Why Does Johns Hopkins Supposedly Lose in Cross Admit Battles to Michigan, Chicago, Cornell, and UC Davis?
The Notion That Johns Hopkins Losses in Cross Admit Battles: Untrue or Misunderstood?
The assertion often made by some that Johns Hopkins loses all cross-admit battle comparisons to other top universities such as Michigan, Chicago, Cornell, and UC Davis is both incomplete and misleading. This article aims to explore the nuances behind these claims and provide a more balanced perspective.
Johns Hopkins vs. Michigan: The Evidence Speaks for Itself
Some argue that Michigan, particularly the University of Michigan (UM), conducts comprehensive admissions that consistently show dominance over Johns Hopkins. However, a closer look at the data reveals a more complex picture.
For instance, according to Parchment's revealed preference calculator, which is based on actual student choices, we find:
UM vs. USC: 48 vs. 52 - This is often referred to as a statistical wash. UM vs. NYU: 74 vs. 26 - This is a clear dominance by Michigan. UM vs. UCLA: 58 vs. 42 - Michigan also prevails here. UM vs. Cal: 47 vs. 53 - Another wash. UM vs. Cornell: 38 vs. 62 - This is a clear dominance, favoring Johns Hopkins. UM vs. Chicago: 30 vs. 70 - Another clear dominance, clearly favoring Chicago. UM vs. UCSD: 85 vs. 15 - Michigan again shows dominance.It's important to note that the Parchment calculator does not include UC Davis, which defeats the comparison's validity for this institution.
Misleading Implications and the Role of Per Capita Wealth and Application Volume
Some argue that Michigan's dominance can be attributed to its larger size and the corresponding scholarship offers. California, being four times the size of Michigan, and having two elite schools (Cal and UCLA), which draw twice the number of applications, can be a factor in the apparent shortfall in applications to lower-ranked schools within California.
Furthermore, the institutions that provide clear dominance over Johns Hopkins often have a much smaller student body and significantly higher per capita wealth, allowing them to offer more substantial financial aid packages. For example, MIT, which is known for its prestigious admissions process, often finds students opting for more comprehensive financial aid packages offered by Johns Hopkins.
The Conclusion: A Complex Picture
Questions about the outcomes of cross-admit battles are often misinterpreted or overly simplified. Medical and research excellence at Johns Hopkins, combined with its strong financial aid program, can make it a competitive and attractive choice even for applicants who also consider other prestigious universities.
From personal experience, students who were admitted to both Hopkins and other schools like Chicago, Cornell, or Berkeley often chose Hopkins due to the combined factors of its academic and research opportunities, financial aid, and overall academic environment. While each institution has its unique strengths, the notion that Johns Hopkins consistently loses these battles is an oversimplification of a much more nuanced reality.
It's crucial to consider these factors when evaluating college admissions and the rankings of institutions. Per capita wealth, application volume, and financial aid significantly impact these comparisons, making the results of cross-admit battles more complex than they may appear at first glance.