<p>Many rising juniors and seniors frequently ask on this thread “How good is JHU’s program in ________.” The reality is, the program is however good you make it out to be. Yes, Hopkins is known for having an outstanding BME program and pre-med advising. But if you can’t handle the work, don’t find it interesting, don’t like the professors or other students… does it really matter? If you like small classes and the opportunity to conduct research, then you can take advantage of the program and it can be as good as you want it.</p>
<p>If you want to learn more about the program, there is no better way than to ask people who are a part of it-the professors. When I was college searching, I contacted professors for information on their programs, and when I did research, I contacted professors for information. Most of the time, they will be happy to respond and give you all the information they can (one actually sent me a whole packet of journal articles). Create a subject line that will get them to open it, introduce yourself, and tell them why you are e-mailing them. Ask questions, specific and general, and they will probably be happy to answer. When choosing a professor to contact, look at their research interests, papers published, classes taught…</p>
<p>Just because a department is not well-known, does not mean it is not good. I will be in the math and physics departments, two of the smallest in the school. Does that mean they are not good? Quite the contrary, it means I will get small classes, abundant research opportunities, and I will get to know my professors and students better.</p>
<p>Hope this helps, and have fun!</p>