How to Get Into Johns Hopkins

How to get into Johns Hopkins University:

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1876, it was America’s first research university, named after philanthropist and entrepreneur Johns Hopkins, the university’s first benefactor. The Johns Hopkins University total enrollment is over 24,000 including graduate students. The Johns Hopkins University total enrollment for undergraduates, rather, is just over 6,000. 

What we’ll cover in this How to Get Into Johns Hopkins guide:

  • Johns Hopkins average GPA
  • Optimal Johns Hopkins SAT scores
  • Details on Johns Hopkins Early Action
  • Johns Hopkins application deadline
  • Tips for Johns Hopkins supplemental essays
  • Johns Hopkins interview, and more.

When determining how to get into Johns Hopkins, you’ll want to strengthen each part of your application. This includes your Johns Hopkins SAT scores, Johns Hopkins supplemental essays, and more. You should strive for high grades throughout high school to match the Johns Hopkins average GPA. Additionally, you should take the PSAT your sophomore year and study for standardized tests to ensure high Johns Hopkins SAT scores (or ACT scores). 

Want to be part of the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment? Start preparing early. This will give you time to draft your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays and prepare for your Johns Hopkins interview before the Johns Hopkins application deadline. 

There is no Johns Hopkins Early Action program. Instead of a Johns Hopkins Early Action program, Johns Hopkins has two Early Decision deadlines—ED I and ED II. Plus, if you want to apply to Johns Hopkins Early Decision, you’ll want to be even more prepared. We’ll discuss Johns Hopkins Early Decision in more detail later in this guide. 

f you want to know how to get into Johns Hopkins, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Johns Hopkins graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How hard is it to get into Johns Hopkins?

U.S. News ranks Johns Hopkins as a most selective school, with an acceptance rate of 11%. The Johns Hopkins total enrollment isn’t huge, which means places at this elite university are highly sought after. 

So, any applicant wondering how to get into Johns Hopkins should know that the school will be a reach school for all students. That said, there certainly are steps you can take to strengthen your application. In this guide on how to get into Johns Hopkins, we will break down each step of the application process.

What is the average GPA for Johns Hopkins University?

When researching how to get into Johns Hopkins, you might wonder about the Johns Hopkins average GPA. The Johns Hopkins average GPA for the class of 2024 was 3.9 on a 4.0 scale, meaning all accepted students had stellar academics. Additionally, 99% of those admitted students were in the top 10% of their class. The Johns Hopkins SAT scores of the middle 50% of the class of 2024 ranged from 1500-1550, and the middle 50% of ACT scores were 34-35. 

If you are curious about how to get into Johns Hopkins but can’t meet the Johns Hopkins average GPA or the average Johns Hopkins SAT scores, don’t panic. You can still become part of the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment. 

Remember, there is no Johns Hopkins Early Action program—just two binding Early Decision programs. If you wanted to apply to Johns Hopkins Early Decision I but your GPA or scores are not quite up to par, it may be worth applying Regular Decision or Early Decision II instead. This will give you a chance to get your senior fall grades up so that your GPA is closer to the Johns Hopkins average GPA. This will also give you a chance to retest and get closer to the average Johns Hopkins SAT. 

If you can’t meet the Johns Hopkins average GPA or typical Johns Hopkins SAT scores, check out our article. There, you’ll find tips that will help increase your odds of joining the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment, even if your grades and scores aren’t perfect.

What does the Johns Hopkins application look like?

One key step to how to get into Johns Hopkins is understanding each step of the application process. This means familiarizing yourself with the required materials far in advance of the Johns Hopkins application deadline. 

Planning to apply to Johns Hopkins Early Decision I? Then, make sure you research the application well in advance. Remember, there is no non-binding Johns Hopkins Early Action program.  

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Application (through the Common App or Coalition App) and John Hopkins supplemental essays (1)
  • Secondary school report
  • Teacher evaluations (2)
  • Johns Hopkins SAT scores or ACT scores
  • Mid-year report

To learn more about how to approach your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays, read our essay guide. You should also check out Johns Hopkins’ page, “Essays That Worked,” for more insights.

Johns Hopkins has extended their test-optional policy through the 2021-22 application cycle. This means you don’t need to submit Johns Hopkins SAT scores or ACT scores. 

However, high Johns Hopkins SAT scores or ACT scores can help you increase your admissions odds, especially if you fall below the Johns Hopkins average GPA. Johns Hopkins SAT scores that meet or exceed the average Johns Hopkins SAT scores can show that while you might not meet the Johns Hopkins average GPA, you would still do well at Johns Hopkins. 

What extracurriculars does Johns Hopkins University like?

When wondering how to get into Johns Hopkins, many applicants are concerned about their extracurricular engagements. The truth is, there is no cookie-cutter list that any college looks for. No two students in the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment pursue the exact same set of activities. 

As a premier research university, Johns Hopkins emphasizes “a tradition of expedition” that stems from a lack of fear of failure. Keep this in mind as you choose your extracurriculars.

What are you most interested in? What challenges you? Push yourself to the edge of your comfort zone and look for leadership opportunities. 

Make sure your activities push you toward your genuine passions—not the passions you believe you should have. Do not apply for student government if you would rather be in drama club. Follow what interests you and dedicate yourself to those activities. That will show your integrity and dedication. Don’t compile a disingenuous list of passions you believe Johns Hopkins is looking for (they’re not!).

What is the acceptance rate for Johns Hopkins University?

One of the first questions applicants have when researching how to get into Johns Hopkins is: what are my chances? In other words, what percentage of applicants are accepted? 

So, what does the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment look like? The Johns Hopkins acceptance rate is 11%, making it a very selective university. Admitted students are high achievers— the Johns Hopkins average GPA is near a 4.0, and the Johns Hopkins SAT scores are in the highest percentiles. So, if you want to join the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment, aim for high grades and scores. 

There is no Johns Hopkins Early Action program, but there are two Johns Hopkins Early Decision programs. If you choose to apply ED, your chances of getting in are slightly higher. So, if you know Johns Hopkins is your top choice, consider applying ED. Unlike a Johns Hopkins Early Action program, Early Decision is binding, so don’t just apply ED to increase your admissions odds. 

That said, statistics are just one part of the application process. Johns Hopkins takes a holistic approach to admissions, so no one area will discount your application.

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert guide.

Does Johns Hopkins University require interviews?

When students look at how to get into Johns Hopkins, many are curious about the Johns Hopkins interview. In short—there is no Johns Hopkins interview. 

The university recently stopped offering Johns Hopkins interviews. This means your recommendation letters and Johns Hopkins supplemental essays are where you can showcase your individuality in lieu of a Johns Hopkins interview. Johns Hopkins admission will use these materials to see what kind of student and community member you are. So, in place of the Johns Hopkins interview, these materials should breathe life into your application and let your personality shine through. This will help the admissions team picture you as part of the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment. 

In place of a Johns Hopkins interview, your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays should strengthen your application narrative. This narrative tells admissions officers who you are and what matters to you. To learn more about how to construct a strong personal narrative, read our article, “A Deep Dive into the Personal Narrative”.

What does Johns Hopkins look for in an essay?

When wondering how to get into Johns Hopkins, know that your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays will take up much of your time. So, plan accordingly, and make yourself a drafting and revision checklist. 

Approach your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays with honesty and integrity. Like with your extracurriculars, do not simply say what you think admissions wants to hear. Out of tens of thousands of applicants, the surest way to stand out is to be true to yourself. Unique students have a better shot at joining the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment.

Writing your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays can be daunting, which is why we’ve broken it down into manageable steps.

How does Johns Hopkins University review applications?

When thinking about how to get into Johns Hopkins, many wonder about the review process. Johns Hopkins has shed a bit of light on what happens between the Johns Hopkins application deadline and Decision Day. 

The university takes a holistic approach to the application review process, meaning they look at applicants as a whole and do not discount any application based on one criterion.

They do, however, emphasize the following:

  • Academic character
  • Impact and initiative
  • Personal contributions

Academic character comes first and foremost. So, ideally, your grades should match the Johns Hopkins average GPA and your Johns Hopkins SAT scores should be in the highest percentiles. 

Impact and initiative speak to your work in your communities and your drive to pursue your passions. The impacts and initiatives you highlight should, again, tie into your application narrative. If you are a cello player with a passion for music therapy, your volunteer work playing music in your community may tie into your personal narrative better than a semester spent on the soccer team. Overall, Johns Hopkins admissions looks for service, leadership, and innovation.

Personal contributions have to do with your personal qualities. As they review applications, Johns Hopkins admissions asks, “What personal qualities does this student possess that would make them a good fit for our campus?” So, make sure you describe your interests and how they would help you enrich campus life.

Will Johns Hopkins look at my social media accounts?

When trying to figure out how to get into Johns Hopkins, many applicants worry about their social media presence. Schools like Johns Hopkins receive tens of thousands of applications each year. So, admissions officers often don’t have time to review anything other than your application materials.

That said, if you have anything on your social media accounts that your fear may call your character into question, you may want to review your social media presence overall. Even if colleges don’t review your accounts, future employers might. So, play it safe. 

Is Johns Hopkins University a good school for me?

This question should precede that of how to get into Johns Hopkins. Before you begin collecting your application materials, make sure Johns Hopkins is a good fit for you. 

To begin, schedule an in-person or virtual campus tour. Can you see yourself studying in Baltimore, on Johns Hopkins’ campus? Can you see yourself living there for four years? Think carefully about these questions as you envision yourself becoming part of the Johns Hopkins University total enrollment. 

Be sure to also take a look at Johns Hopkins’ key values and community norms. Are you looking for a fast-paced, innovative environment? Are you passionate about research? If you are an ambitious, self-motivated thinker, Johns Hopkins may be the school for you. 

Once you have decided whether to apply to Johns Hopkins, it is time to choose an application cycle. There is no Johns Hopkins Early Action program. Instead, Johns Hopkins offers two Early Decision programs, both of which—unlike a Johns Hopkins Early Action program—require you to commit to Johns Hopkins if accepted.

Early Application Deadlines

Instead of a Johns Hopkins Early Action deadline, there are two Early Decision deadlines. The Johns Hopkins application deadline for ED I applications is November 1, while the Johns Hopkins application deadline for ED II and Regular Decision applications is January 3.

Whichever cycle you choose, make sure you submit your materials by that Johns Hopkins application deadline. It may be wise to aim for the ED Johns Hopkins application deadline of November 1 to ensure your materials are ready on time. This will give you extra time to edit your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays. 

Similarly, if you know you want to apply ED, aim for the Johns Hopkins application deadline for ED I even if you are not sure you can have everything ready on time. That way, even if you need to push change your Johns Hopkins application deadline to January 3, you’ll be farther ahead. 

What else can I do to get into Johns Hopkins University?

1. Plan Ahead

Be strategic early in your high school career. Build relationships with teachers and mentors, dedicate yourself to your classes, and follow your passions. Then, begin building an application narrative that makes clear who you are and what you care about.

2. Focus on your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays

In lieu of your Johns Hopkins interview, your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays are your chance to show your readers who you are. Start early, revise carefully, and make sure your application narrative shines through. 

3. Find an editor you can trust

Find a parent, counselor, or advisor to help you refine your materials. Make sure to bring them in before the Johns Hopkins application deadline to review your essays and other work. Ask them to pay special attention to spelling, grammar, tone, and intention.

At the end of the day, there is no one answer on how to get into Johns Hopkins. The strongest strategy is to be true to yourself and remain dedicated to your academics. Don’t get hung up on statistics—instead, center your passions and what drives you. Good luck!

This guide was written by Saphia Suarez and Abbie Sage. If you want to know how to get into Johns Hopkins, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Johns Hopkins graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.