Johns Hopkins!!

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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SonicMD

SonicMD

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I'm getting in there no matter what! Believe it! Now, thing is though, I won't be able to do it on my own. So, I'm asking all the wise people of this awesome website for their help. Please tell me anything and everything I could do that would improve my chances of getting into this school. Scores to get, books to read, classes to take, things to do, people to talk to, anything! I'm sincerely thankful to anyone that will take time out of their life to offer me advice which well help me in reaching my goal.
 
3.8+ with difficult, high level science/math courses.
38+ on the MCAT
Meaningful research where you played an important role.
Some clinical experience.
More meaningful research where you played an integral role.
Knowing your research inside and out.
Being able to hold an intelligent conversation about your research experience, its significance, what you're interested in, what you hope to accomplish.
Difficult science/math courses.
The kind of personality that fits in Johns Hopkins.
 
SonicMD said:
I'm getting in there no matter what! Believe it! Now, thing is though, I won't be able to do it on my own. So, I'm asking all the wise people of this awesome website for their help. Please tell me anything and everything I could do that would improve my chances of getting into this school. Scores to get, books to read, classes to take, things to do, people to talk to, anything! I'm sincerely thankful to anyone that will take time out of their life to offer me advice which well help me in reaching my goal.
Click to expand...

Sigh...I hate to be Mr. reality check but...
It seems that you are probably just starting university, or have just begun. The fact of the matter is:
Even if you do EVERYTHING right, that is, EVERYTHING, there is still a chance (a very good chance) that you won't get it. Why? Because NOONE can ever, ever, ever, assure themselves a shot at a school like John Hopkins. Walk in with a 4.0 and a 40 on the MCAT, tons of volunteering and shadowing, great undergraduate research track record, a few pubs and other ECs, and there is still a chance you will get rejected. So, not to burst your bubble, but you'll soon find that the vast majority of applicants are just happy to get in *somewhere*, let alone John Hopkins. Do your best and hope for the best, but be open to any opportunities that come your way. 🙂
 
*Low whistle.* Chyea, that's a lot of work.~ Oh well, I'll do it, and I'll do it to the best of my abilities! Also! I am aware of the point you were trying to make, Vihsadas. I appreciate that you didn't sugar coat it and say something like "Yeah! Work hard and you'll get in no problem!" since life is never so simple. I will remember your advice and try my best while keeping an eye open for any chances I may get. Thank you Cegar and Vihsadas! Is there anything that could improve my chances of getting in or would help me at all?



P.S. As Mr. Vihsadas stated I have just started the university life, so if any one has any suggestions that hasn't been mentioned already and will help me before applying for Johns Hopkins, I'd be really thankful.
 
Do really, really well in things.

Make it look like you'll be a famous scientist/physician later in life.

Play the part.
 
I just interviewed at Hopkins a few weeks ago, and from my experience, the only common denominator was insanely qualified people. I'm from a small private school, and I'm a non-trad. Others had PhDs from MIT, MPHs from JHop already, or went to Harvard.

The thing to keep in mind was that for every person sitting in that room, there's at least one other with insanely high numbers and great experiences who will never even get the chance to interview... I know a lot of them.

I just feel completely blessed to have even been invited to interview, no matter what happens.
 
DoctorDreamer said:
I just interviewed at Hopkins a few weeks ago, and from my experience, the only common denominator was insanely qualified people. I'm from a small private school, and I'm a non-trad. Others had PhDs from MIT, MPHs from JHop already, or went to Harvard.

The thing to keep in mind was that for every person sitting in that room, there's at least one other with insanely high numbers and great experiences who will never even get the chance to interview... I know a lot of them.

I just feel completely blessed to have even been invited to interview, no matter what happens.
Click to expand...

QFT.

Burrito kitten! 😍
 
To get in anywhere, I'd say the best advice is to be passionate about whatever your interests are and be able to convey that passion very effectively. Show it through your applications and activities, don't tell it.
 
Cegar said:
3.8+ with difficult, high level science/math courses.
38+ on the MCAT
Meaningful research where you played an important role.
Some clinical experience.
More meaningful research where you played an integral role.
Knowing your research inside and out.
Being able to hold an intelligent conversation about your research experience, its significance, what you're interested in, what you hope to accomplish.
Difficult science/math courses.
The kind of personality that fits in Johns Hopkins.
Click to expand...

This is a pretty good start (although I don't think you need the emphasis of difficult high level science/math courses). Just meet said academic requirements, then work on diversifying your app; strive for unique ECs that will set you apart from the crowd. Also, I think meaningful clinical experience helps (in addition to meaningful research).
 
its a little early to be gunning for a particular school that you more than likely know nothing about.

Let me ask you this, do you currently go to Hopkins as an undergrad? If not, what honestly makes you think that you will like it there, because of its ranking in US News? Or its reputation? Do you even know anything about its med program? Not all med schools are the same you know.

Oh, and if I were you, I'd take a stumble into this thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=499914

for a reality check. Understand that you can work as hard as you can, but realize that everyone else is working just as hard as you are. Unless you are a genius or something, the best you can hope for is simply a shot.
 
Hey, Hopkins is great, but I'll add my voice to those who say its too early to be focused on a particular school.

Not only can your interests change, but there's a lot of applicants and the process is sometimes random, even the perfect candidate can get rejected from any particular school. Medical education is very good across the board, just focus on positing yourself to get in somewhere.
 
The Nephilim said:
To get in anywhere, I'd say the best advice is to be passionate about whatever your interests are and be able to convey that passion very effectively. Show it through your applications and activities, don't tell it.
Click to expand...

I think this is why I've been able to get some interviews that friends with extremely similar scores have not been able to get. I sorta have a running theme that I'm very serious about, and it showed in my activities/essay.
 
al112987: No, I do not go to Hopkins, even though I wish I could. At the momment I'm stuck going to a community college in California. I haven't bother checking it's ranking in US News or any other ranking list but I do know it's in the top 20. As for it's reputation, I didn't know just how popular the school was until AFTER I made my decision on trying to get in there. I know a little about Hopkins' curriculum? The students meet patients in their first year and are always getting updated on the newest clinical procedures. Then the break down of the years look like a lot of hard work, crazy hard work, but it looks like a lot of fun! I also like the fact that they teach Law as well! So I can always take that as an elective since I did want to become a lawyer at one time but found out that being a doctor sounds so much better.

To everyone else: I appreciate the time you all have taken to give me your advice or point of views, and I thank you. So far from what I have gathered, the best thing for me to do right now is to work REALLY hard but at the same time don't bet all of my money on one horse since that horse might not win, so instead keep an eye out for other possibilities.
 
Good luck to you, the students that I met at Hopkins were the most interesting/down-to-earth ppl I've met on the interview trail, and it's a great school for sure.

But as for what you pointed out as drawing factors, they pretty much apply to most of the med schools that you're applying to. Every school I've interviewed at has patient exposure starting from the get-go, and most of them allow you to take electives in the other colleges associated w/ the university for free (I'm not sure about the specifics of Law, but Hopkins' policy about law is probably the same as others).

What I'm saying is to keep your mind open when it comes time to applying, and allow yourself to see the good in other schools. Going in w/ pre-conceived notions of what you think you like will hurt your ability to make the best choice for yourself. For me, the schools that I thought would be at the top of my list became my last choices after I visited, and the ones that I thought I would only go to if I didn't get in anywhere else have become my abolute top choices.
 
Wow, so your choices really switched around, ne? Well, I'm aware that most other med schools offer the same things as Johns Hopkins but aside from all the things that deal with the school's curriculum, I do have two small personal reasons for wanting to attend there but I'm making sure they don't become my main reasons for going there.

I'm trying to get close to a relative who lives in Delaware and where Hopkins is located, it's not too far from DE. Also, there was a doctor who saved a person's life in front of me when I was little, I didn't know it at the time but later on when I went to Children's Hospital for a check up, I overheard a group of staff members talking about how "...a John Hopkins graduate managed to keep the patient alive until the paramedics arrived at the scene. She was pretty relaxed according to Bill, a very pretty blonde with..." that was all I managed to hear but I recall the name "John Hopkins" and a blonde doctor who was cool. So she's one of the reasons why I want to be a doctor and one of the reasons why I want to attend Hopkins.
 
SonicMD said:
Wow, so your choices really switched around, ne? Well, I'm aware that most other med schools offer the same things as Johns Hopkins but aside from all the things that deal with the school's curriculum, I do have two small personal reasons for wanting to attend there but I'm making sure they don't become my main reasons for going there.

I'm trying to get close to a relative who lives in Delaware and where Hopkins is located, it's not too far from DE. Also, there was a doctor who saved a person's life in front of me when I was little, I didn't know it at the time but later on when I went to Children's Hospital for a check up, I overheard a group of staff members talking about how "...a John Hopkins graduate managed to keep the patient alive until the paramedics arrived at the scene. She was pretty relaxed according to Bill, a very pretty blonde with..." that was all I managed to hear but I recall the name "John Hopkins" and a blonde doctor who was cool. So she's one of the reasons why I want to be a doctor and one of the reasons why I want to attend Hopkins.
Click to expand...

IS THIS A JOKE??? If not, please do yourself a favor, and don't tell anyone ever again about your reason # 2 to go to Hopkins. This advice especially applies if you are lucky enough to get an interview 4 years from now when you actually apply. Good luck.
 
SonicMD said:
Wow, so your choices really switched around, ne? Well, I'm aware that most other med schools offer the same things as Johns Hopkins but aside from all the things that deal with the school's curriculum, I do have two small personal reasons for wanting to attend there but I'm making sure they don't become my main reasons for going there.

I'm trying to get close to a relative who lives in Delaware and where Hopkins is located, it's not too far from DE. Also, there was a doctor who saved a person's life in front of me when I was little, I didn't know it at the time but later on when I went to Children's Hospital for a check up, I overheard a group of staff members talking about how "...a John Hopkins graduate managed to keep the patient alive until the paramedics arrived at the scene. She was pretty relaxed according to Bill, a very pretty blonde with..." that was all I managed to hear but I recall the name "John Hopkins" and a blonde doctor who was cool. So she's one of the reasons why I want to be a doctor and one of the reasons why I want to attend Hopkins.
Click to expand...

that second reason is just...bad.

and the fact that you are in community college is not very promising as far as getting into john hopkins. unless you can transfer into an ivy league asap.

will john hopkins even take premed reqs from a cc?
 
Sorry Pal, You will not get into Hopkins with CC courses. Plus, you have all those great CA schools. Why not opt there?😕 Besides the whole DE thing.
 
I just want to mention to the OP that your interests can change drastically throughout the years. For example, I had no real interest in Hopkins until I started my apps and even more so when I fell in love with it during my interview day. I don't really think you have to be superman to get an interview but you do have to be somewhat qualified and passionate. You can check out my MDapps for some more info on what I have. I have been waitlisted and I think the limiting factor was my undergraduate school because it is unknown to anyone outside of a 20 mile radius. I had great interviews, and by great I mean they went amazingly smoothly. My advice is, do well in school, transfer to a big name institution, and develop your interests with passion.
 
I hate to be a downer here, but I'd like to go ahead and echo Vihsadas' point when I say that Hopkins is a tough nut to crack. I applied with good stats and what I felt like were good EC's and never even received an interview invite--check my MDapps if you're interested. That said, I'm going to stick with some of the other people on this thread who've said not to get too fixated on one school just yet. You've got a while to go.
 
beepbloop said:
I hate to be a downer here, but I'd like to go ahead and echo Vihsadas' point when I say that Hopkins is a tough nut to crack. I applied with good stats and what I felt like were good EC's and never even received an interview invite--check my MDapps if you're interested. That said, I'm going to stick with some of the other people on this thread who've said not to get too fixated on one school just yet. You've got a while to go.
Click to expand...

Jesus christ @ your MDApps.
 
Hahah, yeah. I wasn't planning to tell the school that part of the reason as to why I wished to go there, that would for sure get me rejected. But uhm, seriously? Hopkins won't let people in with CC courses? I hope not. I have a full time job, to help myself and my mother, and the CC is the only thing that is financially affordable for me and works with my work schedule...I don't know if I could transfer to a big name institution...
 
SonicMD said:
Hahah, yeah. I wasn't planning to tell the school that part of the reason as to why I wished to go there, that would for sure get me rejected. But uhm, seriously? Hopkins won't let people in with CC courses? I hope not. I have a full time job, to help myself and my mother, and the CC is the only thing that is financially affordable for me and works with my work schedule...I don't know if I could transfer to a big name institution...
Click to expand...


The thing is, CC are notoriously easier than 4-year institutions. Med schools often consider classes taken at CC as "copping out," and not as competitive. You don't want CC courses when applying to ANY med school. I'm not on JHop's adcom, but I'd be willing to guess they would look down on them just as much, if not more.

Just focus on trying to gather the money, or get a scholarship to at least a public state school, and take at least your BCPM (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) courses there, and get your degree from there.

Also, are you a full-time student at yoru CC? Schools generally do not take people seriously who only took part-time loads, cause it's easier to get good grades.

It's admirable that you're working so hard for your family, and schools will probably recognize that if they look hard enough to see it, but there are no guarantees in this process, and you don't want to jeapordize yourself any more than absolutely necessary.

There are plenty of people doing everything "right" and struggling to get into any med school. Just imagine how hard it would be for someone with a few "strikes" against them to get into JHop/Harvard/WashU/etc.
 
Look, let's be perfectly blunt. You probably won't get into JHU. Planning to get into Johns Hopkins' medical school is about the same as planning to become a rock-star. It can happen and does occasionally happen, but it probably won't no matter how hard you try.

The question you need to be asking is whether you're in love with the idea of becoming a doctor, or whether you're in love with the idea of getting a medical degree from Johns Hopkins.
 
Begaster said:
Look, let's be perfectly blunt. You probably won't get into JHU. Planning to get into Johns Hopkins' medical school is about the same as planning to become a rock-star. It can happen and does occasionally happen, but it probably won't no matter how hard you try.

The question you need to be asking is whether you're in love with the idea of becoming a doctor, or whether you're in love with the idea of getting a medical degree from Johns Hopkins.
Click to expand...

That's totally on point and eloquent. Everything I wanted to say but for some reason couldn't figure out how to. I'd like to say though, that it's GREAT that you have that goal! Have the goal, but just make sure that you love the process of getting there, and aren't completely fixated on "where" you are going. If you're always looking at the future, you'll never enjoy right now. So yeah, shoot for Jhop, why not? Just don't get attached to it.
 
I think I know the reason why some of you people with good stats didn't get into matching schools.


OP, if that's your goal, try for it.

There are people at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, et cetera who went to community colleges.

Medical Schools will not give a **** if you got a 4.0 in Gen Chem 2 at a CC and a 4.0 in pchem at a UC. They will give a **** if you got a 4.0 in Gen Chem 2 at a CC and a 3.0 in pchem at a UC.

There are people there with 36 MCAT 3.73 GPAs. There are people there with 41/3.95.

The people there have all done interesting things. Do interesting things. Get attached to some important research. Get published. Do groundbreaking things.

Universities want people who will make them look even better. If they think you're a candidate to do some research to knock out some aging factors, they wont give a damn if you went to a community college for two years.

Do not listen to the advice of people who tell you to aim lower. That's a silly thing to say. If you don't think that you're good enough to get into a high-end medical school, chances are high that that attitude will bleed through.
 
JH is the ultimate research medical school - need to be strong there for sure...
 
SonicMD said:
I'm getting in there no matter what! Believe it! Now, thing is though, I won't be able to do it on my own. So, I'm asking all the wise people of this awesome website for their help. Please tell me anything and everything I could do that would improve my chances of getting into this school. Scores to get, books to read, classes to take, things to do, people to talk to, anything! I'm sincerely thankful to anyone that will take time out of their life to offer me advice which well help me in reaching my goal.
Click to expand...

Do 3 things:

1) 4.0 GPA; 44 MCAT.

2) Hardcore basic and clinical research for ~3-4 years leading to several 1st or 2nd authored publications, poster presentations etc.

3) Save babies in Africa.

You'll get in.

:luck:



PS...I realize that it's easier said than done though...🙄
 
Cegar said:
I think I know the reason why some of you people with good stats didn't get into matching schools.


OP, if that's your goal, try for it.

There are people at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, et cetera who went to community colleges.

Medical Schools will not give a **** if you got a 4.0 in Gen Chem 2 at a CC and a 4.0 in pchem at a UC. They will give a **** if you got a 4.0 in Gen Chem 2 at a CC and a 3.0 in pchem at a UC.

There are people there with 36 MCAT 3.73 GPAs. There are people there with 41/3.95.

The people there have all done interesting things. Do interesting things. Get attached to some important research. Get published. Do groundbreaking things.

Universities want people who will make them look even better. If they think you're a candidate to do some research to knock out some aging factors, they wont give a damn if you went to a community college for two years.

Do not listen to the advice of people who tell you to aim lower. That's a silly thing to say. If you don't think that you're good enough to get into a high-end medical school, chances are high that that attitude will bleed through.
Click to expand...

Bingo.
 
I would much rather do any myriad of residencies (quite a few but not all of them) at Hopkins then go for undergrad/med school...

I've worked with doctors from basically every "top tier" medical school, some (more then you would think) of the best come from the "bottom tier" schools...hard to imagine right...So just focus on getting in anywhere, JHU is not the end all be all.
 
good luck
 
Tartheheel said:
Do 3 things:

1) 4.0 GPA; 44 MCAT.

2) Hardcore basic and clinical research for ~3-4 years leading to several 1st or 2nd authored publications, poster presentations etc.

3) Save babies in Africa.

You'll get in.

:luck:



PS...I realize that it's easier said than done though...🙄
Click to expand...

Beepbloop basically did all that and no interview.
 
Cegar said:
OP, if that's your goal, try for it.
Click to expand...
Absolutely. Reach for the stars.
Cegar said:
There are people at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, et cetera who went to community colleges.
Click to expand...
Really? I'd guess that there are very, very few.

I'm a community college grad and interviewed at UCSF and go to a UC now. They didn't seem to mind the community college thing.

But all things being equal, schools will prefer to see the best paper application they can. They will look for well rounded, mature, experienced individuals with great scores. But at schools like JHU, you will get all these things from any interviewee anyway. JHU is one of the sorts of schools, like Harvard, where they may get so nitpicky that community college background will be a negative factor.

I only think that this happens at a very small handful of medical schools, but JHU might very well be one. I'm sure they'll overlook the CC thing if something else on your app really sets you apart, but keep in mind that your file will be among the most amazing in all of medicine. Literally.
Cegar said:
Do not listen to the advice of people who tell you to aim lower. That's a silly thing to say. If you don't think that you're good enough to get into a high-end medical school, chances are high that that attitude will bleed through.
Click to expand...
The people most bitter about the process are the ones most fixated on getting in to a particular medical school. Definitely aim high, but keep an open mind.

At the end of the day, there is nothing you will get at Harvard or JHU that you can't get from many other medical schools. So shoot for a particular school, but keep an open mind over the many other amazing opportunities out there. What kind of physician you will be is based entirely on how you approach your education, not where you get it.
 
Wanting to go to Johns Hopkins because it's Johns Hopkins and you've always wanted to go there is a very valid reason.
 
SonicMD said:
I'm getting in there no matter what! Believe it! Now, thing is though, I won't be able to do it on my own. So, I'm asking all the wise people of this awesome website for their help. Please tell me anything and everything I could do that would improve my chances of getting into this school. Scores to get, books to read, classes to take, things to do, people to talk to, anything! I'm sincerely thankful to anyone that will take time out of their life to offer me advice which well help me in reaching my goal.
Click to expand...

Hint: be a better applicant than I am, since they didn't interview me :laugh:
 
littlealex said:
Beepbloop basically did all that and no interview.
Click to expand...

RPedigo said:
Hint: be a better applicant than I am, since they didn't interview me :laugh:
Click to expand...

That's all I'm saying. Even with great numbers and great ECs, with really great people JHop is harshly discriminatory; there just simply is no way to ensure that you'll get there. OP by all means, reach for your goal! Go at it 110%!! But in medical school admissions, just don't be completely distraught if it doesn't happen. Getting into any medical school is an accomplishment in this day and age. Getting into any top 20 is a HUGE accomplishment that you will be proud of!
 
Boy oh Boy, I've been waiting for someone to ask this question. What you need to do to get into JOHNS HOPKINS is watch this movie:


GETTING IN : Where the Price of Admissions is... MURDER!

Gabriel Higgs has failed to get into Johns Hopkins to study medicine. He's sixth on a list of backup candidates, and must persuade the five people ahead of him to drop out. Gabriel has a family tradition to live up to. Things don't go to plan.

http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Steph...bs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1204859673&sr=8-5

But seriously, they rank you on the waitlist so no point to send in anything after your interview. Who knows your number could come up?
 
HQAMIGO said:
Boy oh Boy, I've been waiting for someone to ask this question. What you need to do to get into JOHNS HOPKINS is watch this movie:


GETTING IN

Gabriel Higgs has failed to get into Johns Hopkins to study medicine. He's sixth on a list of backup candidates, and must persuade the five people ahead of him to drop out. Gabriel has a family tradition to live up to. Things don't go to plan.

http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Steph...bs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1204859673&sr=8-5

But seriously, they rank you on the waitlist so no point to send in anything after your interview. Who knows your number could come up?
Click to expand...

You can assassinate your way into pretty much any college.
 
This all sounds like great advice. But from personal experience, Hopkins kinda has idea of the type of person they want and the class they want to put together. You never really know if you're that type of person until you get in; I sure didn't. I personally had none of the recommended things posted earlier, i.e. MCAT scores or GPA and definitely not research. But I had a good time in college, did things I loved and believed in, and I got really lucky.

So my suggestion to you is that if you want Hopkins, go for it. Keep your eyes and mind open to other schools. Most of all spend your time in college doing things you want to do and giving yourself to them and believing in them. That's the best advice I could give anyone applying here, not to mention you'll probably enjoy college alot more at the end of the day.
 
beepbloop said:
I hate to be a downer here, but I'd like to go ahead and echo Vihsadas' point when I say that Hopkins is a tough nut to crack. I applied with good stats and what I felt like were good EC's and never even received an interview invite--check my MDapps if you're interested.
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your profile, you've done some amazing things. As HawkEye, who's one of my classmates, said, Hopkins really is interested in getting what they feel is the right type of person. I know those sorts of things sound trite and I didn't really believe it till I came, but it's really not all 43 MCAT's and 4.0 GPA's. Those things help, obviously, but they're not necessary or sufficent.

The problem is that it's sort of a double edged sword. All of us say we want medical schools to evaluate the whole person, and obviously that's a positive thing and I'm very proud my school tries to do that. Of course, it's also very subjective and as a result some very qualified candidates like beepbloop don't get a shot.

Fortunately, if you apply to a wide range of schools you will be rewarded for the hard work you put in undergrad, even if any particular place doesn't give you a shot. For example, beepbloop, you've obviously gotten some very good acceptances. I'm sure you'll have a good time revisiting places, this is the fun part!
 
Thanks for all the kind words, you guys. At this point in time, I'm really not that upset. That's not to say that I wasn't upset about not getting an interview a month or two ago, however. I wasn't trying to complain about my situation, either, I just wanted to point out that a lot of really, really top schools could care less whether or not you look great on paper--it's about whether you fit with their somewhat intangible philosophy (which is, of course, at least as difficult as looking great on paper). That said, I like your determination, Sonic. Keep it up. 🙂
 
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