If you are a high school student with an interest in pursuing biomedical engineering in the future, you should definitely keep the Johns Hopkins Department of Biomedical Engineering (JHU BME) program on your radar! Recognized as the number one biomedical engineering program in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, JHU BME is home to more than 44 startup companies founded by its faculty and students since 2010, making it a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Not only is it the largest pre-clinical department at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, but it also sets the bar for undergraduate BME education through its BME 2.0 curriculum.  

What is JHU BME?

At the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering (JHU BME) Program, you will receive a comprehensive and up to date Biomedical education through the BME 2.0 curriculum. The program emphasizes the importance of being fluent in the languages of modern molecular biology, computational and analytical modeling of complex biological systems, and biomedical data science.

The focus areas for Johns Hopkins BME are: 

1. Biomedical Data Science: Extracting knowledge from biomedical datasets of all sizes to understand and solve health‐related problems   

2. Computational Medicine: Generating solutions in personalized medicine by building and utilizing  computational models of health and disease   

3. Genomics and Systems Biology: Creating tools to understand the multi‐scaled genetic, epigenetic, molecular, and cellular components of disease   

4. Imaging and Medical Devices: Building new medical devices and imaging technologies to improve  disease diagnosis and guide clinical procedures   

5. Immunoengineering: Harnessing the power of the immune system to treat diseases such as  cancer and promote tissue regeneration for improved healing and repair   

6. Neuroengineering: Applying innovative experimental and data‐driven approaches to understand,  diagnose, and treat disorders of the brain   

7. Translational Cell and Tissue Engineering: Developing and translating advanced technologies to  enhance or restore function at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels  

The JHU BME program has evolved significantly since its start in 1979, adapting to the explosion of biomedical technology and the Big Data era. Advances in computational tools, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence have also changed the way that BME is taught to students. 

The core curriculum, designed to provide the foundations needed for advanced focus area learning, is:   

1. Science Foundations: Students gain a breadth of knowledge in the STEM disciplines—physics,  chemistry, mathematics, programming, biology, and the life sciences—and learn the principles of  experimentation and design, starting on day one. First‐year students are exposed to BME faculty,  research, and other opportunities to enhance their learning and growth during the Basecamp mentoring program, part of our new “Structural Biology of Cells” course, and Basecamp seminar  series.

2. BME Bootcamp: Students apply analytical approaches to model and engineer biological systems at  the molecular, cellular, and organ levels through a series of eight‐week courses in statistical  physics, signals and linear and nonlinear systems, controls, modeling and simulation, and systems  biology of the cell. 

3. BME Residency: Students specialize in cutting‐edge BME disciplines through half‐semester focus  are core courses based on our pioneering research. All students learn to answer questions of  health and disease using complex biomedical datasets through required courses in computational  cardiology and biomedical data science.   

4. BME Practice: Students put knowledge into practice through project‐based courses, design  projects, and advanced research in their specialized focus areas.  

Is it prestigious?

Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering (JHU BME) Program is a highly prestigious program with an acceptance rate of 4%. There is a highly selective admissions process and the low acceptance rate is a reflection of the program's academic standards in education, research, and innovation in the field of biomedical engineering. 

Who is eligible to participate? 

To get into the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering (JHU BME) Program is no easy feat. A strong academic background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects is crucial. 

• Proficiency in subjects such as calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology is essential, since these are fundamental to understanding and innovating within the biomedical engineering field. 

• Computer programming and data analysis skills are also highly beneficial due to the program's emphasis on computational methods and biomedical data science. 

The program seeks candidates who not only possess strong technical skills but also exhibit qualities such as creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and a genuine passion for biomedical engineering and its potential to impact human health. Leadership experience, a collaborative spirit, and effective communication skills are also valuable. 

What is the application process?

The application process for the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Program begins, like most applications, with choosing between the different admission timelines: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. Each of these options has its own set of deadlines and requirements, so it's important to choose wisely based on your preparedness and commitment level. You will need to gather and submit various materials by the specified deadlines. 

Johns Hopkins accepts applications through two platforms: the Common Application and the Coalition on Scoir. You will most likely use these platforms for other college applications as well. Make sure to thoroughly review the list of required materials, which typically includes your academic transcripts, standardized test scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, personal essays, and any additional information that can highlight your suitability for the program. 

What is the timeline & structure? 

After choosing an admissions plan among Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision for the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering (JHU BME) Program, you will submit your materials by the required deadlines. Johns Hopkins University is a QuestBridge College Partner, offering an alternative path for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Additionally, for those interested in the Peabody Institute, specific application requirements and deadlines are available here.

The application deadlines are as follows: 

• November 1, 2024, for Early Decision I

• January 2, 2025, for Early Decision II and Regular Decision

• March 1, 2025, for Transfer applications

Note - these deadlines are subject to change and are tentatively based on previous years.

For transfer applicants, the process and deadlines differ slightly, and prospective students are encouraged to learn more about applying as a transfer student. Financial aid deadlines closely follow application deadlines, with decision releases and reply-by dates specified for each admissions plan.

The application process includes submitting your application through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir, the Hopkins supplement, a $70 application fee or fee waiver, and optionally, your standardized test scores. Early Decision applicants must also submit a signed Early Decision Agreement. Schools are requested to provide a secondary school report, two teacher evaluations, and a mid-year report. International students need to submit an International Certification of Finances form through their Applicant Portal.

Regarding the cost, the tuition for the program is $86,065

Tips to Get Accepted

1. Excel academically in STEM subjects: Aim for top grades in advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. For instance, securing a 5 in AP Calculus AB or BC demonstrates your proficiency in mathematics, a critical skill for biomedical engineering. Participating in math and science competitions can further showcase your aptitude and passion for these subjects.

2. Gain hands-on experience: Admissions officers look for applicants who have engaged in hands-on experiences related to biomedical engineering. This could include internships at medical technology companies, research projects under the guidance of a mentor in the field, or participation in STEM-focused summer programs. For example, working on a project that involves developing a prototype medical device or conducting research on tissue engineering at a local university lab or through a mentorship program can significantly strengthen your application.

3. Showcase your problem-solving skills: Biomedical engineering is all about solving complex health-related problems. Participate in extracurricular activities that allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. This could be through robotics clubs, where you design and build machines to complete specific tasks, or science fairs, where you present a project that addresses a real-world medical challenge. Documenting these experiences, highlighting the challenges you faced, and explaining how you overcame them, will make your application stand out.

4. Develop a strong personal statement: Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application. It should reflect your passion for biomedical engineering, your career aspirations, and how the JHU BME program aligns with your goals. Use specific examples to illustrate your interest; for example, describe a moment when you realized your passion for merging technology with medicine, such as designing a health app for a school project or volunteering in a hospital and seeing firsthand the impact of medical technology on patient care.

5. Seek recommendations from STEM educators: Request letters from teachers or mentors in the STEM fields who are familiar with your work ethic, achievements, and how you engage with complex scientific concepts. For instance, a recommendation from your biology teacher who supervised your independent research project on genetic engineering can provide a compelling testament to your skills and potential as a biomedical engineer.

6. Engage in leadership and teamwork activities: The JHU BME program values students who exhibit leadership qualities and the ability to work effectively in teams. Demonstrate your leadership by taking on roles such as the president of a STEM club, leading a team in a science competition, or organizing community outreach events that promote science education. 

7. Cultivate a global perspective: Biomedical engineering solutions are increasingly needed on a global scale. Show your awareness of and sensitivity to global health challenges by participating in international science fairs, contributing to global health projects, or engaging in multicultural events that broaden your understanding of health disparities around the world. 

8. Show continuous curiosity and learning: Johns Hopkins looks for students who are not only academically gifted but also inherently curious and committed to lifelong learning. Illustrate your intellectual curiosity by engaging in self-directed learning projects, online courses related to biomedical engineering, or attending relevant workshops and lectures. For example, completing the Veritas AI course in AI + Medicine can demonstrate your initiative to go beyond the traditional classroom setting to enhance your knowledge and skills.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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