<p>A year ago at this time I posted a similar entry in response to all the new threads popping up asking for comparisons of JHU versus other schools. I know this may seem a great way to seek assistance in making this big decision, but I do want to make a few suggestions. </p>
<p>(1) The best answers to such posts are from people who share the positives of their schools rather than attacking the other schools. Focusing on what is great about one's school is much more helpful than attacking a school you probably don't know much about from first-hand experience.</p>
<p>(2) Take everything you read/hear with a grain of salt. I am not a fan of many of these comparison threads since often people responding have their own personal agendas, like to extend untrue myths, and just don't know anything. Feel free to question what I write as well, though I think my track record has proven that I provide an honest point-of-view.</p>
<p>(3) Make every opportunity to visit the schools you are considering and make the comparisons yourself. Absorb all the information that is out there. </p>
<p>(4) Do not focus on rankings or other stats. Focus on what school best fits what you want - and yes I said what YOU want. Not your friends, not your family. </p>
<p>I posted a Hopkins Insider entry on this topic last year, and will do a sequel to this post in a week or so. Here it is for those interested:
<a href="http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2006/04/may_1st_is_almo.html%5B/url%5D">http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2006/04/may_1st_is_almo.html</a>
(scroll to the second section of the entry for the relavent info)</p>
<p>Hope that helps & Good luck with your decisions.</p>