<p>Is it safe to say that Johns Hopkins University is comparable or on the same level as other elite private schools, such as Duke, Northwestern, etc, and the lower Ivies, such as Brown, Cornell, UPenn, etc.?</p>
<p>In terms of prestige is it on the same level? </p>
<p>What is the popular perception of Johns Hopkins University?</p>
<p>I'd say a a shade behind the other school you name but still very good. A rep for its great medical school and lacrosse team. Located near some sketchy areas in Baltimore - not the world's safest city. (See the Wire/Homicide).</p>
<p>is georgetown better?</p>
<p>Depends on your major area of study as to how JHU is perceived. Overall, all of your listed schools are probably held in higher esteem just as written above by eli. Georgetown's SFS is as elite as any school in the country. Otherwise, some criticize Georgetown's comparatively paltry endowment as a noticable weakness.</p>
<p>I would stay closer to home and go to Cornell. Chicago is not worth a 9 hour drive or expensive plane fare compared with Cornell. But, why would you major in something as difficult as engineering if you are not going to make it your career. BTW, Cornell has a good econ department.</p>