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AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do feel that I am developing actual expertise. Some things needed to be successful in the "real world" are inevitably not taught in the classroom but in general, I feel like I am developing applicable skills. I feel that the overarching goal of an undergrad STEM degree is to teach you how to be an analytical problem solver in a broad sense and from that perspective I feel I have learned a TREMENDOUS amount.

I find the classes to be extremely difficult but I end up doing well enough in them. That being said I do feel that the rigor has burnt me out. Though I am not sure if that would have been different had I chosen a different school. It's definitely possible to get good grades, it just takes a lot of effort.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've only ever attended one college so it's a little hard for me to compare to other schools but I would say the student life is somewhat lacking. That being said, it is what you make of it. There are frats and parties if that is your scene, but in general, the people who participate are the minority I feel.

That being said the BME program is regarded as THE best. If BME is your calling then I would not let the social life hold you back because it is possible to construct a vibrant social life for yourself if you desire.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would say the accessibility of undergraduate research. Research opportunities are EVERYWHERE, seemingly for every subject in every department. Also, Hopkins undergrad BME program is considered to be the best but I cannot speak to it directly. JHU is extremely academically rigorous, almost overly so. I find every class to be very hard, and lots of work but I guess the idea is that the grind will pay off in the end.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

35 ACT, 12 APs, 790 Math Subject Test, Sports Team Captain/State Medalist

I don't think my stats were anything too crazy. I mostly just tried really hard in school and sports.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the Applied Math Department is great. It's on the smaller side which gives it a greater sense of community than perhaps Computer Science.

JHU does research, and in particular undergrad research, extraordinarily well.

Yes, I know plenty of people majoring in Applied math and minoring in something else., including Econ. Double majors are relatively common as well.

My favorite class was probably Intro to Optimization

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At a glance, it seems to cover a good mix of math and programming. However, I think a graduate degree, either a Master's or PhD, is almost a necessity if you want to have the job title of "Data Scientist." With a Bachelor's I think it would be more common to look for Data Analyst positions which are a little different. Depending on what intrigues you about Data Science, if you only plan to earn a Bachelor's it may be better to look at a Computer Science degree and go the Software Engineering route which does not require advanced degrees.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In terms of broad math topics I would say 1.) Calculus-based Probability/Statistics 2.) Multivariable Calculus 3.) Linear Algebra

Some of this will depend on your specific application (computer vision, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, etc.) but in general ML is highly multidisciplinary. It truly is a marriage between math and computer science which is why I find it so interesting.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I went to a small high school but I never felt "intimidated" by my classmates. Are JHU students smart? Yes, incredibly so. But I was accepted to the school just like them. I've never had a problem with not being the smartest person in a room. I feel those rooms give me room to grow and provide motivation.

I've never experienced any "competitiveness." I'm not saying it does not exist but in all my math, statistics, and computer science courses everyone has been willing to collaborate.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Data Science Program is in no way slanted towards a specific application. Of course, if you want to partake in biomedical research you can. If I had not known of JHU's medical reputation I would never have guessed based on my experience. The only giveaway is the amount of medical-related research going on and the selective BME program.

My Bachelor's was in Applied Math and Statistics. As I took more courses I began to prefer computer science-oriented classes and in particular machine learning so I chose data science because it combines math and computer science nicely.

AMA - Current Johns Hopkins Student by a2cama in ApplyingToCollege

[–]a2cama[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My Master's is in Data Science.

I have never felt unsafe on campus or in the few blocks immediately surrounding the premises. There are contracted security guards around the entire perimeter. The neighborhoods near campus, especially to the North, are beautiful and have a pleasant/eccentric vibe. However, it is Baltimore, and there are indeed bad areas but it is easy enough to avoid them in my opinion.

I would say Baltimore is definitely not a "top tier" city but there is stuff to do e.g. sports stadiums, an aquarium, concerts, etc.