<p>Is the JHU name worth it? Maybe. Depends on what you are looking for and who you are. JHU will open many doors for you and you can do literally anything you want with a degree from here. You are going to be in an entirely different environment at Hopkins, with like minded academically motivated students. Will you be able to maintain a 4.0, doubtful, although it is possible. Will it challenge you, without a doubt. If that is what you are looking for than Hopkins may be the right place for you. You may have to work very hard to be on Dean’s List but to some the satisfaction of that is worth the battle. In my opinion you shouldn’t be questioning if the Hopkins name is worth it academically, because it can be, but whether taking on this change is worth it to you. </p>
<p>I could be very wrong, but it sounds to me that you love the idea of change but are scared to take that first step out of your comfort zone. It is already apparent that you are setting up some defense/justification as to why you don’t want to attend Hopkins (“I worry that a “Film Studies” major at JHU would be too specific.”). Hopkins will probably test you academically, just as it tests nearly everyone here. This could be a rude awakening or exactly the thing you need. It is really all about your comfort zone and how far you want to step out of it. It is certainly a risk that only you can decide if you are ready to take. </p>
<p>If money is an issue this decision is entirely different, JHU ain’t cheap, and neither is grad school.</p>