Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, or Northwestern? Please Help!!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>As many of you know, deadline for depositing is May 1st--which is just about one week from today. I have literally cried over this decision and I think I have gone mad researching. I would love any insight, advice, or anecdotes that you guys might have pertaining to these schools. Below, I'll just offer some of the things I found about these schools. I plan to major/minor in some combination of international relations, philosophy, English, and psychology.</p>

<p>Though Hopkins has an incredible repute for its medical school, from my research, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that its humanities programs rank among the top in the nation. For example, the largest major at JHU is international studies, and its School of Advanced International Studies is ranked second, after Georgetown (third Harvard, fourth Princeton, etc.). I like the school because it feels like the smallest of the three, and the campus is gorgeous (red brick, Harvard-esque) and there is a cohesiveness about the buildings. It also offers research opportunities to all students, and 70% of undergraduates leave having done some research--regardless of their majors. It has a 'college-town' feel--however you want to interpret that. Some of the biggest things I like about JHU are its incredibly flexible curriculum (no core), and its 5-year Masters/Bachelors program for SAIS. It's French department is renowned and recognized by the French government. Its Peabody Conservatory is the nation's first music conservatory and is comparable to Julliard. The Peabody library is breathtaking (google it!) I feel if I came here, I would leave with quality education (small classes, attentive professors) regardless of my major. Hopkins gave me essentially a full ride. </p>

<p>Some negatives/pros about Hopkins: It's library reminds me of a dungeon. Literally, it goes deep down into the ground, each level quieter than the last. Above the first level, there is a cafe area, and it's nice, but below that, I don't know how much I like it. (But they are building a new library/study place more conducive to group studying. It'll be completed in the next year.) And aesthetics are very important to me. The school is undeniably an academic school first. I like that, but am scared of the rumors of grade deflation, competitiveness, etc. The gym is gorgeous (indoor track, rock climbing facilities, tvs), but definitely on the smaller side. Baltimore--around Hopkins is safe, but further away from it..I'm not sure. I HATE that everyone thinks Hopkins is only good for med, and that everyone butchers the name. </p>

<p>Georgetown is also absolutely gorgeous, but very different from Hopkins. The buildings are stone rather than brick, and I would describe them as majestic. Of course, its international relations program is renowned, but I also get the sense that its very one-note. None of their humanities/sciences programs come even close to those of Hopkins in terms of rankings. For example, Hopkins is top in all science, and #13 in English and #9 in history, whereas Gtown is not even ranked in English and #36 in history. I feel I might have more of a social life here. The DC area is obviously a draw--more opportunities for internships and jobs. Gtown also seems to have more lay-prestige than Hopkins--probably for its prominent alumni--but most of them are in politics. Almost everybody seems to be chanting Gtown over Hopkins, which is making me feel conflicted. Its library is okay--better than Hopkins', but its nothing to fawn over. The cafeteria and gym are bigger. The gym also has a pool, which I love. But, the gym is quite far from the main campus and it's a trek uphill. And while larger, the quality of the equipment is okay. Generally it's larger (population). What I don't really like about the school is its lack of diversity. I feel like many, many people fit the Caucasian, preppy, rich stereotype. While that didn't bother me in writing, upon visiting, I definitely felt like the odd one out. Also, students cannot major across different schools--so the curriculum is pretty inflexible (but there is an easy core). For example, I would not be able to major in IR (SFS) and double major in mathematics (College). Because I'm Catholic, the chapel on campus appeals to me. It is about 5 hours away. I would have to pay about 8-11,000 per year total to attend. </p>

<p>Northwestern is the only school I haven't visited, so I may not be able to give a balanced overview. Clearly its academic repute is undeniable, which is great. Everyone seems to love NW. I heard the food there is awesome. Some negatives would be the distance (15-16 hour drive!), the extreme cold, and the hugeeee undergrad class. I don't want to feel like a number, and want to be able to reap the most out of my classes. Generally, from looking at pictures, I think the campus is beautiful. I heard students there drink a lot, and I'm really not big into the drinking scene. I am not sure about its repute for jobs. Some have told me it's great, but others have said that it's mostly famous in the Midwest. I would have to pay ~15,000. </p>

<p>If you got to the end, thank you so much for reading my rambling sentences and I apologize for typos in advance! I would appreciate any advice!</p>

2

<p>You have a really hard choice – all great schools. Husband went to both JHU (undergrad) and Georgetown (grad school), and brother went to Northwestern, so I know a bit about all. It’s really a toss up and I think since you are not a bio/science major (which draws many to JHU), all 3 are fairly equal in the fields you are interested in – Georgetown is known for its international relations, and both JHU and Northwestern have very strong philosophy and english departments. I think it comes down to the environment/city – do you prefer being the in the midst of a city (like DC or Baltimore – and DC is fantastic), or in more suburbs on beautiful campus very close to Chicago? You haven’t been to NW but it is a beautiful campus – and the dining option are impressive. But winters will be cold. </p>

<p>Lastly, Hopkins gave you a free ride for the same education you’d get at the others. Unless you feel a real calling for either NW or Georgetown, it seems it may be the logical choice. Most who know about schools know of its reputation well beyond the sciences too. And don’t forget for international relations, Hopkins has graduate school – SAIS (school of International Advanced Studies – which is just as highly regarded, if not more so, than Georgetown (on par with Tufts Fletcher and Columbia’s grad program). Congratulations on your great choices – you really can’t go wrong here!</p>

3

<p>If money were not a factor, I would personally choose Northwestern, Hopkins and then Georgetown. Seeing as Hopkins is giving you a full-ride, go where the money is. Hopkins is an excellent school and will provide you with an absolutely excellent education. I would most certainly recommend Hopkins!</p>

4

<p>Thank you skibum4 and NYU2013 so much for reading all that and giving me advice! I feel like I’ve just been much too wrapped up inside my own head for weeks. I am leaning towards Hopkins, but am so unsure because people keep telling me how awesome Georgetown and NW are! I just don’t want to regret the decision I make, and miss out on opportunities that I will look back upon. Please, I would love more advice from anyone else!</p>

5

<p>Based on the majors that you laid out get rid of Hopkins I say georgetown is the place for IR!</p>

6

<p>@kevpa1</p>

<p>For all of the programs that the OP listed, Hopkins is very strong… Hopkins is especially strong in IR… </p>

<p>Why would you say get rid of Hopkins?</p>

<p>@superpiglet
For Northwestern, can your parents afford the $15,000 out of pocket without any financial hardships? What about Georgetown?</p>

7

<p>I would pick Northwestern if cost werent an issue, but since Hopkins is free I’d go there (you cant beat free - these are all peer schools).</p>

<p>Also, you should see if the others schools will match the other offers.</p>

8

<p>Just my two cents if I am going to school for any type of politics in the US I would want to be in DC.</p>

9

<p>But the best politics schools are not always in DC. </p>

<p>In fact, I can think of a large number of schools that best Gtown, GW or American for politics.</p>

10

<p>@NYU2013, my parents will most probably not help at all/very little with finances. I will most likely pay my college tuition by myself due to a combination of my family’s finances as well as my parents’ expectations. I work a few jobs right now, and hope to continue working in college, but I am uncertain if working will detract from my studies. That’s a big factor in my decision. I’ve appealed to Georgetown, and will appeal to NW. </p>

<p>@timetodecide12, can you explain why you would choose Northwestern? I’d love to have a greater perspective on all the schools I’m considering. </p>

<p>@kevpa1, I’m not sure I necessarily want to go into politics, but my intended majors reflect some of the interests I have. </p>

<p>Thank you guys so much for taking the time to help me! I feel so alone in this decision-making process and CC is so helpful!</p>

11

<p>It’s funny you mention JHU has Harvard-esque architecture as the movie “The Social Network” was filmed using the Hopkins campus as Harvard. But back to the topic:</p>

<p>In terms of overall reputation, Northwestern and JHU are generally peer schools. Northwestern and JHU are a lot stronger than Georgetown as a whole outside of say IR (in which case JHU is a close second). If you choose to double major, however, JHU and NU blow georgetown out of the water due to the quality of other programs in addition to having engineering schools (which helps with overall reputation). Georgetown has lay prestige because of Bball and SFS (Clinton aura). Go out of DC, and you will see that reputation dissipate relative to Hopkins and NU immensely. Go internationally, and it’s no contest due to the immense strength of the Hopkins and Northwestern graduate programs. Your employers will know JHU is better than more than just med school. Look at the IR placement for students in DC jobs, for instance. There is a definite strong strong alumni network in DC, no worries there.</p>

<p>But as others have mentioned, you’ll likely receive a similar quality undergraduate education at any of these schools. There are people who have picked Hopkins among the three schools with costs being equal. To have a full ride to one should make things clearer.</p>

12

<p>Thanks for your response Blah2009! I haven’t seen the movie, but that’s very interesting!
And yes, the financial situation is pushing me towards Hopkins, but others have told me that a few thousand dollars is marginal in the long run. </p>

<p>Also, this may sound a bit idiotic, but at a certain point, I became so frustrated that I voiced to my friends that I would just pick whichever school’s colors I liked most. Then someone told me that there is a “test” in which one imagines his/herself in the school’s apparel, and whichever school’s clothing they enjoy the most, is the school that is right for them. Of course, this sounds wholly ridiculous, but there may be some psychological validity to this jestful theory. You can ignore this paragraph if you wish :D</p>

<p>Thanks again to everyone who has helped me thus far, and I welcome any more advice as the May 1st deadline looms over my head!</p>

13

<p>So I’ve deposited at JHU, but I’m feel like I’m experiencing a bit of buyer’s remorse? I don’t know if I’ve made the right decision with everyone asking if I’m premed, and just stuff like that… I just don’t want to look back at my decision with regret. Can anybody give me advice on what to do now? Should I reconsider?</p>

14

<p>Stop worrying about what other people think. The employers know the quality of JHU, and their opinions are much more important.</p>

<p>Sent from my ThunderBolt using CC</p>

15

<p>JHU is world famous for its medical school and has a very strong pre-med program. Many people automatically think that you must be going premed. </p>

<p>However, JHU is strong in a number of other subjects as well – most people don’t seem to realize JHU is also excellent in the humanities and social sciences. </p>

<p>Future employers and grad schools, should you decide to apply for any time of graduate scheme, will be familiar with JHU and its strengths; you shouldn’t worry about that. </p>

<p>Most people know JHU is a strong school, so you shouldn’t worry about them not knowing that its also good at XYZ subject.</p>

16

<p>I still haven’t placed my deposit for Georgetown over Hopkins…(the former gave a full ride while the latter has a net cost of 11k per and my family can only contribute around 5k).
I’m trying for pre-med so declining Hopkins really hurts.</p>

17

<p>@lakeawead, if you really want to go to Hopkins, maybe you should take out the remaining 6,000 in loans? It definitely is a difficult decision though. </p>

<p>It’s the little things that are bugging me. I’m not sure which is more prestigious, which school I will find more friends and people I love, and which school I will look around when things get tough and say, “this is worth it.” I’m doubting my decision and I wish I had something definite to confirm that it’s the right one.</p>

18

<p>My parents CAN contribute 5k, doesn’t mean they want to or would, especially with the free alternative, and being Catholic as well…maybe if Georgetown had rejected me or given less money, then they would have contributed.</p>

<p>I spend more time at Georgetown than I do at my high school (it’s a long story), but have not even visited Hopkins so I was never attached to the school. Maybe I don’t know a good thing until its gone.</p>

<p>The grass is always greener on the other side. We’ll both grow to love our respective schools.</p>

19

<p>Piglet - I think you’ve gotten some very good advice here. I concur with it, and will just add a few points of my own.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>There is no one “right school” for anyone. Based on your admittances and your financial aid packages, you are a smart, motivated, hard-working person, and like most such folks, you like to get things right. But this is not a decision with a single, objectively correct answer, and I think you’ll find it easier to decide (if you haven’t already) if you can get over the concept that you could be making a “mistake” if you don’t choose correctly. </p></li>
<li><p>To second some of the other posters, JHU is absolutely a nationally known, highly respected school. The three schools in question are all in the same league in this respect.</p></li>
<li><p>If your choice for your freshman year does not work out as well as you had hoped, whether for social, academic, or financial reasons, you can transfer to another school. Lots of students do this, and it’s not a sign of failure or weakness. It’s true that in general transfer students do not receive financial aid packages that are as favorable as those for freshman admits, but given your credentials, there would be some fine schools that would want you badly enough to make it worth your while.</p></li>
<li><p>The differences in financial aid may not seem that large, and to the extent your family is willing and able to pick up the difference, that’s true. But if you are going to have to pay the difference on your own, you need to consider the burden of (a) having to work at a job at the same time as studying in a demanding program, (b) coming out of school with $40,000 - $60,000 worth of debt, and/or (c) foregoing useful/prestigious summer internships to take a summer job.</p></li>
<li><p>As to Baltimore as a place to go to college, as a long time and current resident I can tell you: Baltimore does have some high crime areas, but these can generally be avoided, and I’m sure the school will brief you on this. While there is not as much going on here as in Chicago or D.C., there is plenty to do, especially in the arts and music, and in athletic and outdoors activities. And, the cost of living here is definitely lower here. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>If you do decide to attend Hopkins and have any more questions about Baltimore, please feel free to PM me.</p>

<p>And be sure to let us know what you decide!</p>

20

<p>I would pick JHU without a hesitation among the three. You don’t have enough detracting points against it, the three schools are very similar in reputation, quality and the cost is much better at JHU. Not a contest.</p>