Johns Hopkins University (JHU)

At Johns Hopkins University, students learn "how to approach any problem fearlessly." Academic programs on offer are "beyond compare" and provide the opportunity to "study anything and still be taught by the highest of experts." As a result, Hopkins attracts students who are "overwhelmingly passionate about what they do and aspire to make an impact in their field." Students also enroll for the "availability of resources, research, internship, and job opportunities [that] are unmatched." One Hopkins student offers an example: "One of my art history major friends curated his own exhibit in a gallery downtown (with work from several world-renowned artists) as his research project."

Professors "make themselves very accessible to their students for coffee chats, career advice or even just to give life advice." One student describes professors as "almost giddy even" to provide individualized guidance for students. And it's common for instructors to be "more than willing to push class topics beyond the confines of the textbook to expose us to the implications of the topics discussed in class." Thoughtful debate is made easier in Hopkins's "rigorous but very cooperative" environment as the community is "small enough for strong interactions among students." Overall, Hopkins provides "unparalleled opportunities to pursue research, form strong relationships with professors, and learn from an outstanding group of peers."

Hopkins students are known for being "the type that thrive under pressure." Though they may "come from various backgrounds and have vastly different experiences," this batch of "very intellectually curious and smart" students are united as "ambitious workhorses" with a desire "to be on the forefront of innovation." In fact, more than 60*% of undergraduates pursue a double major or minor. Hopkins boasts "a lot of international people and people from various backgrounds" who are "invested in the livelihood of the Hopkins community." Some might find that there appear to be "a lot of introverts" around, though others point out that "people are very nice and helpful." And one student confesses that the average Hopkins student "works really hard, and knows how to cut loose as well." All in all, a Hopkins student "brings something unique to the school whether it is their love for art, school spirit at sporting events, or their desire to find a cure for cancer."

Experiencing life in Baltimore, Maryland, is intrinsic to the Hopkins experience. The affordable city offers a "great music and food scene," and nearby Mount Vernon has "fantastic food and culture." Neighborhoods such as Fells Point and Federal Hill offer nightlife attractions; Orioles and Ravens games are favorite student pastimes. That said, students are candid that only a fraction of the campus seems to engage in other social activities, like going "out to parties and bars," which creates the sensation that "it's always the same people you see out." Put frankly, "some of the students prefer to study all the time" or to stay among the campus's picturesque brick buildings. Of course, many students also find that their time "revolves around clubs and organizations." Hopkins has over 400 undergraduate student-run organizations. There are 24 varsity sports teams; most play Division III, but the Division I Lacrosse team is a student favorite. Fans are known to "get really involved in the season." Enrollees acknowledge that the school's reputation as one of America's first research universities is well-earned, such that "concerts [and] symposiums with famous guest speakers" are quite popular.