How to Get Accepted to Johns Hopkins University

Is Johns Hopkins an Ivy League School?

Johns Hopkins University is not part of the Ivy League. The Ivy League is an athletic conference consisting of eight private institutions in the Northeastern United States

The Ivy League schools are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Admission Requirements for Johns Hopkins University

Application Process for Johns Hopkins University

Here’s what you need to know about the application process at Johns Hopkins University:

Select a Decision Plan:

• Options include Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. Be sure to go through all application requirements before meeting the specified deadlines.

Complete Your Application:

• You’ll need to fill out either the Common Application or Coalition Application, pay a $70 application fee or submit a fee waiver request, and include an essay.

Submit Test Scores:

• Johns Hopkins accepts either SAT or ACT scores. While SAT Subject Tests are not mandatory, you’re welcome to submit them if you choose.

Provide Transcripts:

• Official transcripts are required from all high schools and colleges you have attended.

Letters of Recommendation:

• Two recommendations from teachers and one from a counselor are necessary for your application.

High Admissions Standards:

• Johns Hopkins has notably stringent admission criteria.
• Generally, accepted students fall within the top 2% in standardized tests.
• To optimize your chances of admission, aim for:
  • A high school GPA of at least 3.92
  • SAT scores of 1520 or an ACT score of 35
  • Graduating in the top 10% of your high school class
  • Strong letters of recommendation from your teachers.

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for Johns Hopkins University

Due to ongoing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins University has adopted a test-optional policy through the application year of 2025-2026. This means that if you’re planning to join the classes of 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026, the submission of standardized test scores is not mandatory for your application to be considered. Opting not to submit test scores will not put you at a disadvantage during the admissions review process.

That said, if you have taken a standardized test such as the SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or any English language proficiency exams and believe that your score accurately reflects your academic capabilities, you’re welcome to include it in your application. Johns Hopkins accepts both self-reported and official SAT or ACT scores, which can be submitted via the Common Application, Coalition, or Scoir. You should report the highest score you’ve achieved in each section, and the university will calculate a composite score for consideration. Should you be admitted and decide to attend, you’ll need to provide official test scores, sent either directly from the testing agency or through a school official.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Johns Hopkins University

Scholarships:

• Johns Hopkins provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to assist students and families with educational expenses. The amount awarded can depend on your family’s financial situation or your own academic and personal accomplishments.
• Private scholarships are also an avenue for obtaining extra financial aid.
• Notable scholarships include:
  • Hopkins Scholarship
  • Cummings Scholars Program
  • Clark Scholarship
  • Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program
  • Hodson Gilliam Success Scholarship
  • International Scholarship
• For detailed information, visit the Johns Hopkins Student Financial Support website.

Grants:

• Grants are funds you don’t have to repay. These are allocated based on your admissions and financial aid applications, eliminating the need for separate grant applications.
• Types of grants available:
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • State Aid
• Comprehensive information is available on the Johns Hopkins Student Financial Support website.

Loans:

• Unlike grants, loans must be repaid, typically with interest. Johns Hopkins offers various types of loans, including federal student loans, private student loans, and parent loans.
• More details can be found on the Johns Hopkins Student Financial Support website.

Work-Study:

• The work-study program permits you to earn money through part-time employment while you’re enrolled.
• Further information on work-study is available on the Johns Hopkins Student Financial Support website.

This overview should help you understand the financial aid opportunities available at Johns Hopkins University.

Top Undergraduate Programs at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University provides a broad array of academic opportunities with 52 majors and 50 minors available at its Homewood campus. The institution also offers considerable flexibility for students to pursue and integrate various academic interests. Popular majors at Johns Hopkins include:

• Cell Biology and Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• General Computer and Information Sciences
• Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
• Public Health
• International Relations and Affairs
• General Economics
• Chemical Engineering
• General Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering

For a complete list and further details about these programs, you can visit the Johns Hopkins University website.