calendar for the upcoming school year. Basically, we have fall semester Sept-Dec (with a week off for Thanksgiving); spring semester February-May (with a week off for Spring Break); and an optional three-week long [url=<a href="http://www.jhu.edu/isession/%5DIntersession%5B/url">http://www.jhu.edu/isession/]Intersession[/url</a>] in January. During intersession, the university offers certain for-credit classes (of course, condensed versions of them) as well as other not-so-traditional classes (think Ballroom Dancing, Wine Tasting and the History of Hip Hop). There are also three-week study abroad programs - last year they were three, in Honduras, the Galapagos Islands and Florence). </p>
<p>The schedule makes the fall and spring semesters a bit more compacted than most universities (especially since we start later than a lot of schools), but it's nice having January off. Some people stay at home for the three weeks (that's what I did last summer), others take the Intersession classes or do research or have internships etc. Most freshman that I knew last year stayed at home for an extra long winter break, but some did come back to campus (the dorms are open and the dorms and most classes don't cost extra, though some classes do have materials fees)</p>
<p>Not much to add - tanman has once again provided a great overview.</p>
<p>Since Intersession is optional many students do appreciate the opportunity, and I think I remember that something like 75% of students will do Interession at least once before graduation. The only real minor complaint I have heard is that it does mean if you don't attend Intersession you will be home a bit longer than your friends from home for winter break.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, for pre-med students, Intersession tends to be a great time to take Organic Chemistry.
Also,</p>