Hop On Board the SOHOP Express
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Posted by: Hopkins Insider | 
March 31 2011 | 
Comments (1)
Name: Andrew Townson
Year: Class of 2014
Hometown: Andover, MA
Intended Area of Study: Writing Seminars
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Exactly a year ago, after all the envelope excitement had died, I remember looking over my acceptance letters thinking: “What now?” All the time and effort I had dedicated to the college admissions process had at last come to an end, the final decisions were in my hands, but my emotions were still in limbo–and with good reason. With so much focus on the first steps of the application process (the visits, the drafting of essays, the waiting, etc.), what is perhaps the most important step in the process is often overlooked: where am I going to spend the next four years of my life? That is ultimately what the process is about, and the Admissions Committee has made their decision, now it’s your turn to make yours.
For the first time in Johns Hopkins history, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in collaboration with Hopkins Hosting Society is proud to present SOHOP (or the Spring Open House and Overnight Program). What in years past have been two separate programs, an overnight centered on student engagement and social activities and a day program revolving around campus interaction and academic exploration, is now one super awesome, incredibly exciting extravaganza.
So what exactly can you expect from this explosion of events? A text message-based scavenger hunt that will introduce you to the campus, a night with a current student in their dorm, a free ticket to one of our mash-up concerts, your very own JCARD (the ID card that all Hopkins students carry), a catered dinner under one of the largest tents you’ll ever see, the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with a professor and converse about their current research, a chance to play Quidditch, to relax on the Beach (the beautiful lawn in front of the library), and receive a TON of FREE stuff. Whew! And that’s just the first day.
College visits are such an important aspect to choosing the right home – as that is what your college will become: your new home. Throughout your college search, you no doubt got to know the brochure and online communities, but this next month is your chance to get to know the “real” colleges. We truly hope that you will choose to experience the “real” Hopkins during SOHOP, as it will give you the best insight into what the next four years of your life may be.
Over the past few months, several students and Admissions staff members have been working around the clock to prepare one of the best spring visit programs in the country. Yes, we think our program is that good (although it will be even better with you here!).
Hopkins has reserved a special Amtrak train, appropriately dubbed the SOHOP Express. Whether you’re coming from Boston or New York, we encourage all admitted students from the Northeast to hop aboard the SOHOP Express that will make its way down to Baltimore the morning of each SOHOP. On the train ride, students will have the opportunity to talk with currents students and faculty members all on a car decked out in Hopkins gear. For those traveling from outside the Northeast, when you arrive at BWI Airport, be on the lookout for a special welcome area designed for SOHOP students. You’ll have the chance to meet both current students and alumni before boarding a free shuttle to the Hopkins campus; this shuttle will also pick up those students at Penn Station.
So there you have it, the groundwork of an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. The amount of fun to be had during SOHOP is beyond words, and from all of us at Hopkins, we hope you come to Baltimore to witness the beauty of our campus and discover if Hopkins will be your home for the next four years. You’re a future Blue Jay, now come see your nest!
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By Matty D, March 31, 2011 @ 2:09 PM
What an awesome blog! You’re the best ever – truly amazing!
In the wise words of Kanye: every super hero needs his theme music! God, I love you.