With just a single 400-word essay to supplement the common app, JH is clearly more stats-driven than some schools. But their website right now states that they are looking for:
-academic character
-impact and initiative
-personal contributions
This is also a school that shows you “essays that worked” right there on the website. I don’t recall another school in my daughter’s list that had that. JH is telling us who they are and what they are looking for, and it’s definitely not only or even predominantly stats (beyond a floor of excellence that is most likely a wavy line).
The best information on what is weighed the heaviest is from the common data set. JHU says there are four metrics that they consider “very important” - academic rigor, GPA, recommendations, and character/personal qualities. Obviously the second two are highly subjective. In the “Important” column along with rank and test scores, are ECs, essay, and talent. Again subjective measures weighed the same as rank/test scores. Everything else is “considered” except religion and interest. The common data sets are easily researched. Obviously it’s not a road map into the minds of the admissions folks but it gives you clues.
IMO, the more selective the school, the harder it is to predict outcome because it does often come down to the more subject parts of the application. It’s like that at most competitive schools, not just JHU.
@hg0987 first of all don’t imply many kid cheat for stats , there is lot of hard work is invested , don’t insult hardwork, second of the case Iam talking about is loop hole in admission system, i don’t mind a talented , passionate person get with low stats,but if lazy , unmotivated kid get in, that’s when everybody gets alerted , even if you don’t agree such cases are there , I witnessed one, at the same time deserving candidates are also got in. So at the end , hard work, smart, kind people win, this is just a hiccup , I wanted to voice this issue, because the system has a flaw , needs a fix, somebody need to speak up,
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Let’s move on from discussing URM admissions (That discussion is only allowed in the race thread) and well as debating the role of stats in admissions. You can present your opinion, and defend it once, but then you need to move on. The purpose of this thread (or this site) is not to rant. 12 posts deleted.
Accepted Got the packets 2 days ago 1580 SAT 800 Math 800 Bio 800 Chem Buch of competition wins Capatained the science bowl team in state twice to win to go to nationals Qualified for USABO 4.88 GPA Thought will get BME did not still S is very happy
I’m confused, does JHU not place priority over course rigor? An asian girl in my school got in (first time in at least 3 years) and she only took 2 aps sophomore year and 2 junior year (no AP math, science, or foreign language). I don’t know what her GPA was, but I know it wasn’t a perfect one. Her ECs are also not national or even regional level I believe. Congrats to her but a little puzzled on her acceptance…
I genuinely don’t understand how I got in?
1460 SAT, no ACT, 3 clubs w/ no leadership positions.
I am Black, but am from an upper-middle class neighborhood. I think that opportunities for underprivileged populations are very important, but I really do hope my race had absolutely nothing to do with my acceptance.
I think my essay was well-written, and I received recommendations from my AP Chemistry and AP Calculus AB teachers.
Does anyone have any insights on what to do when waitlisted? I don’t know whether to send a LOCI or just let it rest… It’s still my first choice but I don’t have high expectations regarding getting off the waitlist.
My son was accepted and was named a Hodson Scholar! I’m thrilled but he is wavering between JHU and Georgetown. Georgetown had a much smaller financial package and in my opinion didn’t even make themselves competitive. He is an international studies major.
@Parent1106, congratulations! Did your son visit both schools? Both are excellent for international studies (one of my daughter’s chosen majors). However, Georgetown is in DC, while JHU has its main campus in Baltimore but with excellent access to DC. My D chose not to apply to Georgetown because she felt JHU was a better fit for her. If I were to choose, I’d go with JHU for the financial aid alone. Good luck to your son.