Majors: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Public Health Studies

Minor: Bioethics

Email: kdong5@jhu.edu 

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

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What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

It was definitely a shock to need to study for all of my exams my freshman year. I definitely felt intimidated by many of my classmates, who seemed to naturally thrive in this new academic environment. However, I learned quickly from both my professors and my peers how to develop the study skills I needed while balancing non-school related healthy habits and extracurriculars. I think AP classes prepared me decently knowledge wise for the majority of my freshman year classes, but not enough in terms of the amount of work I needed to do in order to achieve the same grades.

 

What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

Hopkins is perhaps best known for its ample research opportunities, which the vast majority of students take full advantage of. Professors and PIs are eager to take on undergraduate research assistants in a variety of fields, not just the traditional natural sciences. In addition, I've enjoyed our flexible general curriculum. Instead of a set list of classes all undergraduates have to take, we have 3 main concentrations we have to fulfill, but these can be fulfilled with a diverse selection of courses.

 

How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

The majority of our finals became open book, 24 hour exams. However, I did not hear of many exams becoming optional. Professors were generally flexible with due dates of assignments, but only for personal circumstances previously discussed with them. They were adequate in holding additional office hours over Zoom, as well.

 

What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

JHU unfortunately was very late in coming out with a plan and did not adequately communicate with students in the weeks/days leading up to the publishing of the plan. Underclassmen living in dorms were given approximately 3 or 4 days to pack up and move out. Many of our university workers, especially in food service, were laid off unceremoniously. Furthermore, JHU took very long, much longer than the majority of our peer institutions, to release the new grading policy as well.

 

Questions about Student Life

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If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

To major in Mol/Cell Bio, research is necessary to graduate. I would definitely recommend looking early into labs/groups that pique your interest, as the most popular labs will get many applications to fill a few spots. For Public Health, JHU, as well as the greater city of Baltimore, has ample organizations that contribute to causes that are relevant. I recommend looking into volunteering either with the hospital itself, or free clinics around the area like Healthcare for the Homeless.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

The majority of students live in housing around campus (95% within 3 blocks), and are from states decently far away, so most students stay around campus on weekends. To be completely honest, on normal weekends the vast majority of students are found in the library or on other study spots on campus, but when the weather's nice outside you'll find people playing frisbee, tanning, or just hanging out on the large green we call the Beach.

 

Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

I have an off campus job as a tutor, but many students have on campus jobs, including normal work-study programs, TAing, or getting paid by their PIs for the research they do. From what I hear it's very flexible, especially paid research.

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Extra Questions

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What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Don't try to do it all. Find your angle, your passion, what makes you unique. This angle doesn't even have to be relevant to your area of study. However, this has to be genuine. It's easy to tell when interest is forced. Understand that even if you're faking an interest, there will be many other applicants genuinely interested in it, and that difference will show.

 

What makes your college special to you?

The opportunities that have been provided to me at school are genuinely some once in a lifetime opportunities that I would not have gotten anywhere else. To not only be surrounded by some of the best professors in the world, but also be affiliated with one of the best teaching hospitals in the world has provided the kind of mentorship that is priceless.

 

What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

Be prepared to accept the fact you won't always be the smartest in the room, or the quickest to grasp a new concept. However, because of the brilliant minds that surround you, you'll learn so much from your peers and their passion for their fields will inspire you more than you know. The transition from Clifton Park to Baltimore is also jarring, so come with an open mind and realize the town we grew up in is only a small slice in the bigger world.

 

Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

University housing is only provided for underclassmen, so juniors find their own apartments/houses for two years. I would really recommend utilizing the Facebook pages created for each class to talk to new people and find your freshman year roommate.

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

Hopkins definitely isn't a party school, nor is it centered around sports. If you're looking for a school that will have tailgates and parties after every football game, we might not be what you're looking for. However, if you're looking to be constantly challenged and pushed to new heights, look into JHU. Here you'll accomplish things you never thought possible, while simultaneously being in perpetual awe at what those around you are accomplishing as well.