How to Succeed in Johns Hopkins Premed Track

When you think of Johns Hopkins University, medicine is probably one of the first things that comes to mind—and for good reason. Nearly 70% of incoming freshmen are on the pre-health track with dreams of attending medical school. While Johns Hopkins premed track is incredibly popular among freshmen, it’s also known for being a heavy workload.

This guide provides the advice and insight you need to navigate your Johns Hopkins premed journey, from choosing the right major to understanding the course load, finding relevant extracurriculars, and more.

• Premed Requirements at Johns Hopkins
• Johns Hopkins Premed: A Sample 2-Year Course Plan
• How to Keep a High GPA at Johns Hopkins Premed
• What’s the Best Major for Premed Students at Johns Hopkins?
• When Should You Take the MCAT?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Premed Requirements at Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins University doesn’t offer a specific premed major. However, their existing pre-health track covers all the essential prerequisites for medical school. To help you plan your academic journey, Johns Hopkins offers a helpful premed planning guide, and we’ve outlined a general path you can follow to fulfill John Hopkins med school requirements.

While some upper-level science courses will vary depending on your major, most premed students start with the same introductory-level classes or use AP credits to fulfill prerequisites. As a result, your schedule during freshman and sophomore years will likely be similar to other premed students as you work through these foundational science courses.

That said, not everyone’s schedule will look the same. Suppose you’re majoring in non-science fields like English or social sciences. In that case, your course load will include more variety and different requirements, which will allow for some flexibility in your schedule.

A word of caution when using AP credits to skip introductory courses: the material you covered in high school may not align perfectly with what is taught at Johns Hopkins premed. This can be important later on when you’re preparing for exams like the MCAT. In many cases, reviewing and strengthening what you’ve already learned in high school through introductory courses at Hopkins can actually help you succeed in more advanced classes and exams down the line.

Here’s a general outline of the courses you’ll need to take as part of your Johns Hopkins premed track:

• 2 courses in general (inorganic) chemistry, along with the associated labs
• 2 courses in organic chemistry, including the lab (JHU offers one 3-credit organic chemistry lab)
• 2 courses in biology, each with a lab
• 1 course in biochemistry (whether or not you take the lab depends on your AP credits and major)
• 2 courses in general physics, both with labs (Keep in mind that Calculus I and II are co-requisites for General Physics I and II at JHU)
• 1 course in mathematics and 1 course in statistics
• 2 courses focusing on English and/or writing
• 2 courses in social and behavioral sciences (While courses like Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Sociology are recommended for MCAT preparation, they are not required for medical school admissions)

This list serves as a solid guide to ensure you’re meeting the standard prerequisites for medical school while preparing for the MCAT.

Johns Hopkins Premed: A Sample 2-Year Course Plan

Johns Hopkins produces more medical school applicants than any other private undergraduate institution, with 494 applicants in 2023 alone! The university’s own School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top five in the nation and currently holds the #3 spot for research.

This statistic raises an important question: Why do so many students who start off wanting to become doctors shift gears within just a few years? More importantly, how can you figure out if the premed path at Johns Hopkins is the right one for you?

There’s no sugarcoating it—being a premed student at Johns Hopkins is tough. You’ll need to tackle challenging courses in subjects like advanced physics, cellular biology, biochemistry, and math, just to meet the requirements. On top of that, there are extracurriculars, volunteer work, the MCAT, and other responsibilities to juggle, so it’s easy to see how students might feel overwhelmed.

As mentioned earlier, most Johns Hopkins premed students take foundational science courses like General Biology and Introduction to Chemistry during their freshman and sophomore years. You’ll have more flexibility in your schedule during your junior and senior years when upper-level courses become available.

Keep in mind that premed courses will only make up a portion of your overall coursework. You’ll also need to complete the requirements for your chosen major and minor, and ideally, you’ll have room for 1–2 electives each semester to meet the 12-credit minimum. You can explore the full range of courses available on the Johns Hopkins University website.

Typically, Johns Hopkins premed freshmen take introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and calculus, along with the required labs. By sophomore year, most students move on to Organic Chemistry I and II, including the lab. Many also start General Physics I and II with the lab during this time, while others may choose to take physics in their junior year.

Remember, you’ll need to complete calculus before or at the same time as General Physics I and II. Some students take calculus during freshman year, while others wait until sophomore year, pushing physics to junior year.

Biochemistry is usually taken in junior year as well. A common approach is to take biochemistry in the fall semester, especially if you plan to take the MCAT later in the year. Since the MCAT covers much of the material from these basic science courses, completing them before you start studying for the exam can be incredibly helpful.

Practical Tip: Many students choose to take some of their basic science courses over the summer, either at Johns Hopkins or another university. This can free up your fall and spring schedules, giving you more time to focus on other academic or extracurricular activities.

Here is Duke’s recommended 2-year course plan for those on the premed track:

Remember, your course load will depend on how heavy you want your first four semesters to be. You can spread out your major requirements however it works best for you during your time finishing your Johns Hopkins premed track. Some semesters, you might not take any courses for your major, while in others, you could take 3–4. It all comes down to how you build your schedule.

Some departments also offer sample course plans for their majors, which can be a helpful resource when mapping out your own academic plan.

When planning your schedule, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Try not to overload your semester with too many premed courses at once.
• Make sure you’re meeting the requirements for your major.
• Balance heavy science courses with lighter electives to avoid burnout.
• Leave enough time between classes for studying and extracurriculars.
• Structure your sophomore and junior year schedules to allow for MCAT preparation.
• Think about whether taking a gap year might be a good option for you, as it can give you more flexibility with your schedule (we’ll discuss gap years in more detail later).

How to Keep a High GPA at Johns Hopkins Premed

Succeeding academically at Johns Hopkins requires hard work and dedication. Incoming freshmen typically have an average high school GPA above 3.9, with SAT scores in math and reading well over 700. While many of you may already have strong study habits, transitioning to the demands of college-level courses can still be a challenge, especially when starting off with a heavy load of premed requirements.

At Hopkins, many of the basic science courses are graded on a curve, which can make it harder to earn an A, as they are usually reserved for the top 10–15% of students. Other classes may have more straightforward grading.

A solid GPA is essential for medical school admissions, with most schools preferring at least a 3.5 in science courses. This is a good benchmark to aim for in your overall GPA, but the higher you can get it, the better.

Here are some tips to help you maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher:

• Create a dedicated study schedule. Instead of squeezing in study time here and there, set aside specific blocks of time for focused studying. Find a routine that works best for your study habits.
• Stay on top of readings and assignments. Don’t procrastinate. Stick to the recommended readings and start working on long-term projects early in the semester.
• Be prepared to put in the hours. The Johns Hopkins premed track is a demanding path, so expect to spend a lot of time studying. Make use of the Student Affairs Academic Resources website for helpful tips and strategies.
• Avoid overloading with too many tough science courses in one semester. Spread your premed requirements across your first three years, and consider taking some classes in the summer to lighten your regular schedule.
• Join study groups and attend TA sessions. Group study sessions can often help reinforce your understanding of difficult concepts, and TA sessions are a great way to get extra help when needed.

What’s the Best Major for Premed Students at Johns Hopkins?

At Johns Hopkins, there isn’t a specific “premed” major. Instead, you’ll choose a major in a field that interests you while also completing the required courses for medical school, as outlined earlier.

There really isn’t a single “perfect” major that medical schools prefer, and no major can fully prepare you for everything ahead. Studies show that medical school acceptance rates don’t differ significantly between students majoring in sciences, humanities, or other disciplines—assuming their GPA and MCAT scores are competitive. In fact, it’s becoming more common to see students with non-traditional majors in medical school.

That said, science majors tend to be more popular among premed students because some courses can count toward both premed and major requirements. This helps lighten your semester course load. As a result, these majors are more commonly chosen by premed students.

The most popular premed majors at Johns Hopkins premed include neuroscience, biomedical engineering, molecular and cellular biology, and public health studies. Together, these four majors make up over 70% of the university’s medical school applicants.

Other common premed majors are:

• Psychology
• Behavioral biology
• Molecular & cellular biology
• Chemistry

You can find a full list of majors and minors on the Johns Hopkins website.

It’s also worth noting that non-traditional majors have become more common, with many premed students opting to study fields like writing seminars, political science, mechanical engineering, anthropology, and sociology.

When choosing your major, take the time to explore all the available options. The most important thing is to pick a subject you genuinely enjoy and feel confident you can excel in, especially when it comes to maintaining a strong GPA. It’s a good idea to talk to your advisor and senior students about the majors you’re considering to gain insight and hear their experiences before deciding in your sophomore year.

When Should You Take the MCAT?

When deciding when to schedule your MCAT, there are a few key factors to consider, but most students choose to take it during the junior year of their Johns Hopkins premed track.

We generally recommend taking the MCAT in the fall of your junior year. This timing allows for extra flexibility in case you need to retake the exam. However, it’s crucial that you complete the following premed courses before sitting for the MCAT:

• Introduction to Chemistry I and II with Labs
• General Biology I and II with Labs
• General Physics I and II with Labs
• Biochemistry
• Organic Chemistry I and II

While Organic Chemistry Lab isn’t required for the MCAT, it can help solidify what you’ve learned in Organic Chemistry I and II. Additionally, courses in psychology and sociology are recommended to assist with MCAT preparation, but they’re not mandatory.

These courses cover the content tested on the MCAT, with biochemistry being particularly important as it’s heavily emphasized across several sections of the exam—so take this course seriously!

Make sure you set aside plenty of time to prepare for the MCAT. A well-rounded study plan should include MCAT-specific classes and self-study. We suggest taking at least three practice exams, but the more you take, the better. And remember, retaking the MCAT is not a setback—medical schools often appreciate seeing improvement in your score the second time around.

Some students choose to take a gap year after graduation, which offers more flexibility. This way, you can delay taking the MCAT until the summer after your senior year.

Gap years also give you the chance to make your application more competitive by gaining clinical experience through jobs in healthcare or taking part in additional research opportunities. In fact, more than 80% of students accepted to medical school from Johns Hopkins premed take at least one gap year. This approach not only strengthens your application but also aligns with a national trend—many first-year medical students have taken a gap year to enhance their experiences and resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Johns Hopkins Medical School acceptance rate?

With an acceptance rate of just 6.3%, it’s no surprise that Johns Hopkins Medical School is often regarded as highly competitive.

What are the prerequisites for medical school at Johns Hopkins?

Johns Hopkins Medical School requires the following prerequisites:

• Biology: 2 semesters with labs
• Chemistry: 2 semesters of General Chemistry with labs, 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry with labs
• Physics: 2 semesters with labs
• Biochemistry: 1 semester (lab optional)
• Math: 1 semester (Calculus or Statistics)
• English: 2 semesters of English or writing-intensive courses
• Social/Behavioral Sciences: Recommended, such as Psychology and Sociology

Additionally, students must take the MCAT and have relevant clinical, research, and volunteer experience.

Is calculus required for medical school at Johns Hopkins?

No, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine does not specifically require calculus. However, they do require at least one semester of math, which can be fulfilled by either calculus or statistics.

Is Johns Hopkins premed good?

Johns Hopkins University leads all private undergraduate institutions in producing medical school applicants, with 494 in 2023 alone! Additionally, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine consistently ranks among the top 5 nationwide and is currently ranked #3 for research.

Takeaways

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine consistently ranks among the top five best medical schools in the United States. Its premed track is also competitive and celebrated.

• Johns Hopkins University doesn’t offer a specific premed major. Their existing pre-health track covers all the essential prerequisites for medical school.
• Your course load at Johns Hopkins will depend on how much you want to take on during your first few semesters. You can adjust your major requirements and spread them out in a way that fits your schedule while staying on track with the premed path.
• There are no specific, ideal majors for Johns Hopkins premed students. These days, more premed students are choosing non-traditional majors, with many opting to study areas like writing seminars, political science, mechanical engineering, anthropology, and sociology.
• To help you prepare for your Johns Hopkins premed track, we highly recommend talking to a college admissions consultant and explore the options available to you.