<p>So I'm in a sort of dilemma, and would really appreciate some advice.
The situation is this:
I was accepted into JHU ED, but rejected from the BME major, so I'm released from the
binding ED. i.e. I can choose to not go if I want. The problem is, they want a response by
Jan. 15, which means I won't be able to hear from my RD's in time. </p>
<p>Now, I actually genuinely want to go into engineering, so I'm planning on majoring in ChemBE. A pre-med track would also be acceptable, but I'd prefer engineering. However, I heard that, apart from BME, JHU's other engineering programs are only decent, and that ChemBE is the hardest major at JHU. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I feel that I have a good chance of getting into UCB or LA/SD at least, but of course, nothing is guaranteed. I also live in California, so UC's are obviously much closer to home + better weather, etc.
My main concern is that I heard Berkeley is ridiculously hard, for non-engineering majors, and also if I went, I would only be majoring in bio (cuz I was scared of applying for engineering...). Also, I'd have to decline JHU, and if I didn't get into UCB/LA/SD there'd be a major problem.</p>
<p>At the undergraduate level, there is no difference between the schools in terms of engineering quality. Undergraduate engineering rankings are frankly bunk and are largely derived from the graduate engineering rankings. At the graduate level, Berkeley would provide a better education because of the research you’d be exposed to. At the undergraduate level, transport and Chemistry electives are taught the same way whether you are at Berkeley, Hopkins, Stanford, or MIT. Think about that for a second. Honestly, if you are scared of doing Berkeley engineering, I’d decline Hopkins. Hopkins might prove to be harder than Berkeley Engineering as your undergraduate classmates at Hopkins would likely challenge you more (based on higher test scores coupled with more impressive extracurriculars by virtue of gaining admission into Hopkins). </p>
<p>Hopkins has surprising clout in California by virtue of its strong alumni presence in the bay area as well. By virtue of its small size and higher selectivity, the Hopkins name definitely trumps the UCs. It’s another story when you’re talking about Berkeley Engineering Ph.Ds, however.</p>
<p>I knew 2 people who applied for BME and were rejected in Early Decision last year. One accepted to go to Hopkins with another major and he has never been happier- considers it one of the best decision he’s made. The other declined, expecting to get into Duke BME. However she was rejected, and ended up going to another pretty prestigious school. While she likes the school, she regrets not accepting Hopkins and is applying to transfer in next year.</p>
<p>Think about it. Did you really only apply to Hopkins ED because it was #1 in BME? If so, you should take a gap year and think about what you truly care about. I know when I applied ED to JHU, I did so because of the campus, the people, the prestige, the research opportunities, etc.</p>