Well, today I wanna talk about my recent headache – choosing between Hopkins and Brown. You know, it’s like one of those things where both options seem pretty awesome but in totally different ways. So, I got accepted into both Johns Hopkins and Brown University, which is great, right? But then came the hard part, figuring out which one was the right fit for me.
First off, I visited both campuses. Gotta see the vibe in person, you know? Brown’s campus is beautiful, all classic and nestled in a nice neighborhood. It felt very… chill, I guess? Like a place where you could really enjoy your time outside of classes. Then I went to Hopkins. It’s a bit more intense, more focused on the hardcore academics, which is also something I value. Their campus is nice too, but the overall feel was definitely more serious.
Then I started digging into their programs. I’m into computer science, and both schools have great programs. I looked at their courses, talked to some current students, and even sat in on a couple of classes. Honestly, they both seemed really strong in CS. Brown’s curriculum is known for being super flexible, which is cool because you can explore a bunch of different areas. Hopkins is a bit more structured, but they have some amazing research opportunities.
- Visited both campuses to check the vibe.
- Compared the neighborhoods and overall atmosphere.
- Researched their computer science programs in depth.
- Spoke with current students to get their perspectives.
- Attended a few classes to see the teaching styles.
Next, I tried to picture myself at each school. Could I see myself hanging out at Brown, enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere, and taking advantage of the open curriculum? Or did I see myself thriving in the more rigorous, research-focused environment at Hopkins? It was tough. Both options had their pros and cons.
I also considered the social life aspect. Everyone says Brown is more fun, and the people there seem really laid back. Hopkins has a reputation for being a bit more cutthroat, with everyone super focused on their studies. I weighed the whole “work hard, play hard” thing and tried to figure out which balance was better for me.
The Final Decision
After a lot of back and forth, I finally made my decision. It wasn’t easy, and I definitely went through moments of doubt. But in the end, I chose… well, I will share the final school I chose in my next blog. I think that will be a better choice for me personally. It just felt right. It offered the right mix of academic rigor, research opportunities, and a social environment where I believe I can really thrive. Let’s see how it goes, and I’ll keep you guys posted on my college journey!
