Johns Hopkins University
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Hopkins students are generally pleased with academics. If you ask JHU students what the deciding factor was for choosing Hopkins, the school’s strong academic reputation tops the list. The medical school is regarded as the best in the world, and other majors, such as engineering, economics, and international relations, are nationally recognized. There is some contention between the engineering/science and the humanities/social science students, but this is only because Hopkins students thrive on competition. Some students are cutthroat, but for the most part, JHU students are willing to lend a helping hand. Humanities/social science students have more control over their schedules, and their classes focus less on memorization and more on critical thinking. Engineering/science students complain that their classes are tougher, but this is definitely up for debate. The only universal complaint Hopkins’ students have about academics is that some teachers are unapproachable and are only interested in their personal research. Underclassmen are turned off by large lecture courses, in which professors don’t really engage with any of the students, which makes some students feel as if the professors are not really there to help them. Courses with teaching assistants are great, because TAs are often more accessible than professors. The general belief is that teaching assistants have more interest in helping students learn than professors.

Academics at Hopkins would be stronger if there were greater camaraderie and individual attention in lower-level lecture courses. Students who need or want a lot of individual attention have to make the effort to meet the professor or teaching assistant outside of class. This is less true in small, upper-level seminar courses. Students also complain about the lack of grade inflation at Hopkins, which puts them at a disadvantage when compared with students who attend other top universities. This disadvantage is overpowered by the fact that Hopkins’ students have access to some of the best professors and researchers in the world. Hopkins provides ample opportunities for students to design independent studies and research. Overall, Hopkins is the perfect fit for hard-working individuals who have a thirst for knowledge.

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Academics at Johns Hopkins University

jlee380

'14

Economics

4.6

A

Amazing Academics

For the two years I've been here, I have had great professors for everything from microeconomics to calculus. Every professor knows his or her curriculum thoroughly and is always available in case anyone needs extra help. The curriculum is very rigorous with assignments due weekly and tests maybe once a month. However with good time management, the curriculum is not as bad as people say it is.

Feb 03, 2012

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Academics at Johns Hopkins University

BlueJHU

'15

International Studies

4.6

A

Academics Are Strong

As an International Studies Major, I take a wide variety of classes (History, Political Science, Language, Economics). So far my professors have been brilliant. For the most part they are very accessible, encouraging students to attend their office hours. The workload is intense, but manageable. The work you put in does pay off in a practical sense--I have received little busy work. Within my major, students are friendly and willing to help. Across the board, you get the genuine sense that Hopkins cares about its undergraduates, and I'm confident that the quality of education is top notch.

Feb 03, 2012

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Academics at Johns Hopkins University

Bluejay13

'14

International Studies

4.2

A-

Rigorous

The professors can be very resourceful and helpful, but you have to take initiative - they don't come to you. But that is pretty much expected for any university. Some of the professors I've had have been phenomenal. Many professors are involved with some research as well. Registration is simple - seniors go first, then juniors, sophomores, then freshmen. For many classes, the workload is rigorous, but can be done, especially with the help of TAs and classmates.

Jan 01, 2012

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