<p>I'm probs going to apply to Johns Hopkins as my first choice next year, and I was just wondering how I could improve my chances in the application itself. I have a good GPA, hardest possible courseload, good SATs (right in the range for Hopkins), etc, but I was just wondering what I can do on the application itself to improve my chances? Here are a few things im considering doing to improve my app:</p>
<p>1) Applying ED. If I apply ED and get in, I realize it is binding, but what if, come enrollment time, I just cannot afford JHU. Can that be frowned upon? In a letter from Columbia I received they mentioned "pulling out of ED is unacceptable UNLESS you can give proof of financial circumstances" or something like that. Could I do that at JHU? </p>
<p>2) I plan on going pre-med, but the pre-med program at Hopkins is very very competitive, and I fear I won't measure up. If I were to apply as a math major, but then bulk up on science courses and eventually go premed, would that improve my chances? Or is mathematics a really hard major at JHU too?</p>
<p>I do not know about the latter question, as for the former, yes. IF you can prove to them that you cannot afford it, they will let you go. Mind you JHS may give you some loans, and you cannot back out of that. If, per anne, you can afford it, I think they will require you to go. In spite of loans.</p>
<p>So depending on how much of an issue finance is, ED should NOT be taken with a grain of salt.</p>
<p>From my experience, I would say if you’re quite sure JHU is your first choice, apply ED. I think for JHU, it really gives you a boost in admissions. I was rejected regular decision while my friends were accepted ED, and while I can’t comment much on their extracurriculars, essays, recs, and the rest of their profiles, I can say my profile was similar/comparable and I know my academic stats were slightly higher. In the end, I think it really depends if you are all right being binded to the school. My friends didn’t really get great financial aid packages, but I think they can still afford it nonetheless. And to answer your first question, colleges simply can’t force you to go if you really can’t pay. You can always try to appeal for financial aid if you get a bad package. And in the end, if they still don’t give you enough money to allow you to attend, then they’ll most likely release you from the contract (perhaps to give your space to someone else who can afford and will attend). </p>
<p>Applying ED would show that they are your first choice. But of course, you will also have to think about financial aid, and how important a factor it is to you and your family. And also, you should sign up for the interview (apparently they don’t contact you for one; you contact them) to show more interest. Anyways, good luck!</p>
<p>First, figure out what your family can afford. This is not a big mystery and you’ve also posted on the FA board. JHU will ask for info from all parents and step parents. They will look at income and assets for all. See if they have a FA calculator on their web site and if not, call and ask them to walk you through their system.</p>
<p>There are too many kids who applied RD, much less ED, on these boards who only now find they can’t afford the college. Start with fully understanding what you’ll be expected to pay so you’re not one of them this time next year.</p>