I recently was invited on the Crab Crawl, an amazing tour of ten universities in Maryland. Our first stop was lunch at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where we were treated to a delicious buffet of crab soup, crab cakes and crab dip, keeping in line with the theme of the week. At Hopkins, I found myself walking through a campus that embodies what it means to be intellectually alive. Founded in 1876 as the nation’s first research university, Hopkins set a precedent for academic inquiry that continues to shape higher education today. The campus is both classic and contemporary. Elegant Georgian-style red-brick buildings are balanced by modern academic and collaborative spaces, including exciting new projects like the upcoming student center and AI-X Foundry.
Learning That Is Designed Around You
Hopkins is known for its flexible curriculum, even for STEM students. Students don’t apply to a specific major except for Biomedical Engineering (BME), which requires direct entry, so students have space to explore interests. The university’s educational approach is anchored in interdisciplinary learning including:
- Foundational abilities to prepare students for global citizenship
- Flexibility to explore diverse academic interests
- First-Year Seminars that foster early intellectual community
- The Hopkins Semester, which encourages experiential learning through programs like studying at the Bloomberg Center in D.C.
In fact, about 80% of students engage in research, and group collaboration is strongly encouraged. Whether in science labs, humanities classes, or interdisciplinary projects, students are pushing boundaries together.
Student Life and Traditions
Beyond the books, Hopkins students enjoy a vibrant social life. About one-third are involved in Greek life, and events like Lighting of the Quad (complete with fireworks and lights in the fall) and Spring Fair (featuring petting zoos, games, and live music) bring the community together.
There’s a strong support network, too. From the Learning Den to The Writing Center and PILOT (Peer-Led Team Learning), students never lack academic resources.
Hopkins offers guaranteed housing for freshmen and sophomores, and the experience is designed with community in mind. Most first-year students live in suite-style or traditional-style dorms, and there are first-year mentors built into the residential experience. By junior year, many students transition to off-campus housing, which is located conveniently right next to the campus. To make things even easier, the university provides a robust Blue Jay Shuttle system that connects students to campus buildings and popular city destinations.
One fun tradition I learned about? Students spray-paint a statue of the Blue Jay mascot to express themselves! It’s a spontaneous and colorful form of free speech that reflects the creative spirit on campus.
Special Programs and Unique Opportunities
Hopkins offers some standout programs, like the Peabody Double Degree for students interested in music or fine arts, and Direct Matriculation Master’s Programs in International Relations or Global Health Studies letting students plan their academic journey from day one.
New majors and minors continue to reflect modern challenges, including Moral and Political Economy, Energy, Civic Life, and Critical Diaspora Studies.
The university’s investment in the Agora Institute to study global democracy, Hopkins Corps partnerships with Baltimore, and community internships demonstrate a deep commitment to real-world impact.
The Application Process: Impact Over Perfection
When it comes to admissions, Hopkins values students who show initiative and impact, those who have invested in their interests and communities in meaningful ways. Standardized tests are required, and students interested in STEM are encouraged to submit science scores. About 50–60% of students are admitted through Early Decision, and the university is need blind for US students.
Students and families will appreciate their virtual workshops, plus the always-popular “Essays That Worked” resource that helps applicants better understand what Hopkins is looking for.
Notable Alumni
It’s hard not to be impressed by the company you’d keep at Hopkins. There is a very long list of famous alumni at the undergraduate and graduate level. Here are just a few:
- Michael Bloomberg, entrepreneur and former NYC mayor
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, novelist
- Rachel Carson, biologist, ecologist, and author of Silent Spring
- James McPherson, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and author
- Virginia Apgar, developer of Apgar score for newborns
Johns Hopkins is more than just a research powerhouse. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, where collaboration beats competition, and where students are given the tools and the freedom to explore what matters to them. Whether you’re a future scientist, writer, policymaker, or artist, Hopkins might just be the launchpad for your next big idea.
