<p>I am deciding between Case Western where I was offered a Presidents Scholarship and Johns Hopkins, where I was offered a Woodrow Wilson Undergraduate Research Fellowship ($10,000 for a research project I develop and execute with a faculty mentor). I am planning to study Cognitive Science/Psychology, where I ultimately want a PHD and to do research. Hopkins is more $, but the research fellowship is very tempting. Any advice? Any knowledge or info about the fellowship opportunity at JHU? Thanks.</p>
<p>Both great opportunities. I’m responding to your post to bump it up because maybe there’s someone with experience at one or the other who will respond.</p>
<p>Otherwise…maybe there are no responses because they’re viewed as equally good options! (Although Cleveland and Baltimore are in different parts of the country, they’re actually very similar cities!)</p>
<p>My son had a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at Hopkins, and it was a wonderful experience. He formed a close bond with his mentor, which helped immensely when he later applied for PhD programs (his Woodrow Wilson mentor knew his now PhD adviser from their days at Harvard and from professional conferences–its amazing how much difference that can make). </p>
<p>There was a lot of flexibility with respect to how the money could be used. In my son’s case, he used it mostly for travel (necessary for his research) and, because he was frugal, he got to travel quite extensively on $10,000.</p>
<p>The fellows also meet together periodically and they form a rather tight group. During your senior year, the graduating fellows present the results of their research–which garners a pretty big audience and some media attention. Finally, there is a wonderful reception given to senior fellows shortly before commencement–which includes presenting fellows with medallions which are worn at commencement. </p>
<p>Also, some of the fellow got to publish their research results—a big plus if you’re applying to PhD programs. </p>
<p>All in all, a very worthwhile program. Congratulations.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your reply on the JHU Research Fellowship! Your information was invaluable.</p>