One of the most renowned schools in the country, Johns Hopkins University, is located in Baltimore, Maryland, with four campuses spread throughout the city. Indeed, U.S. News ranks it 9th in its Best National University rankings.
As such, it is highly competitive each year. But, if you want to know how to get into Johns Hopkins, this article will outline its requirements and deadlines, as well as provide you with expert tips on how to submit a stronger application.
Johns Hopkins Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Johns Hopkins University is 6.2%. This means that for every 100 applications, only 6 students are admitted.
Yield Rate
Johns Hopkins University has a high yield rate, currently at 54%. This rate indicates that Johns Hopkins is a desirable destination for many top students.
How Hard is it to Get into Johns Hopkins?
Johns Hopkins University is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of around 7%. This means it's extremely difficult to gain admission.
Successful applicants need to demonstrate:
- Outstanding Academics: A near-perfect GPA (typically 3.9 or higher) and a rigorous course load are essential.
- Exceptional Test Scores: Aim for SAT scores between 1530-1560 or ACT scores between 34-35 to be competitive.
- Compelling Extracurriculars: Showcase significant leadership, extracurricular achievements, and activities that demonstrate your passions and potential.
- Strong Essays and Recommendations: Your application should highlight your unique story, goals, and why you're a great fit for Johns Hopkins.
Our personalized Johns Hopkins counseling services can set you up for success.
Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into Johns Hopkins.
Johns Hopkins Admission Requirements
John Hopkins Class Rank
Johns Hopkins University does not officially report class ranks. They place a greater emphasis on a student's overall academic profile, including factors such as high GPA and standardized test scores.
Why No Class Rank?
Johns Hopkins believes that focusing solely on class rank can create unnecessary competition and may not accurately reflect a student's true potential. They prefer a holistic admissions process that values individual achievements and growth.
Johns Hopkins University Requirements
To get into Johns Hopkins University, aim for an SAT score of around 1530-1560, an ACT score of around 34-35, and a GPA of 3.9 or higher. While this school is test-optional, competitive SAT/ACT scores, alongside several rigorous AP and IB classes, can boost your academic profile!
Johns Hopkins University has adopted a test-optional policy for the application years spanning from 2025 to 2026. The school stresses that it takes a holistic approach to admissions, which considers your academic and personal circumstances.
However, if you have a test score or English language proficiency exams, and you think it reflects your academic abilities, you can definitely include it with your application.
Test Scores
Johns Hopkins will review self-reported or official SAT or ACT scores from all applicants. You can self-report your scores through the Coalition for College application or Common Application.
Helpfully, Johns Hopkins allows you to submit the highest scores you receive in each section to calculate an overall composite score, which you can attach to your application.
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) is an entrance exam used by many universities to determine your readiness for college. It assesses you on three core areas:
- Critical reading
- Math
- Writing
Most students will take the test during the fall of their senior year or the spring of their junior year. However, it is advisable to sit the exam as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to retake it if you’re not happy with your initial score.
The middle 50 percent composite SAT scores achieved by accepted students in the 2027 class was 1530-1560. While Johns Hopkins has set no minimum requirement, you will want to achieve results at the higher end of this range to be a competitive applicant.
As noted above, Johns Hopkins will consider your highest section scores across all SATs taken, even if you sat the tests on different dates. Thus, each time you retake the SAT, you should upload your new test scores.
Additionally, if you want to demonstrate your academic strengths, you can submit SAT Subject Tests in one or more areas of interest, although this is entirely optional.
ACT
The American College Test (ACT) is used by college admissions committees to measure if you have the necessary skills to pursue your studies at the college level. Similar to the SAT, the ACT contains different sections, which each determine your strengths in different areas.
It’s split between four multiple-choice tests and an optional writing test:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Science
- Optional writing test
The middle 50 percent ACT scores for each section achieved by accepted students was 34-35. Again, while Johns Hopkins sets no minimum score, your chances of acceptance will be higher if you’re at the higher end of the middle 50 percent range.
Since the ACT and SAT are both optional, it’s up to you whether to submit your scores. However, if you want to elevate your application, taking either test is a great way to do it!
Language Proficiency Tests
Johns Hopkins recommends that you provide evidence of your proficiency in English if your primary language is not English or you have not attended an English language school for the last three years. The accepted tests include:
- Cambridge English Exam - either the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Unlike the SATs and ACT, Johns Hopkins does note that applicants taking the TOEFL should typically receive a minimum score of 100 total. They also stipulate preferred sub-scores for each section:
- Reading - 26
- Listening - 26
- Writing - 22
- Speaking - 25
Similarly, Hopkins expects applicants to achieve 7.0 or higher on IELTS, a composite score of 120 for the DET, and 185 or higher on the Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency tests.
Although it is not required, Hopkins also recommends that applicants who score below 30 on both the ACT Reading and English sections or 690 on the Evidence-Based Reading and SAT writing section submit IELTS, DET, TOEFL, or Cambridge English scores. Hopkins encourages applicants to do this as they can then present their language preparation in the best light.
GPA
The average GPA achieved by students admitted to Johns Hopkins is a near-perfect 3.93, and 99% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their class. This average GPA means that Johns Hopkins is exceptionally selective. But, if you are worried about having a low GPA, having a GPA under 3.0 is not automatic grounds for rejection.
Indeed, Daniel Creasy, the Former Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Johns Hopkins University, notes that “competitive schools could stock themselves with 4.0-GPA robots if they wanted; the fact that they don’t means that they value other qualities beyond brute academic force.”
Your standardized test scores are one part of your application; Hopkins will take your experiences, engagement with the community, and interpersonal qualities into account. However, If you have any extenuating circumstances that have affected your ability to perform academically, you should explain the relevant circumstances in your admissions essay.
What Is Johns Hopkins Looking For In Applicants?
Johns Hopkins seeks academically driven students who will thrive in a rigorous, open curriculum with no core requirements. Competitive applicants have a 3.93 GPA, 1530-1560 SAT scores, and 35 ACT scores, and pursue meaningful extracurriculars, research, internships, or service showing initiative and impact.
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