How does Johns Hopkins use holistic admissions when reviewing applicants?

Johns Hopkins uses a holistic review, which means it looks at more than grades and test scores, but academics still carry a lot of weight. In practice, Hopkins wants to see strong coursework, excellent grades, and high test scores if you submit them, alongside evidence of intellectual curiosity, initiative, and impact outside the classroom. The school says it evaluates applicants in context, so what you’ve done with the opportunities available to you matters too.

For Hopkins specifically, the academic side is especially important because it is a highly selective research university. That means rigor in your course schedule, consistency over time, and how you’ve challenged yourself in subjects like math, science, writing, and language can make a real difference. Hopkins also pays attention to essays, activities, and recommendations to understand how you think, what motivates you, and whether you’ll contribute to its collaborative, research-driven community.