<p>In response to what Bill<em>h</em>pike wrote:</p>
<p>I know that CC people like to review ED and RD "results threads" to compare stats to see what their chances will be. And as you said, many do review these threads to see trends and patterns.</p>
<p>However, I disagree with this advice. A thought to ponder...on the Hopkins RD thread I'd say at max 100 people responded. So one will be deducing trends and patterns from 100 applicants of over 13,000 applicants. Not sure a statistician would like that sample.</p>
<p>A second thought to ponder...the students on CC (esp. for Hopkins) tend to be quite similar (i.e. natural science students). If you were to take the CC sample and compare it to the complete applicant pool it would not compare in any way, shape, or form.</p>
<p>My advice to the prospective students is not to spend time worrying about your chances for admission. Research all the schools out there, and spend time finding those right fits. The schools you are really interested in, not the schools you (or a message board) thinks you should get into. </p>
<p>Finally, when considering elite schools like Hopkins everybody's chances are a strong reach. There is no way to predict from year to year what the applicant pool will look like, and what the decisions will be.</p>
<p>Sorry for the rant, but I felt it needed to be said.</p>
<p>Are early admissions criteria at the Ivies and at top schools like JHU getting tougher? The consensus on this board seems to be that early admissions applicants fared less well this year. What's the buzz on the "early admission game" at JHU and among your cohorts at the top schools across the country? I realize that you can only speak firsthand for JHU, but since this is the internet, gossip, innuendo and hearsay are welcome regarding the others.</p>
<p>First, I only comment about JHU. I do not believe in gossip, innuendo, and hearsay as I believe it is the worst element about College Confidential. Such comments have created a wealth of misinformation and an unnecessary admissions craze amongst prospective students, their parents, and especially the media. </p>
<p>As far as early decision at Johns Hopkins, yes it is getting more competitive. For us trends in admissions are reflected in ED as well as RD, as the processes for us are the same. It is not easier to get into Hopkins early decision as the way we review our ED apps. is the same way we read our RD apps. The percentages are different because for ED approximately 1000 very interested, and very qualified students applied, whereas for RD we had just under 13,000 applicants. </p>
<p>For an ED school things are a lot simpler than an EA school. For us, ED is only for students who know Hopkins is their clear first choice. Do not apply ED to Hopkins is the only reason is for the so-called competitive advantage.</p>
However, I disagree with this advice. A thought to ponder...on the Hopkins RD thread I'd say at max 100 people responded. So one will be deducing trends and patterns from 100 applicants of over 13,000 applicants. Not sure a statistician would like that sample.
I agree, the results threads are not a representative sample. But they are the best thing available to perspective students. I doubt Johns Hopkins will ever make such detailed information available on it's website.</p>
<p>No, we will not make such information available as it once again fosters the assumption that our decisions are based on average statistics and can be summarized simply in a message board post. These results posts provide so little information about what goes behind over admissions decisions, and bolster theories of arbitrary decision-making. </p>
<p>When you have worked nearly 10 years in this profession then you will understand why these threads are such an utter frustration for admissions counselors. </p>
<p>Today's prospective student should worry a lot more about finding schools that fit rather than competitive advantages.</p>
<p>AdmissionsDaniel, it is great that you are contributing to this board. If only more admissions offices participated...I'm amazed JHU lets you. Kudos to them as well.</p>