Are Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs Worth it?
Engineering is an expansive field with numerous sub-disciplines, all of which are continuously evolving with new techniques and discoveries. As a high school student eager to pursue engineering, gaining early exposure to your chosen discipline can significantly enhance your resume and deepen your understanding.
Participating in pre-college engineering programs provides hands-on experience, advanced knowledge, and a preview of college-level coursework, making you a more attractive candidate to top universities.
This blog will focus on one such opportunity - Johns Hopkins University’s Engineering Innovation (EI) programs. We'll explore what these programs offer, who they are best suited for, and the benefits of attending them.
What are Johns Hopkins' Engineering Innovation Programs?
Johns Hopkins University’s Engineering Innovation Programs are four-week pre-college initiatives designed to inspire and educate high school students in engineering. These programs provide a comprehensive introduction to engineering concepts through hands-on projects, lab work, and lectures.
The programs are accessible through virtual, residential, and commuter options, allowing students to engage with a curriculum designed by JHU faculty, earn college credits, and work on projects like building gliders, designing bridges, and programming robots.
What is the program structure?
Johns Hopkins offers three main pre-college engineering programs:
1. Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI)
Designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in engineering, this program introduces various engineering disciplines, including chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, and material science engineering. Participants learn the engineering design process, develop problem-solving skills, and improve their communication abilities.
Options:
In-person:
Residential: JHU’s Homewood Campus in Baltimore or Hood College in Frederick, MD
Commuter: Various locations including JHU’s Homewood Campus and Hood College
Online
Dates: The in-person program runs from July 1-26, while the online program runs from June 24 - July 26.
2. Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE)
Focused on energy production science and engineering, this program covers energy sources, storage, and transfer, as well as social and political factors in energy engineering. Ideal for those interested in addressing challenges in the energy sector.
Options: In-person only:
Residential: JHU’s Homewood Campus in Baltimore or Hood College in Frederick, MD
Commuter: Various locations
Dates: July 1-26, 2024
3. Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI)
This program is for students interested in biomedical engineering. It offers an in-depth introduction to biomedical engineering concepts, practical lab skills, and research techniques. The asynchronous course allows students to learn at their own pace.
Options: Online only
Dates:
Summer session: June 24 - August 2
Fall session: August 26 - December 6
How much do the programs cost?
Since each of the courses has multiple options for how you choose to attend them, the fees vary according to whether the course you’ve opted for is residential, commuter, or online. Here are the breakdowns:
Homewood Residential Fees – $3,575 (tuition) + $5,800 (residential) = $9,375
Hood College Residential Fees – $3,575 (tuition) + $5,550 (residential) = $9,125
Homewood and Hood Commuter Fees – $3,575 (tuition) + $250 (lunch) = $3,825
Non-Homewood and non-Hood Commuter Fees – $3,575
EEI Online Fees – $3,575 (tuition) + $247.12 (lab kit) + taxes and shipping
BMEI Online Fees – $3,575 (tuition) + $296.20 (lab kit) + taxes and shipping
Johns Hopkins offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships, averaging $3,400 per student. It's worth checking your eligibility for financial aid.
Are these programs prestigious?
Johns Hopkins’ Engineering Innovation programs are selective and require As and Bs in high school STEM classes. Known for its top-rated biomedical engineering program, JHU ensures that these programs are designed by PhD-holding senior lecturers. Despite the high cost, these programs are moderately prestigious and can enhance your college application by demonstrating your commitment and aptitude for engineering.
What is the eligibility criteria?
To apply, you must meet the following prerequisites:
You must be a current high school student or recent high school graduate. Juniors and seniors are preferred, though rising sophomores may also be considered.
You need to be at least 15 on program start and no older than 17 on the last day of the program.
You MUST have As and Bs in your high school Math and Science classes, and have completed Algebra II
In terms of coursework, you must have one year of high school lab experience, as well as working knowledge of trigonometry for Exploring Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.
How can I apply to this program?
The application process requires the following:
A completed online application.
One mandatory short essay (175-225 words) on the following prompt: “Explain why you want to participate in Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs and what you hope to gain from the experience.”
One optional short essay (100-125 words) on the following prompt: “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
You’ll need to provide a letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher.
Your high school transcript as well as interim grades for the classes you’re currently taking.
If you’re an international student, you’ll also need to provide proof of English language proficiency - TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo / SAT / ACT.
Payment of a non-refundable $50 application fee.
Financial Aid: Apply for financial aid if needed.
The deadlines for each of the courses vary, so we recommend checking the complete page here.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Prestigious institution:
Johns Hopkins is highly respected, and attending its program can enhance your profile. Regardless of this program’s acceptance rate, its association with Johns Hopkins makes it a valuable addition to your college application, especially if you wish to demonstrate your ability to cope with university-level academic rigour.
2. High-quality education:
Programs are designed by top faculty, providing exposure to advanced engineering education. Moreover, these courses cover topics not commonly covered in your classes, which will help you build a stronger foundation in core engineering concepts!
3. Flexible attendance options:
These programs are available in residential, commuter, and online formats, which means you can consider attending this program despite any restrictions you may have with travel.
Cons:
1. High cost:
The program is expensive, with a minimum tuition of $3,575. However, there are financial aid options that you can avail yourself of to reduce tuition costs!
2. Conditional financial aid:
Scholarships are conditional, and there’s no guarantee of securing one. If you are solely dependent on financial aid to attend, you might also want to consider applying to free or lower-cost programs.
3. Selectivity:
The programs are highly competitive, requiring high academic performance. If you are balancing this program with other opportunities, this could lead to burnout or stress that is not good for your academic journey in the long run.
Our Review – Is it worth it?
Johns Hopkins’ Engineering Innovation programs offer a valuable, albeit expensive, opportunity for students passionate about engineering. These programs provide rigorous education, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities that can enhance your college applications and future career prospects. If you meet the academic requirements and can afford the programs or secure a scholarship, they are definitely worth considering.
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