Hey guys! My name is Laura. I was born in Bogota, Colombia but I currently live in a small town near Miami, Florida. I am a Neuroscience and Writing Seminars double major, and I am hoping to be a doctor someday!

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Why Hopkins?

I really did not know I would come here until I visited. I had applied to a million schools because I really did not know what I wanted out of a college experience. College in Colombia is very different, so my family and I really did not understand how it would work here. I applied to schools that were great in the sciences, and Hopkins fell into that category. I knew my grandma had come here in the 50's, but she had never really talked much about it. As soon as I stepped on campus during SOHOP, I knew this was IT. Not to sound like it was some cliche love at first sight type thing, but that's exactly what it was. I loved how everyone was so dedicated. There's something here for everyone! I also lovedddddddddd the dorms. My host during SOHOP was fabulous, so I really got to know how Hopkins life really is. After I left, I called my grandma, and I told her that I decided to come here. Then, the stories started. Turns out she LOVED it here, but she hadn't wanted to influence my decision. Imagine her happiness when I told her I committed. Why Hopkins? Because this really feels like home.

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Classes

Fall 2012
Adv. German I
Introduction to Fiction and Poetry
Introduction to Cognitive Neuropsychology
Introduction to Brain, Behavior, and Cognition
Calculus I

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On-Campus Activities

SAAB:  We are the ones you talk to! The Student Admissions Advisory Board is a great way to help high schoolers decide whether Hopkins is their match! SAAB helped me last year, so I hope to help you guys this year!
 
Dance Marathon: I am in charge of talking to patient's families and to develop a connection between the club and the patients in order to help them more! We do a dance at the end of the year. It's pretty awesome! You guys should totally check it out.

Capoeira: Most people don't know what this is. It is a Brazilian Martial Art that was started by African Slaves. They made it seem like a dance by using instruments and dance-like movements, but it really is a great way to defend yourself. I enjoy it so much:D

Outdoor Pursuits: I am a fan of the great outdoors. I aspire to climb Kilimanjaro one day, and leading in OP is the greatest preparation for it!

SALUD: Being trilingual has its benefits. One of them: using language to help others. I translate at the STD clinic downtown for hispanic patients. Learning about medicine while helping immigrants like me= WINNING :D


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Dorm Life

Let's just say that Wolman IS the place to be at. We not only have a movie theater, a gym, a computer room, a study room, a huge kitchen, and awesome suites, we also have AIR CONDITIONING. I love it. My floor is quite social. I think we are a big happy family. It may be a little far from my classes ( about 5 minutes walking... yes, I'm lazy) but it is totally worth it. Any questions about Wolman LET ME KNOWW

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Thanks for reading! If you have any Hopkins related questions let me know. COME TOOOO HOPKINSS! ITS AMAAAZING. (I know.. I overdid it.. but I just reallly love it here.)

Hi Oscar.
Thank you for writing me! I am sorry that it took me so long to answer! It was thanksgiving break this weekend, and I hadn't gotten a chance to check the forums.

Your question is very specific to your test scores. Unfortunately, I am not an admissions officer, so I can't tell you if something will or will not get you into Hopkins.

What I can tell you:
It took me so long to learn this last year, but I am glad I did. When applying to Hopkins, I always questioned whether I was "good enough" or if I had "high enough test scores." Something that I have learned, though, is that I am not defined by numbers. Universities look for students that are well-rounded. Yes, the scores do matter, but the person behind them is what counts! As long as you show yourself on your application, you are doing all you can. Show them your passions, your dreams, your goals...

The rest is up to the admissions officers!!

&Whatever happens, remember that college is a match to be made, not a prize to be won!

Hey Demy:)
Congrats on getting into Hopkins! I wasn't ED, but getting my admissions decision was the greatest feeling in the world.

So about the nerves... I know being far from home is something very scary! I live in Miami, too. Plus, my family and I are very close to my family. The great thing is: Airtran has tickets as cheap as $55 one way!! I know its hard to leave home, but college is a BLAST. Everyone's on the same boat, so you bond veryyyy quickly. You'll have a new Hopkins family.  ( I love my friends at Hopkins. WE seriously are a family. We even have family dinners together. They pick me up from the airport when I come home and everything.. It's amazing)

So don't be scared! More like... get ready for the time of your life.

If you have any specific questions regarding "advice and tips" let me know. I'd love to help you with whatever I can! Check out my blog, it might help!

Hi Laura!

I read your comments from before and it seems like you are really in love with Johns Hopkins :)  In your first thread, you commented how you were not sure if going to a university in the U.S would be a good choice for you and I can really relate to this because I am from Guatemala and thought about the same thing when i first came to the states. I am currently studying in North Carolina and I am thinking about transferring to JH so I was wondering if you could help me with some questions I have! First, are students inclusive with international students? Also, do you know if there is a large population of latins (born in Latin America) in JH? How has your experience been as an international there?

Thanks very much!

Hi Laura,

when I read that you were trilingual, a light bulb went BING inside my head! :) I'm currently a freshman in high school and I am trilingual as well! I can speak English, German, and Korean! Both of my parents are Korean, but I was born and grew up in Germany for 11 years. In fifth grade I moved to the US.

In high school I'm taking German 2 as of now (There is German 1, German 2, German 3, German 4, and AP German). My teacher recommended me to skip German 3 and move up to German 4 in my sophomore year. None of my other classmates are doing this with their language courses, instead most of them will be taking a language level 3 class next year. Do YOU think Hopkins would look at this? By the way, I'm interested in some major related to science -- such as neuroscience/biology. I would consider German as a minor, or at least as one of my classes once I get into college.

Being raised in Europe has allowed me to not only explore Germany, but also visit France, Austria, Switzerland, and Norway. In my opinion, I think this was a truly great experience for me. What do you think?

JHU is one of my dream colleges. I love it so much. The academic rigor and involvement is just amazing -- and I love how Hopkins is in a city like Baltimore.

Please give me your opinion on what you think of my cultural experiences!