<p>[Long post scroll to HERE if youre in a hurry/dont care]</p>
<p>My entire high school career culminates in this choice. Ive spent hours researching both universities to the fullest; I actually stumbled across a link here in JHUs extensive message boards. After researching every thread about UMich and JHU back to 2005 and witnessing the extensive knowledge of many forum members, it seems a simple choice to bring my case forward- maybe selfish, but a choice that will determine my entire future seems worth a little self-indulgence. </p>
<p>I suppose a bit of background is in order. I come from an all-IB high school in Michigan (yes, in-state for UMich) where ~50% of students go to UMich; however, the slaughterhouse of admissions this year spiked that number to nearly 75%. In fact, all my close friends plan to attend UMich (I know, friends never substantiate a good reason, but I thought I might as well throw it out there since Im not the * most social * of people). Although Ive been accepted to a few universities, the only contenders are UMich Honors (LSA) or JHU. </p>
<p>As per my dreams, hopes, and etcetera, Bioengineering constitutes my main field on interest; specifically, Ive always found the possibility of the *manipulation * of chemical interactions at a cellular and intracellular level to completely fascinate and engage me. Although Im quite confident this field will remain my main interest for the rest of my career, horror stories of people completely changes majors at a specialty school surface in my mind. I would also like to do a minor in economics to acquire some business experience since Engineering alone is a quick road to a dead-end job working for people with half the intelligence and education (or so Im told, at least). Graduate School at any of the top bioengineering programs, however, denotes the main goal of my undergraduate education; although personal growth and exploration along the way is paramount as well.<br>
Financial aid, or lack thereof, often defines a college decision- another reason why many people of my class knocked back to UMich. Fortunately, academics and economics combined to provide me a favorable circumstance. UMich has, essentially, given me a full ride- 10k in Finaid and a 10k scholarship to LSA. JHU, however, presents a problem- although they awarded me 41k in Finaid, it leaves a 5-7k gap (depending on 3rd party scholarships) that my parents are unable to fill (therefore, ~30k loans by the end). Furthermore, my parents income will likely change, completely altering the amount of Finaid either school will award me. </p>
<p><em>[HERE]</em></p>
<p>I suppose I should also list my academic plan for each school. Please keep in mind that Im a high school senior thats only done research. I have no idea what the real world offers or threatens- please feel free to give me a reality check or any advice at all! Since Id want to dual-major at UMich (and my LSA Scholarship requires I keep at least one foot at LSA), Biomedical Engineering (Biochemical Concentration) and Economics appear the best pursuits. JHU offers a major perhaps more tailored to my actual interests- the Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering major (Molecular and Cellular Concentration) and a minor in Economics. Again
if you think Im completely ignorant of whats going on
please inform me.
[Links| JHU: Johns</a> Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering | UMich: Biomedical</a> Engineering: Concentrations ]</p>
<p>Finally- to the meat of the post. UMich and JHU are both very different schools, each offering a unique undergraduate experience. My choice hinges on the strengths and weaknesses of each school in the aspects important to me. Ill post a quick list of the few most important with a quick description: Faculty Excellence, Department Strength, Graduate School Preparation, and Intellectual Environment. </p>
<p>(1) Faculty Excellence: The ability of a professor to communicate a complex idea, entertain and enthrall the student base, and teach a course of any size with complete comprehension and zeal outranks any other aspect of the school. Even if a department falls short in terms of prestige, resources, or size, if the professors can rally me to excellence, it will compensate for any shortcomings in the department. </p>
<p>What are the differences between JHU and UMich? Ive read that UMich employs more professors with higher honors than JHU- whose professors are sometimes a bit too concerned with Research and Grads.</p>
<p>(2) Department Strength: Although a University may pull itself to the forefront of any rankings with the strength of various departments or graduate schools, all those resources become meaningless if theyre not channeled to my department (UNDERGRADUATE Bioengineering). Modern or newly renovated facilities also enhance the appeal of a department- especially in the field of engineering. </p>
<p>I know JHU has the #1 Biomed program in the country, but how does this affect the Chem&BiomechEng major? Also, the closest major I could find at UMich to my interests is BME with a Biochem concentration. Does going this specific even matter at this level? I also know UMich has a new BME facility; how are both schools undergrad facilities in terms of modernity? </p>
<p>(3) *Graduate School Preparation: * Working for four years should not only garner acceptance to an elite bioengineering graduate school, but I want to be completely prepared for any challenge I might face there. Creative, critical, and technical thinking skills- the depth to which these types of skills are covered is just as important as the course material itself. The ability to work with professors on research, the types of research opportunities, and how easily those skills will transfer to graduate school or career success are all paramount. </p>
<p>JHU definitely has the bigger research program, easily available to freshman. However, Ive seen statistics points to most of the funds being used on Biomedical engineering or applied physics research; although I know a JHU student can research in any department, Id hope I could gain experience in my field. UMich, however, still has an excellent research program- including UROP for undergraduates. In fact, a professor of physics contacted me a month or so ago to see if I was interested in any research he was doing and that hed be happy to accept me if I chose to come to UMich next year. The strength of JHUs Bioengineering program, however, seems as if it completely outclasses UMichs- would this affect my acceptance into any grad school or my knowledge of the field as a whole?</p>
<p>(4) *Intellectual Environment *: Although an atrophied social life is not something that Id want, huge frat parties and constant social engagements arent on the top of my priority list. Id rather have a peer community that encourages intellectual debate and discussion incorporated into socialization. XKCD anyone? Im not the biggest fan of either football or lacrosse although clubs are important to me. Id like to be able to explore and develop myself in new directions, try new things or resurrect some old passions. Is there any place for the socializing nerd?</p>
<p>Going off the scores, what Ive read, and who Ive seen accepted into UMich here, I have my doubt about the majority of the class; although the smartest people can easily act the dumbest. UMich, however, is so large that even if 10% of the class is actually very intelligent and not drugged out, thats still a few thousand people. I cant really say much about JHU apart from its reputation and what Ive seen on Youtube anything to mention here? Also, I know I rank in at least the Top 10% of UMich, but I would only be average at JHU. What kind of effect does class ranking/prominence have on attention from professors/options and opportunities open to me?</p>
<p>(5) Anything Else: These things are hardly make or break categories, but they do offer enough influence to be mentionable. Although I have yet to visit JHU, the campus and dorms look worlds better than the situation at UMich. The campus, from the online pictures, looks absolutely amazing- an actual place to read, relax, or play games although I dont mind UMichs integration into Ann Arbor, it feels like theres no place to sit and quietly read or play an intense game of Ultimate without walking miles to a park. Ive heard a mixed bag about Baltimore as long as I stay away from the Medical Campus, I should be fine? Although it may be bias because I havent visited JHU yet, I really do enjoy the setting of Ann Arbor- the entire towns focus around the university is a bonus, in my opinion. UMich is also only a 45 minute drive from my house, so any emergencies (stain removal doesnt sound fun ) would have that added benefit. The isolation of Baltimore might also be a bonus I dont really know. Finally, the financial situation might merit a second look here. JHU would be a struggle to attend financially, I would most likely not have the best resources (laptop, meal choices, etc.) available to me, nor would I have the ability to participate in any of the study abroad programs. Since UMich also has a large portion of the current class and previous classes attending, I would have an established base of peers (in fact, Im quite close to a few current freshman in Honors and Engineering). Does this deter or enhance the college experience- would it even matter at a school with 40k people?</p>
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<p>Sorry for such a long post, but Ive really put all my effort recently to make this crucial decision that will affect me for at least the next four years. Everything Ive written above reflects my knowledge and experiences as an 18 year old, high school senior. So, once again, I warmly welcome any correction to my presumptions or ignorance. You are the ones with the experience- could you spare a half pence of it?</p>