Meet Your Admissions Counselor VII: Shannon Miller
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Posted by: Admissions_Shannon | 
February 6 2012 | 
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Name: Shannon Miller
Region:Alaska, California, and Hawaii
Meet Admissions Counselor: Shannon Miller
Educational Background: Gettysburg College, Spanish Major
JHU Start Date: August 8, 2005
Years in Admissions: 6 ½ years
Why did you choose to go into college admissions?
As an undergraduate student at Gettysburg, I absolutely loved volunteering and working in the Admissions Office. When I graduated, it seemed to be a logical next step. After talking to a Gettysburg grad who worked at Hopkins, he let me know he was leaving. He offered to put my resume in for the position, and the rest is history.
What do you like best about working in admissions at Johns Hopkins University?
The thing I like best about working in admissions is interacting with current students. When you get firsthand accounts of their research projects, team accomplishments, new groups being started, and weekends in Baltimore, it makes it that much easier to talk to and find prospective students that will be a fit for the university. Beyond that, their vibrant personalities and entertaining stories can always put a smile on your face!
What is your ideal set-up for reading applications?
I am currently still working through this – since I moved this summer, I am trying to find a comfortable reading space. Right now, I am at the dining room table with my big monitor and some Hershey bars.
What do you do when you need a break from application reading?
Depends on the day – bake, go for a run, eat ice cream with hardshell, do some online shopping.
What is one of the quirkiest things an applicant ever did with their application?
One of my first years here, the applicant put their essay in their old, smelly, dirty running shoe…this was when our application was on paper, so I had to dig it out. Needless to say, I much prefer reading online.
What makes an application essay really stand out for you?
When someone takes an everyday topic and makes it their own – don’t start your essay with something like “The most inspirational person in my life is my mom,” or “Interact has been my most meaningful activity.” I know you can be more creative than that!
What is the funniest thing you’ve overheard or seen while at Johns Hopkins?
One time, a Hopkins student asked me if a Salutatorian was someone who rode horses…sometimes the brightest of students can say the silliest things!
If you could take a class at Hopkins, which one and why?
Food and Dining in the Ancient World with Professor Roller – I love food and am fascinated by classics…I wish I would have taken more classes in this area when I was in college.
What is your favorite place on the Homewood campus?
The Archaeological Museum – I feel like every time I visit, I discover something new.
If you could teach an Intersession class, what would be the class name and description?
Baltimore Bucket List: Things to Do While You Are a Student in Charm City – Feel like you’ve been caught up in academics and activities on campus? Haven’t had the time to get out and explore Baltimore? Now is your chance! Every class involves a field trip to explore one of the many great things this city has to offer. (FYI, Restaurant Week is during Intersession.)
What is the craziest question you’ve ever been asked while recruiting for Johns Hopkins?
“I only have two F’s on my transcript – you said extracurriculars were really important though, right?”
If you could be a student at Hopkins for a day, what would you look forward to most?
Eating at the FFC – who doesn’t love a buffet and dessert with every meal?
If you could join any Hopkins club or organizations, which one would you join?
Spring Fair Committee – I really like organizing, they get awesome gear (yay free t-shirts!), and you get to drive a golf cart for the weekend. Also, rumor has it there is free food (another thing you will love in college!)
What song or book or movie makes you think of your college days and why?
Brittany Spears – I’m A Slave For You – One of my roommates got a web cam so she could talk to her friends from home while at school. Instead, late one night, we thought it would be a good idea to make a music video for this song. It was classic.
If a movie was made about your life, who would play your part and why?
Tina Fey – I think she would do a good job of rocking a mullet, just like I did growing up.
Want to know even more about Shannon Miller? Re-visit some of her past Admissions Staff Profiles: January 17, 2006, February 4, 2008, March 15, 2010.
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