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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Table of Contents

Checking the Status of Your Application

Checking the status of one's application is a self-service activity. Please visit the online application and follow the instructions to access your application. The current status of the receipt of your items will be listed there and is frequently updated by the Graduate Affairs and Admissions office, which receives all scores and materials. Departments and programs are not involved in acknowledging receipt of application materials.

During the admissions season, the Graduate Affairs and Admissions Office receives a great deal of mail. This mail comes to this office through Johns Hopkins University's central mail facility. If you do not see your documents marked as 'received' in the online application system, please wait five business days before inquiring about your admissions materials. The contacts are: graduateadmissions@jhu.edu or 410-516-8174.

Online Application

I've used ApplyYourself for applications to other schools, should I create a new PIN for your university or program?
No, you should use the same PIN you've used elsewhere.

I'm applying to multiple departments or programs in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering. Should I use the same PIN?
If you are applying to multiple departments or programs at the Kriger and Whiting Schools, you will need to submit multiple applications through ApplyYourself, using the different PINs. In order to submit multiple applications you need to create multiple accounts.

I'm unable to enter my phone number, what is the correct format?
The correct format for the phone number is: (xxx) xxx-xxxx. Please note that there is a space after the area code, and that there is a dash after the first three numbers. If you do not enter this information correctly, you may be unable to complete your application.

I don't live in the United States at this time. How would I enter a phone number or a state?
International applicants do not need to complete these questions.

I'm unable to choose the department/program I want to apply to after selecting the correct term. What does this mean?
If you are unable to insert the department you wish to apply to after selecting the term this may mean one of two things: 1) The department does not offer admission for the term that you've applied to or 2) The department's application deadline has passed. In each case, you should to double check the department’s application deadline to be certain you are still able to apply.

I don't know how much financial aid I will need. Can you help me?
Typical tuition and costs are listed here: http://www.grad.jhu.edu/admissions/costs.htm. You may also contact your department directly regarding costs and financial aid.

The application asks if I'm a McNair Scholar, GEM Scholar, Project 1000 Scholar or a Vietnam Education Foundation Scholar. What does this mean?
Members of any of these programs should contact the Graduate Affairs and Admissions Office prior to submitting an application. They may do so by calling 410-516-8174, or by emailing at graduateadmissions@jhu.edu.

I can't find my previous university using the 'Institution Code Lookup'. What can I do?
If you are unable to find your former university using this function, you may skip the 'Institution Code' section, and insert your university in the 'Institution Name' section instead.

I haven't finished my studies at my current institution, should I submit an 'end date'? You may omit an 'end date' if you have not yet completed your studies.

I'd like to upload documents to my application. What file formats are acceptable?
You may attach documents in doc, .wpd, .rtf, .xls, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx or .txt format. You will know when the documents have been attached, because you will have the option of viewing them through the online application.

For honors and study abroad, do I have to upload a document?
No, you may enter this information in the text box provided or upload a document. However, you cannot do both - you need to choose one type of response. (Please note that the text box is limited to a certain number of characters.)

GRE, TOEFL and IELTS Scores

What grade point average (GPA) will I need to get into Johns Hopkins University?
Each department has its own admissions criteria - including GPA. Some departments do not have a minimum GPA requirement. Please consult the appropriate department regarding its admissions requirements.

What GRE score will I need to get into the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering?
Each department has its own admissions criteria - including GRE scores. Some departments do not have a minimum score requirement. Please consult the appropriate department regarding its admissions requirements.

How many transcripts should I send to the Graduate Affairs and Admissions Office?
You should submit one transcript for each institution you attended prior to applying to Johns Hopkins University.

How many copies of the transcripts should I send to the Graduate Affairs and Admissions Office?
You should submit one copy for each institution you've attended.

I studied abroad. Should I send my transcripts from that university?
Yes, we require a transcript from each institution attended prior to applying to Johns Hopkins University.

Do you accept GRE scores that are more than five years old?
No, we do not accept GRE scores that are more than five years old.

Can I submit copies of my GRE, TOEFL or IELTS score?
You may submit copies of your GRE, TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, any copy received by our office will be considered 'unofficial' and noted as such in the online application and your admissions records. You will still need to submit official scores.

Do I need to take a GRE Subject Examination?
There are some departments that require the GRE Subject Examination, as well as some that recommend it. You may find a listing of this at: http://www.grad.jhu.edu/admissions/apply/index.php#gre.

Are there any exceptions to the GRE requirement?
As a rule, all applicants for graduate study in the Krieger and Whiting Schools are required to submit GRE scores as a part of their application.

I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination. Is there a score requirement?
For the TOEFL, applicants seeking admission will preferably have a TOEFL score of 100 for the Internet Based Test, 250 for the Computer Based Test, or 600 for the Paper Based Test. For the IELTS, applicants seeking admission will preferably have an academic Band Score equal to 7.

Do you accept TOEFL or IELTS scores that are more than two years old?
No, we do not accept scores that are more than two years old.

I am an international applicant, but I was educated in an English-speaking institution. Am I still required to submit a TOEFLor IELTS score?
The TOEFL/IELTS score requirement depends on the department to which you are applying, the country in which you studied, as well as the degree you earned. Applicants who believe they should receive a waiver from the TOEFL or IELTS exam should contact the department they wish to apply to or the Graduate Affairs and Admissions Office.

Admissions Requirements

What grade point average (GPA) will I need to be admitted to Johns Hopkins University?
Each department has its own admissions criteria - including GPA. Please consult the appropriate department regarding its admissions requirements.

How can I find out if I have been admitted to the department to which I applied?
Please contact the department or program directly. The Graduate Affairs and Admissions Office cannot provide this information.

I'm confused about the Statement of Purpose. Can you help me?
You may learn about the Statement of Purpose by visiting: http://www.grad.jhu.edu/admissions/apply/#purpose. Each department has its own guidelines for the Statement of Purpose. It is best to make inquiries directly to the department to which you have applied.

How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
The required letters of recommendation vary by program. You may read about this at: http://www.grad.jhu.edu/admissions/apply/index.php#recommend.

Does the letter of recommendation need to come from a faculty member? Could I use a supervisor or someone else familiar with my work?
Those who write your letter of recommendation should be able to speak to your abilities in the following regards:

While it is preferable, it is not always necessary for this to be from a faculty member.

My recommender did not use the letter of recommendation form. Should I have him/her do it again?
If at all possible, you should have the form completed by your faculty member or supervisor.

Am I required to submit a writing sample?
You may need to submit a sample of your work, depending on the program to which you have applied. You may read about whether or not your department requires one by visiting: http://www.grad.jhu.edu/admissions/apply/index.php#samples.

I sent my supporting documents before submitting the online application. Therefore, I didn't provide my application ID on the Mailing Label and Cover Sheet. How could I know if my documents were received? Or should I send the documents again?
You will still need to use the Mailing Label and Cover Sheet. We can still indentify your documents by your date of birth, last name, first name, or PIN.

What language is my sample of work allowed to be in?
Samples of work should be in English. (Exception: The Department of German and Romance Languages and Literatures permits samples in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German.)

I don't have a sample of work that would fulfill the departmental requirement. Am I allowed to submit something else instead?
Applicants wishing to submit something that is not listed under the sample of work requirement should contact the department directly. Please do not assume that other work or documents will be accepted by the department as a substitute.

May I submit a former graduate or undergraduate thesis instead of the required sample of work?
You should consult the department to which you've applied to see if ths is acceptable.

Beyond the listed admissions requirements are there any other supporting documents that may be required?
The Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Humanities Center, and Chemical Biology (CBI) program each require supplemental application forms. You may locate these at the following links:

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