<p>I'm not sure if I should apply. Schools that I really really like are Columbia and Yale. Here is essentially what I'm looking for in a college</p>
<ul>
<li>intellectual drive</li>
<li>a good biology program, but not a science-based college (I want a good education in the humanities also)</li>
<li>a homey atmosphere, good sense of community in the college</li>
<li>stuff to do (not necassarily near a city, but I don't want to be studying 24/7)</li>
<li>at least a decent music program</li>
<li>active college community (lots of involvement in stuff other than studying)</li>
<li>college where greek life is not too heavy</li>
<li>teachers who actually talk/interact with students and encourage them outside of class (ie discussions), but not necassarily something as intimate that can be found at a LAC. in other words, prfos who actually care about their students and are not at the college just for their research</li>
<li>undergrad research opportunities</li>
<li>has a med school or/and hospital nearby</li>
</ul>
<p>so what does JHU fit and what doesn't it fit?</p>
<p>columbia and yale are both very different institutions, especially in their environment and surroundings. I would honestly say after visiting JHU and researching it for several years now, it fits ALL of the bullets you have exclaimed. As for the teachers who actually talk/interact, I hear that there are some teachers who are very interactive, while others are reserved, however this is true in every single university. All the students at JHU definitely have intellectual drive. The biology program is awesome, as well as other science oriented majors. I wouldn't consider it a science-based college because the International Studies major is also fantastic, and so are many other majors. I really like the campus so I guess that's where I would put homey atmosphere. Just knowing the city name Baltimore can tell you there are TONS of things to do (although there are a fair share of students who prefer to stay on-campus and study the majority of the time, but that again is seen in all top-notch colleges as well.) There are a ridiculous amount of programs and clubs at JHU, making it very active, I personally loved all the cultural and ethinic clubs that seemed to fit me perfectly. Greek life is what you make of it, there are frats and if you are a party person and want a stable social life you may want to check out the frats, but it's not greek crazy at JHU (which is another plus). Undergrad research opportunities is hands down for JHU, I mean, come on, it was the first research university in the U.S, they most definitely have an array of research opportunites. And to end with your list, Johns Hopkins Med School is one of the most respected Medical Schools in our entire country, and Hopkins Hospital is also respected around the world. I guess my explanation might seem somewhat bias since I am applying there early decision, but the bullets you have are exactly what I had when I wanted to look for a university, verbatim. So yeah, hope that helps =)</p>
<p>I think JHU sounds like it has most of your bullet points. The humanities are strong here-the history deparmtent is great and has small classes, so does English, etc. Baltimore is a great city-better than New Haven in my opinion. NYC of course is bigger, Baltimore has more low cost options though. I'm not sure about the music program though-Peabody has music opportunities, I'm not sure how easy it is to get involved there, though.</p>
<p>Peabody is has an EXCEPTIONAL music prgm. If you'd like to get involved with that, like have a minor in music or such, there is a part of the JHU app that you check off "yes" then you need to fill out a Peabody Conservatory app as well. Otherwise, you can jus audition during the year for lessons/classes from Peabody w/o applying separately.</p>
<p>Johns Hopkins Hospital, this summer, had once again been proclaimed the #1 Hospital in America for...over a decade now!! <em>applause</em> =)</p>
<ul>
<li><p>intellectual drive
CHECK - the oldest research university and one of the most well-respected institutions in the country.</p></li>
<li><p>a good biology program, but not a science-based college (I want a good education in the humanities also)
CHECK - A great, multi-disciplinary Bio Department included in a liberal arts school with amazing Humanities and Social Sciences major (making up 50% of the school)</p></li>
<li><p>a homey atmosphere, good sense of community in the college
CHECK - An amazing campus, with cool people like me.</p></li>
<li><p>stuff to do (not necassarily near a city, but I don't want to be studying 24/7)
CHECK - Not only 350+ clubs and organizations, not only the best Lacrosse program around, not only activities nearly every weekend, but also in Baltimore and 45 minutes from DC.</p></li>
<li><p>at least a decent music program
CHECK - PEABODY!!!</p></li>
<li><p>active college community (lots of involvement in stuff other than studying)
CHECK - this is a repeat.</p></li>
<li><p>college where greek life is not too heavy
CHECK - about 25% of the population, there is you want it but does not overwhelm student life</p></li>
<li><p>teachers who actually talk/interact with students and encourage them outside of class (ie discussions), but not necassarily something as intimate that can be found at a LAC. in other words, prfos who actually care about their students and are not at the college just for their research
CHECK - JHU is a research institution, but one of the smallest. With just 4000 undergrads, with a little initiative you will know your faculty and have the chance to do research with them.</p></li>
<li><p>undergrad research opportunities
CHECK, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK - this is the greatest quality of JHU, by far.</p></li>
<li><p>has a med school or/and hospital nearby
CHECK - I think I have heard somewhere about the JHU Medical School and Hospital, but can't remember where. (Obviously a joke).</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Not bad. 10/10 - I guess you should look elsewhere (another joke).</p>