What should I improve upon

OnMyWay2013
Wed, 12 Aug 2015 03:58:13 +0000

Definitely take an evaluation of what went wrong your freshman year. Were the classes too difficult? Ineffective study methods? Took on too much at once? Make a plan for how you’re going to correct for that this year and in the future. Ideally, you want to be able to show that you can handle a rigorous courseload; if you can’t, you would not be happy at Hopkins, trust me. Colleges in general know that the first year can be a difficult transition, but if you have a strong upward trend, getting good grades from now on, it won’t be a problem.

As for extracurriculars, these are good. Make sure that you’re doing activities that are related to your academic / career interests and the things that you’re passionate about. They will help you figure out what you want to study and do in life, and they’ll be a good, fun break from all the work you do in school. And when it comes time to apply, you can show Hopkins an accurate picture of you and your interests.

Of course, get good SAT / ACT scores; SAT Subject Tests can be a good indicator of your academic strengths as well, but you don’t have to submit them. Unless you’re intending to go into a major in the school of engineering; then Hopkins strongly recommends that you take subject tests in Math II and at least one science. You don’t have to worry about this right now, but next year, start thinking about what SAT / ACT subjects you might be weak in, so that you can focus on them when you do official studying closer to your test date.