What Johns Hopkins Is Known For: An Expert Guide to a Dynamic Ivy Plus Institution

This blog post provides an overview of what makes Johns Hopkins University stand out, covering its top academic programs, open curriculum, vibrant campus life, financial aid options, and internship opportunities. It also highlights fun facts and the school’s exceptional roster of notable alumni in various fields. Whether you're interested in JHU's renowned research programs or its engaging student traditions, this guide offers expert insights into why Johns Hopkins might be a great school to put at the top of your college list.

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) offers students the opportunity to engage with a vibrant city while benefiting from the university’s world-class facilities and academic resources. The school is renowned for its groundbreaking research, rigorous academics, and contributions to science and medicine.

JHU consistently ranks among the top 10 to 20 best universities in the US, deservedly recognized as an Ivy Plus school able to attract motivated young scholars from around the world thanks to its top-flight faculty, a commitment to innovation and learning, and the appeal of an open curriculum.

We’re going to explore JHU’s exceptional research reputation and facilities, its renowned life sciences programs, and take a look at the institution's impressive shakers-and-makers alumni roster. You’ll also get a glimpse of campus life, what Baltimore offers, and JHU’s robust career services and strong financial aid offerings.

But wait... Before we go any further, do you know why the school’s name is Johns — not John — Hopkins? The answer, simple enough, is that the school’s namesake is indeed Johns Hopkins — a 19th-century Maryland philanthropist named after his great-grandmother, Margaret Johns. (Too bad no one told Mark Twain!)

1. Reputation and Rankings

Johns Hopkins is widely recognized for its leadership in research and education. Did you know that JHU was the first research university in the US?

Even more importantly, the university’s research output continues to be unparalleled, even today. This means undergraduates at JHU often find and learn from opportunities to do compelling research alongside talented faculty and graduate students. In fact, JHU leaders speak of research, and the application of research findings, as one of the school's core educational values.

As a JHU student you may also find yourself in classes taught by distinguished researchers, such as Dr. Peter Agre, a molecular biologist and 2003 Nobel Prize recipient.

As you can see, there's good reasons why JHU is valued for its commitment to educational excellence.

Not surprisingly, JHU is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 8% and attracting students in the US and internationally. As with most other top US universities, the school’s holistic admissions process means applicants are evaluated not only on academic performance but also in terms of how their goals and interests align with the school’s ethos and offerings, as well as extracurricular involvement, and a passion for learning.

2. What Majors Is Johns Hopkins Known For?

Johns Hopkins offers over 50 majors and 50 minors, with highly respected programs spanning public health, biotech disciplines, international affairs, business, education, music, and more.

Along with its renowned STEM programs in biochemistry, neuroscience, and bioengineering, and its many contributions in medicine and public health, JHU also has distinguished programs in the humanities and social sciences, including international affairs, business, education, and music.

Something else JHU is known for is its open curriculum. Instead of prescribed core courses, JHU undergraduates are free to explore a range of courses across different disciplines, in addition to their major.

Learning and research are clustered around nine core academic colleges or academic units. Most prominent are the Bloomberg School of Public Health (consistently top ranked), the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), the School of Education, the School of Medicine, the Whiting School of Engineering, and the School of Advanced International Studies.

Top 10 Majors at Johns Hopkins University

1. Public Health
2. International Affairs 
3. Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
4. Education
5. Business and Business Statistics
6. Neuroscience
7. Computer Science 
8. Nursing

With 94% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months, JHU students enjoy strong career prospects across various fields.

3. Campus Life and Events

When you need a break from academics, Johns Hopkins University offers a diverse and stimulating campus life where students can engage in politics and public affairs, find more than 25 fraternities and sororities, take part in summer learning and internships, and connect with other students in study groups or doing community service.

Student Body and Community

The university enrolls approximately 6,000 undergraduates, with students coming from all 50 states and over 100 countries. JHU has over 400 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations.

Traditions and Events

Traditions and events offer fun ways to relax, rejuvenate, and meet fellow students, and help build community and belonging. Here are some of the prominent traditions and events JHU students celebrate each year:

• Blue Jay Opening Day offers a festive start to the academic and athletic years and opportunities to meet fellow students as your year gets underway. The university-wide festivities include rides, games, music, and more, along with opportunities to connect with campus and community resources.
• Another popular event during the winter season is Lighting of the Quads. Thousands of holiday lights and a fireworks display illuminate the quad as students come together for a festive celebration. This tradition boasts musical performances, cider, sweets, crafts, and illuminated art.
• The university’s Peabody Institute Conservatory of Music, one of the oldest conservatories in the United States, hosts a variety of musical performances, providing cultural enrichment for students.
• Lacrosse: The Blue Jays’ Division I lacrosse team is a source of school pride, with home games drawing enthusiastic crowds.
• Hoptoberfest is an annual fall event filled with music, activities, and food.
• Spring Fair is the largest student-run festival in the nation, featuring arts and crafts, games, contests, food, and live music.

Fun, Fitness, and Relaxation with Friends

While the academic opportunities at JHU are top tier, the school is also known for its many programs supporting student life.

Athletics for Every Interest

Johns Hopkins’ students stay fit thanks to lots of sports-related activities ranging from highly rated athletic programs to more informal ways to take part in club-level sports and recreation. Students who go to JHU can choose from among some sixty or more varsity, intramural, and club-level sports teams.

Summer Recreation

Staying on or near campus the whole summer? There’s plenty to do, including a variety of summer recess activities and excursions you can sign up for, including yoga, rock-climbing, movie nights, art, shopping, museum trips, and amusement parks.

Exploring Baltimore and D.C.

Baltimore’s "Inner Harbor" district, filled with shops and restaurants on a scenic waterfront, and Druid Hill Park, with a zoo and lots of trails and open spaces, are among some of the popular destinations for fun off campus. Of course, you’re also not too far from all the sites, sounds, and attractions of Washington D.C. Less than two hours by car, D.C. is also accessible by various bus routes with travel times between two and three hours.

4. Financial Aid Opportunities

Johns Hopkins is committed to making education affordable for all students. The university practices need-blind admissions for U.S. applicants designed to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students with the support of loan-free financial aid offerings.

Key financial aid options at JHU include:

• The Bloomberg Scholars Program, which provides financial support to low- and middle-income students.
• Merit-based scholarships, such as the Hodson Trust Scholarship and the Charles R. Westgate Scholarship in Engineering.
• Need-based grants, designed to meet students’ full demonstrated financial need without relying heavily on loans.

Students can also apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA and seek external scholarships to further reduce their cost of attendance.

5. Career Preparation

Johns Hopkins places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with many students participating in internships, research, and other hands-on training. There are programs that help students find internships in different fields too, such as healthcare, business, public service, and engineering.

The Career Center is also a hub that helps connect students to a variety of networking and career opportunities:

• Life Design Lab: Though not available to undergraduates in all majors, this cool resource offers comprehensive support and professional development opportunities, related to goal setting, career exploration, networking, and getting connected to internships in relevant fields.
• Job Searching and Career Development: Services include coaching, tutoring, and resume support.
• Digital Alumni Network: JHU’s OneHop networking app connects you to JHU alumni with lots of versatility in terms of search tools and filters for tailoring your networking to your specific field, goals, and interests.

JHU’s location in Baltimore also means more opportunities for internships in a range of fields, or with businesses or public agencies. Students at JHU and other area colleges can also work with Collegetown.org — a local clearinghouse that helps university students in the region get connected to the best internships possible.

Finally, the university’s proximity to Washington, D.C. provides additional opportunities for internships in government, international organizations, and think tanks. Popular internship sites for JHU students include the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of State, and leading tech companies.

JHU also offers numerous study abroad programs, with many students combining international experiences with internships or research projects.

6. Famous Alumni

When searching for universities you want to apply to, it can be inspiring to see a list of famous people who attended the school. In the case of JHU, the list of distinguished alumni is exceptionally impressive.

Take a look below. We've highlighted just some of the distinguished JHU graduates, but you can go here to see more names!

• Michael Bloomberg — former New York City mayor; founder of Bloomberg L.P., Bloomberg News, and Bloomberg Radio
• Woodrow Wilson — 28th President of the United States
• Rachel Carson — Environmentalist and author of Silent Spring
• Wolf Blitzer — CNN journalist and anchor
• Carter Brey — principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic
• John Barth — novelist
• Louise Erdrich — writer
• John Dewey — American philosopher, social critic, and educator
• James McPherson — Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and author
• Victor A. McKusick — medical geneticist; author of Mendelian Inheritance in Man, the definitive source of information on human genes and genetic disorders
• Kweisi Mfume — former president of NAACP and current U.S. representative for Maryland’s 7th congressional district
• Madeleine Albright — former U.S. Secretary of State

The roster of Johns Hopkins alumni adds up to a formidable Who's Who of intellectual pioneers from politics and journalism to business and science, adding resonance to the school’s motto — the truth will set you free.

7. Getting Into Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins University is a leader in research, innovation, and academic excellence, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for learning and growth. With top-ranked programs in Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, International Studies, and more, along with a vibrant campus life, robust financial aid options, and extensive career support, JHU stands out as an exceptional choice for motivated high school students seeking a transformative college experience.

What's Needed: Given the school’s appeal, it’s not surprising that the school’s acceptance rate hovers around 8%.  To stand out in the admissions process, applicants should aim to demonstrate not only strong academic performance but also a genuine passion for learning, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Next Steps: Aspiring Blue Jays should prepare thoroughly, starting early with planning coursework and engaging in meaningful activities that reflect their interests.

With a robust application, getting into Johns Hopkins is achievable for students who are eager to take on academic challenges and contribute to the university's culture of innovation and excellence.

Getting Help: Want help finding the best schools to apply to? Are you up to the challenge of getting into Johns Hopkins but don't want to leave anything to chance?

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