Johns Hopkins University Early Decision Forum 2015

Well, 4 in total were admitted last year but 2 of them were athletes. The other 2 that got in applied ED. My school publishes a list of all the SAT scores and GPAs of students who applied to certain universities. I noticed that those who got in generally had high GPAs but average SAT scores. I was actually surprised that many students who were denied had SAT scores above the 75th percentile. I guess they got denied because of their subpar GPA? Sorry if I scared anyone…I go to a competitive high school but there are about 700 students in my grade alone, there were definitely students who applied that were not qualified candidates.

Some of them could have been legacy students.

@trz1998 That’s actually kind of reassuring to me. I have a high GPA but an average ACT score. Do you mind me asking what state you live in?

I live in Connecticut. I am by no means trying to diminish the importance of standardized test scores because they are very important to the admissions process, but it seems like JHU looks more at GPA and class rigor. In its blog, admissions officers said that the first thing that they look at is the applicant’s transcript. However they do look at the application as a whole and other factors can determine if an applicant is admitted or not like personal qualities or legacy as XAtlas mentioned.

I think this is the first time in high school I’ve had all A’s for a progress report lol

GPA and Class Rigor outweigh standardized test scores according to Hopkins’ Common Data Set. In fact, only four categories are listed ‘Very Important’ when considering first year applicants (GPA, Class Rigor, Recommendations, and Personal Character). Standardized test scores are listed as ‘Important’ as are essays.

Hey guys! Just discovered this forum and it’s exciting to talk with others who are suffering through the wait with me.

Wow, I never even knew the Common Data Set was a thing that existed, but I’m glad I know what it is now lol

How does JHU determine “personal character”?

jennifermouse
I was wondering the same thing

They measure “personal character/qualities” by the teacher and counselor recommendation forms (not just the rec letters) that are emailed to each recommender via the Common App. There are 15 categories to rank each student (average, good, excellent, top 5 percent, top one percent, etc). Aside from typical academic categories, the forms also ask for rankings of maturity, leadership, integrity, concern for others, respect accorded by faculty, etc.

BTW, Hopkins is the only university of those listed in the top 10 national universities (US NEWS WR - 2015) that does not list SATs as being as important as GPA and Class Rigor in the CDS - every other school lists standardized tests as “Very Important.”

@northstarfx thanks, that was really good to know!

How’s everyone feeling?

Just wanting to know the results

Knowing that the admissions officers could be reading my application right know scares me! I haven’t been able to sleep properly for days! @-)

Just out of curiosity, how many are you guys from the east coast, specifically the New England area?

Thats total BS about the Common Data Set. Are you sure that’s the most updated one? I feel like JHU has become very selective than it was in the past. I’m pretty sure standardized tests are ‘very important’. But I won’t hide the fact, that other factors are just as important.

I heard the personal qualities they look for are : intellectual curiosity, service, and exploration or something like that. Why the heck are the teacher recommendations more important than your own writing of the essays?? There’s something awfully fishy about that Common Data Set.

^ Well it’s a difference in perception. Your idea of yourself and the teacher’s idea of you may differ. Most teachers have already been doing their job for at least several years, which usually entails some sort of ability to discern among students. You can bs your own essays but i expect the teachers will not.