Why Hopkins: Admitted Student Blog

There are many clear advantages that big schools have over small schools.  Here at Johns Hopkins, despite being on the small to medium size scale, we have several resources and aspects of everyday life that are usually only available to larger institutions.  Here are a few examples:

Research Opportunities

As the nation’s first research institution, there are countless opportunities available for undergraduates to do their own research.  In fact, around 70% of all undergrads will partake in some form of research before they graduate.  Research options are readily available, and many undergrads even get funding for their projects.

One example of the funding that Hopkins provides for undergraduate research is the Woodrow Wilson Research Fellowship. This $10,000 grant allows Krieger students to conduct independent research on any subject matter over their four years at Hopkins. Past Fellows have investigated female circumcision and obstetric fistula in Africa, analyzed the rise of megachruches in the U.S. and the U.K. and filmed a documentary about the Jewish community of Malta. As you can see, research occurs in many places outside the laboratory.

Sophomore Kate T. describes her research experience at Hopkins saying, “Research at Hopkins is incredible. I can’t believe the opportunities I’ve been given; I get to run my own project with own undergrad! Who says they get do that as a sophomore?” If finding a university that values undergraduate research experience is important to you, you can rest assure that research opportunities galore are awaiting you on the Homewood Campus.

Connections to Other Campuses and Study Abroad

One major asset that Hopkins has is the availability of multiple campuses around the world and strong study abroad programs.  For example, Hopkins actually has satellite campuses in places such as Nanjing, China and Bologna, Italy.  These are Hopkins run campuses, so whatever credit is earned there automatically transfers over.

Additionally, Hopkins has numerous study abroad opportunities. Between the Intersession Abroad Programs, the Summer Abroad Programs and the Semester Abroad Programs, Hopkins provides students with ample opportunities to gain that overseas academic experience.

Finally, at Hopkins you’ll be a part of a much larger community here in the United States. In addition to the Homewood campus, the main campus for undergrads, there is the School for International Studies in DC, Hopkins School of Medicine, The Carey Business School and the Bloomberg School of Public Health all in Baltimore.

Variety of Academic Offerings

Hopkins offers a wide variety of majors and minors, in fields ranging from natural science and engineering to humanities and social sciences.  Each of these programs are enhanced by their respective schools, such as the Whiting School of Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, etc.  Since there is no boundary between schools, it is easy for an engineering student to take classes in arts and science and vice versa, so long as the student has completed any prerequisites for that class.

300+ Clubs and Activities

No matter what you are passionate about, you can find a club at Hopkins where other students share similar interests and can explore and expand upon the things you enjoy doing.  Clubs range from the traditional, such as the Hopkins Democrats and Hopkins Republicans, to the unique, such as the equestrian club or the radio-building club. Check out our Student Activities blog for more information!

Concerts and Sports

We at Hopkins love to have fun.  One of the big spring activities is lacrosse games, where you and your classmates can go cheer on your own division one sports team which competes amongst some of the best schools in the nation.  Also, Hopkins is the only university to have ever won an Olympic gold medal for lacrosse … and we have two.  In addition to sports, Hopkins also gets several big name artists to come.  For example, just this year we have had or are having: Lupe Fiasco, Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Big Sean, and the Maccabeats all perform.  Few schools have the ability to get just one of these acts a year, and we got them all.

Amazing Speakers

Over the years, Hopkins has hosted a wide variety of interesting speakers.  Don’t think they’re all nerdy and doctor type, though! Some past speakers include Bob Woodward, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Tom Clancy, Hillary Clinton, Malcolm Gladwell, and Will Ferrel. Hopkins has two student groups that bring speakers called MSE Symposium and Foreign Affairs Symposium.

City Life

Baltimore is a major city, and one that offers many off campus activities.  There are professional sports teams, such as the Ravens and the Orioles, and even if neither is “your” team, you can always wait until whoever you root for is in town to go see the game.  In addition, Baltimore has places such as the Inner Harbor, with restaurants, clubs, and other activities for those who want to get off campus for a bit.

These are just a few of the many benefits that a big school has to offer. However, the best part of Hopkins is that you don’t have to compromise on big school or small school offerings because we have the best of both. See tomorrow’s entry for proof of that.