Academics
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore might have a rep for STEM, but undergrads say Hopkins offers a diversity of strong programs, including in music and political science, in which students “[can] study anything and still be taught by the highest of experts.” Students say that the academics here are “beyond compare” and rave about the interdisciplinary studies, hands-on engagement, and an “availability of resources, research, internship, and job opportunities [that] are unmatched.” With 5,300 undergrads, Hopkins is “small enough for strong interactions among students” and large enough for “unparalleled opportunities to pursue research, form strong relationships with professors, and learn from an outstanding group of peers.” While most students major in STEM fields, they “come from various backgrounds and have vastly different experiences,” and every student here is “overwhelmingly passionate about what they do and aspires to make an impact in their field.” Students have the ability to design their own curriculum, and professors “make themselves very accessible to their students for coffee chats, career advice or even just to give life advice.” A few exceptions aside, most instructors are described as “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.” Students appreciate that Hopkins posts what other students think of courses so each person “can see what classes appear ‘better’ and so professors can gain feedback and improve.” Classes are “rigorous but very cooperative” and teach you “how to approach any problem fearlessly.” The strong alumni network helps with job placement, and professors are eager (“almost giddy even”) to take undergraduates under their wings and show them how to do research. These opportunities are available regardless of your major: “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,” says a student.
Save School
