JHU vs. NYU vs. Reed

Colleges and Universities A-Z Johns Hopkins University
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<p>I've been accepted to quite a few schools, but my short list is Johns Hopkins, NYU, or Reed College in Portland. I have to decide between the three, and I've reached a conundrum. </p>

<p>Hopkins: I like the Writing Seminars major, and I like the financial aid. What I don't like is the location (what's cool about Baltimore?), the tech-school reputation, and the military-industrial complex vibe (the security cameras analyze your behavior!)</p>

<p>NYU: I love the location, but a friend of mine who attends says that the students don't push themselves enough- the workload is too light. They don't have a Creative Writing major, though it is possible to create one at the Gallantin School. They have great options if I decide I don't want to do Creative Writing. They want me to take out large student loans, however.</p>

<p>Reed: At first glance it seems like everything I could want: a smaller iconoclastic school in a small city that still has a lot going on, and could give me a world-class education and has great programs. It's close to home, and cheap. It has a reputation for having a crushing workload, however.</p>

<p>This being the JHU forum, I've got to say that my main qualms about Hopkins may result from being misinformed. How is campus life? How is the Writing program? How is the workload? How are the dorms? How are the people?</p>

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<p>If you got into Writing Seminars, you will LOVE the place!!! Two words: Tristan Davies. What an incredible man.</p>

<p>The Hopkins campus is definitely involved, eclectic, and very active in music, theater, arts, athletics, clubs etc. You won’t have enough time in the day. Here are some things I definitely suggest reading though:</p>

<p>Lauren C’s Blog, Writing Seminar’s Major: [Lauren</a> explores life at Johns Hopkins as a Humanities student. | Wish You Were Here](<a href=“Taiga”>Taiga)
Her perspective on Baltimore: [getting</a> to know Baltimore| Wish You Were Here](<a href=“Taiga”>Taiga)
Writing Sem’s: [Academics</a> Blog Writing Seminars](<a href=“Taiga”>Taiga)</p>

<p>Based on what you’re looking for, it just sounds like JHU is an ideal fit. Small school, students who care, intellectual thinkers, in a city and they gave you great financial aid. Hopefully you can visit again to put aside your reticence.</p>

<p>The residence halls are pretty standard and generally social, all are within in 5 mins walking of eachother which makes for a great community. The students come from all over to be in such an environment who have a similar value set. There are amazing people in the Hopkins community and the students love academics but don’t let that fool you because there are most definitely parties on (and off) campus through clubs, organizations and fraternity/sorority life. Whether you want to go see an independent film, go to a party until late into the night or read Proust and talk about it until you’re exhausted, Hopkins really offers students a world which is so rarely found elsewhere. The campus is beautiful (<a href=“Home | Johns Hopkins University”>Home | Johns Hopkins University) and (<a href=“http://www.cmmichael.com/sets/jhufall06/lower-quad-breezeway-1.jpg[/url]”>http://www.cmmichael.com/sets/jhufall06/lower-quad-breezeway-1.jpg&lt;/a&gt;) and the Virtual Tour will allow you to get an idea (<a href=“http://apply.jhu.edu/visitors/map.html[/url]”>http://apply.jhu.edu/visitors/map.html&lt;/a&gt;) </p>

<p>I wish you the best of luck in your decision. I highly suggest visiting if you get the chance. =]</p>

<p>Oh, and I think you’ll love this video about professor Dick Macksey: <a href=“http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsHopkins#p/c/2CF9C63A101AD416/0/4rvXUHI331k[/url]”>http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsHopkins#p/c/2CF9C63A101AD416/0/4rvXUHI331k&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I would not take out large student loans to attend NYU especially if you are majoring in writing, especially in this recession, and especially because you have two other good choices. So if NYU is significantly more expensive, I would cross it off my list.</p>

<p>If the financials at Reed and JHU are comparable, I would choose based on the kind of environment you prefer. You’ll probably meet very smart kids at either school.</p>

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<p>^^ agree absolutely.</p>

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<p>Wow, three very different schools. From your interest in writing, I’m going to say Reed because the sense of community at Reed is really awesome.</p>

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<p>I picked Reed! And it feels like the right choice.</p>