When I applied to Johns Hopkins University (JHU) as a high school senior through early decision, I thought I had it all figured out when it came to my academic journey. Like many prospective students, I believed I knew exactly what I wanted to study and how my four years at Hopkins would unfold. My initial plan was ambitious: a double major in Writing Seminars and Computer Science. I envisioned a quintessential college experience filled with extracurriculars and academic accolades. However, as I navigated my first few semesters, my understanding of Johns Hopkins Majors and my own academic passions evolved in unexpected and enriching ways.
The Initial Plan: Writing Seminars and Computer Science
Coming from a humanities-focused background, pursuing a major in Writing Seminars felt like a natural extension of my academic interests. I’ve always been drawn to literature and creative writing, and Johns Hopkins’ renowned Writing Seminars program was a significant draw for me. At the same time, I wanted to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone by studying Computer Science. The idea of combining the humanities with a technical field seemed intellectually stimulating and offered a diverse skill set for the future. I believed this combination of majors would perfectly blend my passions and provide a well-rounded academic experience at Johns Hopkins.
The Shift: Embracing Humanities and English
While my initial semesters at Hopkins were filled with valuable experiences, I began to realize that my academic path needed adjustment. Although I was engaged with my Writing Seminars courses, I found myself increasingly drawn to literature in a way that my Computer Science coursework couldn’t satisfy. Completing Computer Science assignments felt like a constant uphill battle, and I realized my passion truly lay within the humanities. After considerable contemplation and self-reflection, I made the decision to shift my focus entirely to my humanities interests. Mid-semester, I made the significant change of dropping my Computer Science major and classes. This wasn’t an easy decision; I grappled with feelings of self-doubt and questioned deviating from my original plan. However, I knew I needed to align my studies with my genuine academic passions to feel truly fulfilled by my education at Johns Hopkins. Ultimately, I decided to double major in English alongside Writing Seminars.
Expanding Horizons: Adding Psychology as a Minor
As I delved deeper into my humanities studies, another academic interest began to emerge. My involvement in research at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute sparked a growing fascination with psychology. The research work was captivating, and I found myself wanting to learn more about the field. To formally explore this burgeoning interest, I decided to add Psychology as a minor. This addition allowed me to broaden my academic scope while still maintaining a strong focus on the humanities. My final academic combination – a double major in Writing Seminars and English, with a minor in Psychology – felt like a much more authentic and exciting representation of my evolving academic interests at Johns Hopkins.
Johns Hopkins’ Academic Flexibility: A Key Advantage
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Johns Hopkins experience is the university’s inherent flexibility regarding Johns Hopkins majors and minors. JHU recognizes that undergraduate students are still in the early stages of their academic and personal development. Interests evolve, passions shift, and students discover new paths they hadn’t previously considered. The university’s academic advising system and overall supportive community make it possible for students to navigate these changes smoothly. My own experience of transitioning between majors was greatly facilitated by the guidance of academic advisors who helped me understand the process and ensured a seamless shift. This flexibility is a significant advantage for students at Hopkins, allowing for academic exploration and adjustments as they discover their true academic calling. Even though my academic journey at Johns Hopkins took a different route than initially planned, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to explore various Johns Hopkins majors and ultimately create an academic path that genuinely excites and fulfills me.
