2009-2010 Johns Hopkins Application Thread

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Anaslex said:
I will be interviewing in a few weeks. Thoughts to come. Anyone else interviewing Oct 1 or 2? Are you going to that Greeter's Reception the night before your interviews?
Click to expand...

I will be interviewing on the 2nd. Is that your date? I'm not planning on attending the reception as my flight arrives late...
 
Hey guys--

Congrats to those who have gotten invites and fingers crossed for everyone else! I've gotten some questions about interviews and I figured I might as well share my general advice before yall come by and check us out in east Baltimore.

Interviews are not the horrible things they are sometimes made out to be. Hopkins was my first so it was definitely trial by fire for me--luckily, all these things get easier with practice.

The day here is a looooong one--I don't think they've changed the schedule that much but here's what they've done in the past.

There's the standard history of Hopkins (you get used to it after a while), info and financial aid lectures, lunch with a faculty member (this can be great or...not so much...but it's fun to talk with the other interviewees!), a tour (wear comfy shoes).
Up to this point, it's all information for you.
Then, the afternoon is all evaluation for Hopkins. You'll have a faculty interview (one-on-one, open file) and a student interview (again, one-on-one, closed file). Here's the twist--when you're waiting for your interviews, you'll be in the admissions office with a group of fourth-years (usually, completely awesome people) who will have a little say on the admissions committee about your social skills etc. Sounds hard but it really isn't--we talked about football, reality TV, and women in medicine. The biggest turn-off is someone who tries too hard, brags incessantly, interrupts like crazy...So basically, all afternoon you're "interviewing."

Handy things to bring: gum/floss (they feed and caffeinate you!), comfortable shoes, and if you wear contacts, I highly recommend back-up glasses just in case (personal experience). You don't need a snazzy portfolio or blackberry--they inundate you with paperwork, so maybe a larger bag. If it's raining, umbrella. Also, Hopkins buildings are FREEZING so bring a jacket or wrap!

OK, in terms of content, the "open" file faculty interview means they have your folder open in front of them but really haven't looked at it yet. You get to point out the highlights of your application--and they will turn to that page and read a little bit about it if you mentioned it in an essay etc. My biggest hint in this whole process is to talk about what you're passionate about, what fires you up. My class has people who are all about bench research, all about saving the world, all about the elderly--it doesn't matter. If it comes across and gives them a real sense of who you are, they'll notice. The questions they ask are slightly tricky. I didn't get any ethical hypotheticals personally, but I'd recommend checking out the interview reviews somewhere here on SDN.

That being said, the "closed file" interview is a total grab-bag. Mine was kind of like a therapy session or a long talk with a friend who is a really good listener. But basically, they're someone who was in your shoes a few years ago and know who they like having in a class.

Also, the best piece of advice given me was by the admissions director at Georgetown (if any of you interview there, you'll know what I'm talking about). Don't point out your flaws and make excuses. If they don't come up, don't mention them. If they do, hopefully you have a mature, appropriate response ready that will somehow magically turn into a positive.

Final piece of advice--going to Greeter's the night before totally helps kill nerves and you get to meet some of the people you'll be spending hours with the next day! The MS1s who put this on are taking time that could be spend studying/sleeping/dissecting and often tests are the next day. They're there because they want to meet you and help you out!

Don't forget to ask questions too. Often, going to Greeters will give you ideas of good things you'd like to ask about. This isn't all about being judged.

Past that, be yourself (maybe just on your best behavior).

Let me know if you have any more questions--but I'd recommend asking them to your Greeters!
GOOD LUCK!!
~H
 
wow, helsizzle, thanks! i hope i have the occasion to make use of your advice sometime soon 😉
 
helsizzle said:
Hey guys--

Congrats to those who have gotten invites and fingers crossed for everyone else! I've gotten some questions about interviews and I figured I might as well share my general advice before yall come by and check us out in east Baltimore.

Interviews are not the horrible things they are sometimes made out to be. Hopkins was my first so it was definitely trial by fire for me--luckily, all these things get easier with practice.

The day here is a looooong one--I don't think they've changed the schedule that much but here's what they've done in the past.

There's the standard history of Hopkins (you get used to it after a while), info and financial aid lectures, lunch with a faculty member (this can be great or...not so much...but it's fun to talk with the other interviewees!), a tour (wear comfy shoes).
Up to this point, it's all information for you.
Then, the afternoon is all evaluation for Hopkins. You'll have a faculty interview (one-on-one, open file) and a student interview (again, one-on-one, closed file). Here's the twist--when you're waiting for your interviews, you'll be in the admissions office with a group of fourth-years (usually, completely awesome people) who will have a little say on the admissions committee about your social skills etc. Sounds hard but it really isn't--we talked about football, reality TV, and women in medicine. The biggest turn-off is someone who tries too hard, brags incessantly, interrupts like crazy...So basically, all afternoon you're "interviewing."

Handy things to bring: gum/floss (they feed and caffeinate you!), comfortable shoes, and if you wear contacts, I highly recommend back-up glasses just in case (personal experience). You don't need a snazzy portfolio or blackberry--they inundate you with paperwork, so maybe a larger bag. If it's raining, umbrella. Also, Hopkins buildings are FREEZING so bring a jacket or wrap!

OK, in terms of content, the "open" file faculty interview means they have your folder open in front of them but really haven't looked at it yet. You get to point out the highlights of your application--and they will turn to that page and read a little bit about it if you mentioned it in an essay etc. My biggest hint in this whole process is to talk about what you're passionate about, what fires you up. My class has people who are all about bench research, all about saving the world, all about the elderly--it doesn't matter. If it comes across and gives them a real sense of who you are, they'll notice. The questions they ask are slightly tricky. I didn't get any ethical hypotheticals personally, but I'd recommend checking out the interview reviews somewhere here on SDN.

That being said, the "closed file" interview is a total grab-bag. Mine was kind of like a therapy session or a long talk with a friend who is a really good listener. But basically, they're someone who was in your shoes a few years ago and know who they like having in a class.

Also, the best piece of advice given me was by the admissions director at Georgetown (if any of you interview there, you'll know what I'm talking about). Don't point out your flaws and make excuses. If they don't come up, don't mention them. If they do, hopefully you have a mature, appropriate response ready that will somehow magically turn into a positive.

Final piece of advice--going to Greeter's the night before totally helps kill nerves and you get to meet some of the people you'll be spending hours with the next day! The MS1s who put this on are taking time that could be spend studying/sleeping/dissecting and often tests are the next day. They're there because they want to meet you and help you out!

Don't forget to ask questions too. Often, going to Greeters will give you ideas of good things you'd like to ask about. This isn't all about being judged.

Past that, be yourself (maybe just on your best behavior).

Let me know if you have any more questions--but I'd recommend asking them to your Greeters!
GOOD LUCK!!
~H
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
parkss2k said:
Interview invite 🙂
Complete 8/27
Click to expand...

Interview here as well (totally in shock - did not think I could even be considered as Hopkins material)! Complete 8/27, too.
 
I would like to offer an update on my own interview process. My interview was today, too, like jla314.

Everything that helssizle said above is true. There is the unusual, continuous observation/talking period with M4 students in between and after formal interviews. But it is not an event to be scared of. They'll come talk to you if you feel like you're being drowned out, and you can talk about anything. Ask them about their residency app process or what they think of the documentary HOPKINS; crack a few jokes and tell stories about people you met. Almost anything is okay as long as "you don't talk about killing babies," said one M2 student who I met at the Greeters program. It's a chance for the students to see that you'll fit well into the Hopkins student body rather than to find minute flaws. And the lunchhour at Hopkins is different from other lunches I've had because you get to talk to faculty members in a non-evaluative setting. I sat with the chairperson of Internal Medicine's residency program who was so eager to meet med applicants. Just cool experience all in all.

Having said that, let me also give you my honest opinion about the school:

1) Students: They're NORMAL. Not crazy, not arrogant, not nerdy. In fact, super-nice, happy, INTERESTING, and incredibly humble. They were the most diverse group of students I've met so far on the interview trail. They are completely NOT what I thought Hopkins students would be like. They also seem to know how to have fun.
2) The name Hopkins and the true value: They're famous and well known for a reason. The school spends incredible amounts of money and effort to prepare their students to be world-class physicians, and the students do well as a result. The new academic building for med students is a gem, for example, and they give lots of incentives to the professors to teach well. They also revamped the curriculum so that it's more efficient and balanced. The education is so superb (along with the name) that sometimes, when you apply for residency, you get interviews even before your application is received by the residency admissions. At least that's what I hear, and it's just WHOA.
3) Hospital: Of course everywhere you go there's someone who's the world's best at something and some part of the building that was the first or the biggest at something, etc. It's a huge complex that is both historic and futuristic in what they do. Pure inspiration.
4) Area: When I asked the students "What ISN'T there to like about Hopkins?" and two out of two times, I got the response, "the neighborhood." The immediate area surrounding the hospital is not too great and it's perhaps even "insular" in that there is some separation from the better off parts of the city. Things are slowly changing, however, and students seem to have no problem adapting to the environment.

Advice to interviewing students:
1) Do plan on staying at Reed Hall or with a Student Host. I met a ton of M1 and M2 the night before the interview because I stayed with a student. Otherwise, it might be difficult to meet other students.
2) You MUST go to the Greeters program. Meet students. Must.
3) Take the Hopkins shuttle (free!) from the airport or train station. It will save you money and hassle.
4) Don't brag. Humility seems to be one common thread because everyone I met (I personally said MET and said hi to 20+ students) is so down to earth and humble.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Man, Equality beat me to it! I had a fantastic time at Hopkins. My two formal interviews were so laid back! And talking with the 4th years on the admissions committee was a lot of fun to be honest. Nothing to stress out about (easier said than done, I know).
 
Equality said:
I would like to offer an update on my own interview process. My interview was today, too, like jla314.

Everything that helssizle said above is true. There is the unusual, continuous observation/talking period with M4 students in between and after formal interviews. But it is not an event to be scared of. They'll come talk to you if you feel like you're being drowned out, and you can talk about anything. Ask them about their residency app process or what they think of the documentary HOPKINS; crack a few jokes and tell stories about people you met. Almost anything is okay as long as "you don't talk about killing babies," said one M2 student who I met at the Greeters program. It's a chance for the students to see that you'll fit well into the Hopkins student body rather than to find minute flaws. And the lunchhour at Hopkins is different from other lunches I've had because you get to talk to faculty members in a non-evaluative setting. I sat with the chairperson of Internal Medicine's residency program who was so eager to meet med applicants. Just cool experience all in all.

Having said that, let me also give you my honest opinion about the school:

1) Students: They're NORMAL. Not crazy, not arrogant, not nerdy. In fact, super-nice, happy, INTERESTING, and incredibly humble. They were the most diverse group of students I've met so far on the interview trail. They are completely NOT what I thought Hopkins students would be like. They also seem to know how to have fun.
2) The name Hopkins and the true value: They're famous and well known for a reason. The school spends incredible amounts of money and effort to prepare their students to be world-class physicians, and the students do well as a result. The new academic building for med students is a gem, for example, and they give lots of incentives to the professors to teach well. They also revamped the curriculum so that it's more efficient and balanced. The education is so superb (along with the name) that sometimes, when you apply for residency, you get interviews even before your application is received by the residency admissions. At least that's what I hear, and it's just WHOA.
3) Hospital: Of course everywhere you go there's someone who's the world's best at something and some part of the building that was the first or the biggest at something, etc. It's a huge complex that is both historic and futuristic in what they do. Pure inspiration.
4) Area: When I asked the students "What ISN'T there to like about Hopkins?" and two out of two times, I got the response, "the neighborhood." The immediate area surrounding the hospital is not too great and it's perhaps even "insular" in that there is some separation from the better off parts of the city. Things are slowly changing, however, and students seem to have no problem adapting to the environment.

Advice to interviewing students:
1) Do plan on staying at Reed Hall or with a Student Host. I met a ton of M1 and M2 the night before the interview because I stayed with a student. Otherwise, it might be difficult to meet other students.
2) You MUST go to the Greeters program. Meet students. Must.
3) Take the Hopkins shuttle (free!) from the airport or train station. It will save you money and hassle.
4) Don't brag. Humility seems to be one common thread because everyone I met (I personally said MET and said hi to 20+ students) is so down to earth and humble.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Hey Equality, I (we) know who you are and we were dying for someone to post something about us on SDN :laugh:! We're so glad you enjoyed your time here at Hopkins! We actually just got back from a night of "frivolity" so I'll have to keep things short, but yeah, I just found out about your post, and I just had to take some time to acknowledge it. Med school is a lot of work, but it's a TON of fun at the same time!!!!!

PS: I also haven't been on SDN in quite some time, so to the people who have PM'd me, I'll get back to you as soon as I can do so coherently lol.

Good luck on the interview trail everyone!
 
i received an email from Hopkins saying they have received my hard copy of the application on 9/3 but still have not received a complete email yet. how does it take for you guys to receive the complete email? thanks!
 
robocop1998 said:
i received an email from Hopkins saying they have received my hard copy of the application on 9/3 but still have not received a complete email yet. how does it take for you guys to receive the complete email? thanks!
Click to expand...

I think it takes variable amount of time. I got my 'recd paper secondary' email early aug and the complete email 20 days with an interview invite the following week. I think when you get your complete email it means you app is ready to be reviewed - as in your file will now move on to the admissions committee.
 
I've been complete at JHU for a couple weeks now. I wasn't sure if I had fulfilled the Humanities requirement (didn't know if CC courses counted). Would I have been informed by now if I didn't meet their requirement?
 
Equality said:
I would like to offer an update on my own interview process. My interview was today, too, like jla314.

Everything that helssizle said above is true. There is the unusual, continuous observation/talking period with M4 students in between and after formal interviews. But it is not an event to be scared of. They'll come talk to you if you feel like you're being drowned out, and you can talk about anything. Ask them about their residency app process or what they think of the documentary HOPKINS; crack a few jokes and tell stories about people you met. Almost anything is okay as long as "you don't talk about killing babies," said one M2 student who I met at the Greeters program. It's a chance for the students to see that you'll fit well into the Hopkins student body rather than to find minute flaws. And the lunchhour at Hopkins is different from other lunches I've had because you get to talk to faculty members in a non-evaluative setting. I sat with the chairperson of Internal Medicine's residency program who was so eager to meet med applicants. Just cool experience all in all.

Having said that, let me also give you my honest opinion about the school:

1) Students: They're NORMAL. Not crazy, not arrogant, not nerdy. In fact, super-nice, happy, INTERESTING, and incredibly humble. They were the most diverse group of students I've met so far on the interview trail. They are completely NOT what I thought Hopkins students would be like. They also seem to know how to have fun.
2) The name Hopkins and the true value: They're famous and well known for a reason. The school spends incredible amounts of money and effort to prepare their students to be world-class physicians, and the students do well as a result. The new academic building for med students is a gem, for example, and they give lots of incentives to the professors to teach well. They also revamped the curriculum so that it's more efficient and balanced. The education is so superb (along with the name) that sometimes, when you apply for residency, you get interviews even before your application is received by the residency admissions. At least that's what I hear, and it's just WHOA.
3) Hospital: Of course everywhere you go there's someone who's the world's best at something and some part of the building that was the first or the biggest at something, etc. It's a huge complex that is both historic and futuristic in what they do. Pure inspiration.
4) Area: When I asked the students "What ISN'T there to like about Hopkins?" and two out of two times, I got the response, "the neighborhood." The immediate area surrounding the hospital is not too great and it's perhaps even "insular" in that there is some separation from the better off parts of the city. Things are slowly changing, however, and students seem to have no problem adapting to the environment.

Advice to interviewing students:
1) Do plan on staying at Reed Hall or with a Student Host. I met a ton of M1 and M2 the night before the interview because I stayed with a student. Otherwise, it might be difficult to meet other students.
2) You MUST go to the Greeters program. Meet students. Must.
3) Take the Hopkins shuttle (free!) from the airport or train station. It will save you money and hassle.
4) Don't brag. Humility seems to be one common thread because everyone I met (I personally said MET and said hi to 20+ students) is so down to earth and humble.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

I don't think I've ever heard anyone not mention how great the Hopkins community is and the opportunities Hopkins has to offer. I won't be applying until next year, but it really sounds great that Hopkins students are consistently praised for being so down-to-earth, easy to get along with, and all-around good people. I hope I'm fortunate enough to be granted an interview.

Equality, you sound like you really enjoyed your interview time and just reinforced my decision (and hopefully others' too) to apply to Hopkins.

Best of luck, I'll be rooting for you!
 
LAman10 said:
I've been complete at JHU for a couple weeks now. I wasn't sure if I had fulfilled the Humanities requirement (didn't know if CC courses counted). Would I have been informed by now if I didn't meet their requirement?
Click to expand...

Hopkins Site said:
Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences Applicants are required to complete at least 24 semester hours in these disciplines.
Click to expand...

If you call and ask politely if there was a problem with your application, I'm sure they'd be happy to help.

Good luck!
 
Beta Cell said:
If you call and ask politely if there was a problem with your application, I'm sure they'd be happy to help.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

you'd think so. they are actually very very rude.
 
LAman10 said:
I've been complete at JHU for a couple weeks now. I wasn't sure if I had fulfilled the Humanities requirement (didn't know if CC courses counted). Would I have been informed by now if I didn't meet their requirement?
Click to expand...

At my interview they said that in late october they would be calling some of us to let us know if we were accepted, and that on that phone call they would discuss with us any course requirements we needed to fulfill to matriculate. They also said you had until july of the year you plan on entering in order to fill the course prerequisites. Just hang tight 🙂

also, I'm not sure if this is entirely accurate based on the other interviewees there, but an admissions official told us they interview kids from around baltimore first because they have supposedly had trouble with OOS people not wanting to interview there so early? Yes, there were like 4 JHU undergrads there but the remaining 10 of us were from all over. I guess 4 out of 14 is a significant portion though 🙂
 
jla314 said:
At my interview they said that in late october they would be calling some of us to let us know if we were accepted, and that on that phone call they would discuss with us any course requirements we needed to fulfill to matriculate. They also said you had until july of the year you plan on entering in order to fill the course prerequisites. Just hang tight 🙂

also, I'm not sure if this is entirely accurate based on the other interviewees there, but an admissions official told us they interview kids from around baltimore first because they have supposedly had trouble with OOS people not wanting to interview there so early? Yes, there were like 4 JHU undergrads there but the remaining 10 of us were from all over. I guess 4 out of 14 is a significant portion though 🙂
Click to expand...

I think that's usually pretty normal. Schools seem not to mind if you have 1-2 requirements left to fulfill like the full year of English requirement (for some schools) as long as you are able to finish the requirements before medical school classes begin. That being said, I assume having key classes completed before an interview are pretty important (biology, organic chemistry, etc).
 
cantfigure1out said:
hey equality, i (we) know who you are and we were dying for someone to post something about us on sdn :laugh:! We're so glad you enjoyed your time here at hopkins! We actually just got back from a night of "frivolity" so i'll have to keep things short, but yeah, i just found out about your post, and i just had to take some time to acknowledge it. Med school is a lot of work, but it's a ton of fun at the same time!!!!!

Ps: I also haven't been on sdn in quite some time, so to the people who have pm'd me, i'll get back to you as soon as i can do so coherently lol.

Good luck on the interview trail everyone!
Click to expand...

:d
 
jla314 said:
also, I'm not sure if this is entirely accurate based on the other interviewees there, but an admissions official told us they interview kids from around baltimore first because they have supposedly had trouble with OOS people not wanting to interview there so early? Yes, there were like 4 JHU undergrads there but the remaining 10 of us were from all over. I guess 4 out of 14 is a significant portion though 🙂
Click to expand...

I think this is true to an extent because I am from Hopkins and I personally know 2 people who have already interviewed there. Both really great and well-balanced applicants tho. Its easier for them to give the first few spots to people from within the region who can make it to JHU at short notice. Hang in there guys, as far as I know they review every application for more than numbers - so your application will be read and considered. Good Luck! :luck::xf:
 
trueBelief said:
I think this is true to an extent because I am from Hopkins and I personally know 2 people who have already interviewed there. Both really great and well-balanced applicants tho. Its easier for them to give the first few spots to people from within the region who can make it to JHU at short notice. Hang in there guys, as far as I know they review every application for more than numbers - so your application will be read and considered. Good Luck! :luck::xf:
Click to expand...

Wouldn't that be true of all schools though?
 
Beta Cell said:
Wouldn't that be true of all schools though?
Click to expand...

not necessarily. for instance BU offers invites based on complete date - for them, it doesn't matter where you are coming from because they won't offer you a spot preferentially based on your location. i guess i had assumed that all schools worked like this (it seems to be the most straightforward and/or fair way to offer invites) so i was surprised to learn that hopkins does things a bit more complicatedly.
 
Well, I don't think you could make the claim that JHU offers class slots based on their geographic proximity either..... Interview slots are different than class slots....
As a grad of JHU undergrad, I can tell you that they traditionally do not accept a lot of their own undergrads into the med school. Most of my college friends who applied were rejected, despite across-the-board acceptances to everywhere else they applied.....Harvard, Yale, Wash U, etc, etc....
As a matter of fact, when I toured JHU, as a high school student, the tour guide specifically warned us against going to Hopkins, if you thought that was going to help you get into JHU med.....
 
i think you misunderstood me - that's what i meant for bu; they offer interview spots based on complete date, not proximity. (it makes sense to offer acceptance spots based on how much you like an applicant, regardless of complete date or location!)

that's interesting to hear about jhu preferentially turning outside and away from their undergrads in any case. the undergrads i met on my interview day from jhu were all very strong applicants, i hope jhu doesn't bias against them simply for their undergrad.
 
Finally got the 'complete' email today. Submitted the secondary on 8/24
 
Interviewing in 2 days! So excited and nervous. Anyone else on here interviewing on 24th?
 
robocop1998 said:
i received an email from Hopkins saying they have received my hard copy of the application on 9/3 but still have not received a complete email yet. how does it take for you guys to receive the complete email? thanks!
Click to expand...

I got the receipt of hard copy e-mail on 9/3, too and have not heard from them, either. I can't find an e-mail adress from their website, and every time I called, the automatic message didn't even give me an option of talking to a real person. Has anyone successfully called/e-mailed to check their app status??
 
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