College Planning Guide
Resources to build your strongest application.
This College Planning Guide will help you navigate the college search process, craft your strongest application, and make decisions that are right for you and your family. For us, admissions is about bringing together students who will thrive in our community. We want to give you the resources to show us who you are and how we’ll work together toward a better world.
inside the college planning guide
College Search Advice
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to your college search. We explain common terminology, how to build a list of schools, and what Hopkins looks for in applicants.
explore college search advice
Application Tips
Explore our videos on different aspects of the application process. From selecting a decision plan to writing your supplemental essay, you’ll have the answers you need to craft your application.
view application tips
Financial Aid Resources
Financial aid is an important part of applying to college. We have tools to help you and your family understand how much you’ll contribute toward college costs and resources for navigating the financial aid process.
learn about financial aidEssays that worked
We share essays from previously admitted students—along with feedback from our admissions committee—so you can understand what made them effective and how to start crafting your own.
Additional Applicant Resources
We understand that each student has a different set of questions. Click the links below to find helpful answers that apply to you.