Admissions Tips

With three different decision plans—EDI, EDII, and Regular Decision (RD)—you might be wondering which one is the best fit for you. At Hopkins, our advice is simple: if we are your top choice, and you can see yourself as a thriving member of our community, you should strongly consider ED as an option. Hear from Bailey Jackelen, a member of the Hopkins admissions committee to learn more.

Our community at Hopkins is built on diverse perspectives uniquely suited to solve the world’s biggest challenges—it’s why we’re known worldwide for making discoveries that shape humanity, and why we’re committed to making a world-class education affordable to the best and brightest minds from all backgrounds. Learn about our financial aid philosophy from admissions counselor Ford Torney.

Affording Hopkins Financial Aid Financial Aid 101 Events Estimate Your College Costs

What are the FAFSA and CSS Profile? And how do I know what I need to submit? Director of Recruitment Calvin Wise breaks down the financial aid application process and explains how we ensure a Hopkins education is an affordable option regardless of a student’s income level.

Apply for Aid Financial Aid 101 Events Estimate Your College Costs Financial Aid for International Students

We know the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to cause disruptions to testing access and availability for high school students around the world. Because of this, Hopkins is test-optional through the 2025-2026 application year. But what does test optional really mean? And should you send scores if you have them? Admissions Officer Savannah breaks down some of the most common questions we get about our test-optional policy.

Testing Policy Application Requirements

At Hopkins, we’re not just looking for strong students or future leaders of our community. We’re also looking to foster a community diverse in thought and supportive of new ideas and perspectives. Learn how we use the personal statement to get to know you beyond your academic record and accolades.

Essays that Worked Essay Writing Workshops

Hopkins students are actively engaged in shaping and building our campus community. When reviewing applications, we’re looking for students who would each bring their own unique interests, beliefs, and perspectives to leave a mark on our university legacy. Learn how we use the supplemental essay to learn more about what inspires you and how you’ll engage with our community.

Essays that Worked Essay Writing Workshops

We know the COVID-19 pandemic caused global disruptions, including how you experienced high school and the college search process. We also know that natural disasters and other external events may have influenced your journey as well. Admissions Officer Stephanie Cerini explains how to share this information in the college applications.

Part of our context-based application review includes looking at your outside-the-classroom involvements, because we know that the experiences you have outside the classroom help create a broader perspective and give you opportunities to apply learning and build foundational skills. Admissions Officer Ted Oh walks through how your activities play a role in our process, and how your non-academic experiences at Hopkins play a role in your own growth.

The Additional Information section of the Common Application and the Coalition Application allows students to share information not previously discussed in other parts of their application. Admissions Officer Axel Bax provides advice on how to use the optional Additional Information section to include any necessary context for the admissions committee.

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