As college decisions start rolling out, I’ve been reflecting on my own admissions journey. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to be near DC, the hub of all things foreign affairs. So, I focused my search on East Coast schools with strong international relations programs. In the fall of my senior year of high school, I discovered Hopkins’ Online Multicultural Experience (HOME) program for prospective applicants. I applied, was accepted, and was thrilled to get an early glimpse into student life and the diverse community at Hopkins.
After the program, Hopkins quickly rose to the top of my list. Hearing directly from students about how supported they felt and how much they enjoyed their time on campus played a huge role in my decision-making process. One aspect that stood out to me was the variety of affinity, cultural, and religious groups active on campus, such as Anchored and the African Students Association. I did more research and became really interested in the joint bachelor’s/master’s program in international relations with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (which I’m now a part of!), so I decided to submit my application. Honestly, I never thought I’d be accepted. Still, I decided to throw my hat in the ring.
My final decision came after my parents, and I visited the campus in the spring of my senior year. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, official campus tours were canceled. However, a kind student (and former tour guide) offered to show us around free of charge. Although we couldn’t enter any buildings, she gave us a fantastic overview of the campus and really demonstrated how willing students are to help out when they can.
I committed to Hopkins right after my visit, and the past four years have been truly transformative. In addition to receiving a world-class education, meeting lifelong friends, and building a lasting network, I grew personally and gained maturity. I also developed an appreciation for Baltimore, which became a second home to me. Some of my favorite memories include spending days lounging on The Beach and (sometimes competitively) securing a yearly Lighting of the Quads mug. Looking back, I’m grateful for the HOME program, which exposed me to a side of Hopkins I wasn’t aware of and where I could envision myself as a future student. Although the HOME program is no longer active, Hopkins offers several opportunities to engage, such as in-person Explore Hopkins events across cities in the U.S. and internationally, as well as virtual Information Sessions. So, if you’re not sure—just take the leap. You could be celebrating with an email like the one below!
