Visit Report by jmmom (Member since January 01 2005 with 4451 posts) Visit Date - July 2006
Visit to Johns Hopkins University in July 2006 by jmmom (Student, HS Class of 2005)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - S had an interview, by appointment. His was with a student member of the Admissions staff, a senior. I think this set him at ease. As is typical, the interviewer came out to meet us parents afterward and see if we had any questions. Information Session:
Yes Campus Tour:
Yes - The tour guide was personable and informative, able to give a good feeling about the "vibe" of the campus, how students manage to be highly focused academically yet still find ways to relax, have fun... She was also the best "walk backward
Johns Hopkins University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 4 - Very Good Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
A defined campus in a big city. A very attractive, compact and walkable campus, characterized by traditional red brick buildings and green lawns. The Homewood campus for Arts & Sciences and Engineering undergrads is separate from other JHU campuses
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 4 - Very Good Dormitories: -
We did not see the inside of a dorm room. There is a Freshman Quad. On-campus housing can be traditional residence halls, suite-style and apartment-style. Some have AC. Housing is required for the first two years, and is not guaranteed after that. I
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
This was S' idea of what a college should look and feel like and served as his "gold standard" on that measure throughout his college visits.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 4 - Very Good -
JHU (the Homewood Campus) is in a lovely part of Baltimore. At the north border is the Baltimore Museum of Art and Wyman Park; another abutter is a lovely Baltimore neighborhood of gracious homes with rolling lawns. To the East are some "just off c
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
Baltimore is a vibrant city with offerings like Little Italy, the Inner Harbor, the Orioles, Lexington Market (an authentic farmers' market), Federal Hill for boutique shopping in a historic setting, etc. etc.
You can probably tell that I am a city-
Campus Visit Notes for Johns Hopkins University:
Visit Description:
S felt it would be a great place for strong academics and a balanced life. He loved the look and feel of the campus. We got the impression that the Engineering students and the Arts & Sciences students are integrated, as opposed to some universities where those choosing Engineering (S' planned major) are almost in a separate "tech" school.
For a quite selective school, we liked the essential "humbleness" of the Admissions staff, info session and tour guide. There was none of that "you'd be lucky to get in here" attitude. Hopkins seems particularly proud of its essay question for its ability to let applicants open up, have fun and show a possibly quirky side of themselves. I think it's been tweaked a bit for the coming year, but the basic idea is "If you had one day, $10 in your pocket and could bring along anyone you like, where would you go, what would you do and who would you bring?"
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
Stayed with nearby friends.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Lots of options abutting campus, in Little Italy or for Maryland crab or just about any type of food at any level.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
On-campus parking was easy for Admissions/info session.
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We did not see the inside of a dorm room. There is a Freshman Quad. On-campus housing can be traditional residence halls, suite-style and apartment-style. Some have AC. Housing is required for the first two years, and is not guaranteed after that. I