<p>I have reviewed many threads on JHU. Many of the responses are from the same persons. They seem to be enjoying their experience but yet I sense that maybe not everything is as portrayed or it would be good to hear from others. I know there is plenty to do and there is much fun to be had, but I am really trying to learn if the sciences and engineering programs are so competitive that they are cut throat. Is the competition so much that it takes something away from the overall joy of the college experience. Of course much of this is up to the individual student but excessive competitiveness (cut throat attitudes and actions) takes a degree of control out of the student's hand. </p>
<p>I have a nephew who went there. I don’t know if it was just the regular workload or the competitiveness, but he ended up taking a semester off and took classes at the state univ. near his home. His parents didn’t say specifically, but it had to be serious for him to do that. The parents have also commented since he has graduated that they regret he didn’t have much fun during his college experience. He never talks about it.</p>
<p>My dad went to JHU, granted this was many years ago, but I doubt that it has changed significantly from what he tells me. If you go into the pre-med track (even though there’s no actual pre-med major), the classes will be insanely difficult to try to weed people out. In his organic chemistry class, the final was a lab where they had to mix together a certain solution and perform tests on it. One of the students in the class was so desperate that he actually destroyed all of the class’s experiments, which also caused a reasonable amount of damage to the building. As far as my dad says, people really don’t help others, and the environment is basically the opposite of collaborative. Although it may be slightly different now, it probably has a similar atmosphere. If you really desire intense competition, it may be the best school for you. If you want the full college experience, I would strongly consider looking elsewhere.</p>
<p>When H, S and I visited Hopkins about 4 years ago, after the tour, we wandered around campus and talked to students to find out about their experiences. All said that the students are very competitive with each other. S is very laid back and collaborative, and it was clear to us that Hopkins wasn’t a place that he’d enjoy attending.</p>
<p>One strike against Hopkins is Baltimore. I have been to every major city in the country, and the worst neighborhoods I have ever seen are in Baltimore. JHU itself is OK, but I would feel wary and trapped at JHU. Not a good thing.</p>
<p>When we looked at Hopkins, we were investigating their humanities programs in IR and in writing. They have extremely rich programs in these areas and the students seemed pretty happy. I wonder if the experience of a humanities student at Hopkins is different from that of a science major.</p>
<p>I have to defend Baltimore. I think Baltimore is a big plus for JHU. I love the city - great food, great music, wonderful neighborhoods. I lived in the city for years and now live just north of the city in Baltimore County. There are several gorgeous neighborhoods just north of the campus and the area around the campus is as safe or safer than many other schools in urban areas. My daughter and her friends love the area and really enjoy going into the city. I have known lots of kids who went to Hopkins and none of them have described it as cut throat.</p>
<p>When we went to visit, we loved Baltimore and thought the campus was absolutely beautiful. It was one of the first really warm, lovely spring days and we were struck by the fact that there were very, very few kids outside on the campus just relaxing, playing frisbee etc… On the other hand, the library was packed. We felt like it gave us just a touch of what it might be like there - a bit intense?</p>
<p>Competetiveness and being ‘cut-throat’ I think applies at many universities for those pursuing a pre-med curriculum and ‘difficulty of work’ along with competetiveness of being graded on a curve (but necessarily a ‘cut-throat’ attitude) applies to many engineering programs at top engineering schools.</p>
<p>H’s colleague’s D transferred out after freshman year. Not her style; it may have been the “intensity” that bothered her. I don’t want to say where she transferred, but it was a school of equal or greater reputation, but more relaxed atmosphere.</p>
<p>^I was going to mention, OP, that I’ve seen the JHU admissions counselor who posts here make the same correction that rachael just did. If you apply, be sure you get it right on your application!</p>
<p>Hopkins can be a great school for the right kid.</p>
<p>The kid who is looking for a typical college experience is not the right kid. </p>
<p>If you’re attracted by Hopkins’ good science programs but concerned about its intensity, you might be happier at a more typical university that also has good science programs (e.g., Duke, Cornell).</p>
<p>True, but at Hopkins, the students in those programs dominate the campus. At other schools where a smaller proportion of students are in those types of programs, the overall atmosphere of the campus may be more relaxed, even though the academic experience of the premed students may not differ much.</p>
<p>It seems that there are a lot of statements, comments and opinions about Hopkins that are based on second hand information, conjecture or rumors. I am not sure why some people feel the need to express their opinions when they have little knowledge.</p>
<p>Anyway, I too have to express opinions that are second hand since I have never attended the school. I do however have a daughter who just graduated. If you are interested in learning about Hopkins I suggest you visit the Hopkins CC forum which will also direct you to other forums. Just to clear up to misconceptions:</p>
<p>Hopkins undergrad programs are very diverse and include many excellent programs outside of the sciences.</p>
<p>Hopkins courses tend to be fast paced and very demanding. Kids are expected to work and there is a lot of grading on the curve which can be a motivator and/or a shock to kids that have been used to being at the top of the class with straight A’s.</p>
<p>My D reports that she has had a lot of support from classmates and study groups are common. There is some competitiveness but mostly cooperation to learn the material and succeed.</p>
<p>Baltimore has plenty of rough neighborhoods but with some city smarts is a great place to go to school or to visit. I have spent many days there visiting even when my D was not available. I can recommend lots of places worth seeing and accessible without a car.</p>
<p>I have met many of my D’s friends and in general I have to say there are some pretty amazing kids who attend with lots of diverse interests and special skills and accomplishments.</p>
<p>As with any school “fit” is important. When accessing fit it is best to spend time on campus. Schools are often very different than the guidebook summaries or other rumors.</p>
<p>thank all for their candid responses. I think it is important for applicants to know “for what it is.” A lot of time and money is on the line and we all want the experience that is in our best interest.</p>
<p>I have to agree with edad, our S graduated two years ago and he/we loved Hopkins. He was a liberal arts major with 5 roommates that were engineers, none were considered “throats”, in my opinion; they were all fun-loving, serious students. All of his roommates had JOBS before they graduated. Every penny spent was definitely worth it. My S loves it back there (from California) and is staying back there. </p>
<p>Geesh, change the wording from “Hopkins” to “U. Chicago” and all this sounds familiar!</p>
<p>Fact is there are universities who have students that value intensity and hard work. These places are not for everyone, but the right kid thrives.</p>
<p>BTW, living near Baltimore these days, I agree with those who point out that Baltimore is a fascinating city. True it has many tough neighborhoods. But it has many with charms. And weekend getaways are a snap, with many great places to visit. </p>
<p>Another plus for JHU is transportation - train and bus to NYC, SW Airlines from BWI to anywhere else. Convenient train service to BWI.</p>