Johns Hopkins University

Date: Apr 14 2011
Major: PreMed and Medical (This Major's Salary over time)
The time was the 1980's- the male students outnumbered the female students by a 2:1 ratio. There was a lot of talk about cut throat competition for grades, "impossible" courses, etc. Two of my 4 freshman apartment mates dropped out before senior year to go elsewhere…and yet I had what I would say was a very good college experience. I graduated with honors so apparently grade deflation is not so bad…I did work hard to get my Pre-Med degree but had time to minor in Russian, act in plays, take advantage of the speaker series and the shuttle to Washington on occasion, chase after some Goucher girls and explore Baltimore a little bit, too. For the self-motivated, intellectually curious and hard working student this is a challenging but positive place. For those looking to have a social life spooned over them, for easy classes and laid back atmosphere, this is not the place.

With my AP credits I placed out of freshman year and began life "as a sophomore." No pass/fail first semester for me. It was a major adjustment to go from basically gliding through high school to taking 2nd year college courses at such a competitive school. My first exam was a shock to my system, but ultimately made me a much better student. I am not sure how much the degree helped me going forward, but having to find a way to meet the challenges at JHU was an invaluable lesson for life.