Tip #1: Consider taking the Chinese proficiency (STAMP) test early
- You can take the Chinese proficiency exam any time before our February 1 admissions deadline, but we generally recommend taking the test when you first begin your application. Keep in mind that you can only take the test once every three months.
- After you take the exam, the admissions office will notify you of your results within two business days. We will provide you with a breakdown of your score and let you know which programs would be the best fit for you. If you score lower than our recommended scores, we will also let you know if we advise you to continue your Chinese language studies throughout the year and over the summer.
Tip #2: Review all admissions requirements - GRE/GMAT scores are optional for all Hopkins-Nanjing Center Programs!
- The GRE/GMAT is not required to apply to any of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center programs. We recommend that you only submit your GRE/GMAT scores if they add value to your application. As a reference, the average range GRE scores is 160-167 Verbal and 155-161 Quantitative.
- Don’t waste this opportunity to tell admissions officers about your interests and career goals by rehashing your resume. Even if you don’t necessarily have a five-year plan, we are looking to see that you have thought out how you see the Hopkins-Nanjing Center as an essential piece of your future plans. In the past, we had one applicant write about lessons learned from playing ping pong with a Chinese classmate. Another applicant wrote about her experience at a Chinese rural hospital. We encourage you to get creative!
- Be sure to write your essay entirely in English, as everyone reviewing your application may not have Chinese proficiency. Chinese characters also often do not display correctly on our application system. If there’s a Chinese phrase that you want to reference, write in pinyin and include the English translation.
- You can also use the personal statement as an opportunity to address anything in your application that you might be concerned about. For example, if you scored lower than our recommended score on the Chinese proficiency test, let the admissions committee know about your plans to improve your Chinese. If you received lower grades during one semester, consider letting the committee know the reasons why and how you improved.
- Admissions officers like to see that you have taken the time to become familiar with the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and can articulate how you see yourself and your career goals fitting into our specific programs when writing your statement of purpose. Visiting our website or looking through the Hopkins-Nanjing Center blog can give you background on our programs.
- When writing your essays, be sure to use the correct titles and names for professors, “Hopkins-Nanjing Center,” and “Johns Hopkins SAIS.” While using the incorrect title won’t be the deciding factor in your application, it will reflect your attention to detail to the admissions committee. It’s better to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and researched the institution ahead of time.
- Be sure to complete the financial aid section on the online application by November 1 for early notification and February 1 for general admission. You may be eligible for one of our named scholarships.
- Research external scholarships early on in the application process, as many deadlines are earlier than you would expect. Online resources such as Fastweb and Collegenet can guide your search for scholarships that may be applicable to your intended program of study. Some scholarship programs that students have successfully received in the past for their studies are the Boren Awards for International Study, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, and the Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship.
- The admissions team offers optional interviews, conducted in English, as part of the application process. Completing an interview is not required, but it is a good opportunity to let the admissions committee learn who you are beyond your test scores, transcript, and resume. Schedule an interview by completing the "Optional Admissions Interview" tab within your application. We recommend that you schedule interviews well in advance of the admissions deadline.
- If you aren’t able to complete an interview, don’t worry! The interviews are optional and won’t negatively impact your application if you don’t opt for an interview. If you have a non-traditional background (for example you’ve never studied Chinese formally or were pursuing a different study/career track), an interview can be a great way to provide additional context to why you are the right fit for the Hopkins-Nanjing Center.
- You are required to submit two letters of recommendation for your application. A good letter of recommendation should come from a professor, adviser, or work supervisor who knows you well and can speak to your specific strengths. It’s better to pick someone that has worked closely with you over someone that has an impressive title. Please note that letters of recommendation are required to be submitted in English.
- Be sure to ask your recommender for your letter well in advance of the application deadline. Since many graduate programs share similar deadlines, chances are that you will not be the only student asking your professor for a recommendation.
- Limit your resume to 1 page and include skills and experiences which are relevant to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. If you have additional experience you want the admissions committee to know, you can include it on the “Employment” or "Awards, Honors and Activities" sections of the online application.
- The look and feel of a resume is important. It can make a difference to standardize the formatting and spacing on your resume.
- If you submit all of your application materials by November 1, you will receive your admissions decision by the end of December. This does not mean you need to commit at that time – you have until April to confirm your enrollment.
- If November 1 doesn’t work for you, you can apply by our general admission deadline of February 1. If you apply for general admission, you will receive your admissions decision in March.
- The last thing you want is for an admissions officer to have a negative impression on an otherwise great application because of a grammar mistake. It’s always great to have a second pair of eyes (or third or fourth!) on your application. Ask a friend, professor, or colleague to look over your application.
