Our Admissions Committee profile series continues with the one Johns Hopkins alum on the staff, Amy Brokl. Also, Congratulations go out to Amy as she just received a promotion that will have her oversee our Alumni Admissions volunteer programs.
Name: Amy Brokl
Territory: California, Oregon, Washington – best of the west
Education (College - Major / Minor): Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD - English and History of Art double major.
Johns Hopkins Start Date: June 2003
Years in Admissions: 2.5 years, I'm on my third cycle.
Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: Like many of my colleagues, I too was involved in Undergraduate Admissions as a student. From on-campus interviewing and tours to work with alumni interviewing and college fair coordination, my varying experiences were consistently intriguing and entertaining. Having had a brilliant experience at Hopkins myself, representing the institution professionally was an easy choice.
Favorite Animal?: Tigers and ducks. Tigers first.
Why did you choose to work for Johns Hopkins?: Though I am well aware that work in Higher Education/Admissions intrigues me in a greater sense, involvement with my alma mater is really some of the best work I can imagine doing in the field. For me, Hopkins has always been an easy place to showcase; however, it seems to be in a particularly exciting place right now. With additions of Charles Commons, a new residence hall, and the new South Quad and Visitor Center, campus enrichment proceeds at an astonishing rate; we continue to evaluate not only the academic and social experiences, but also the undergraduate experience at large.
What do you enjoy most about your job?: Visiting with current students and high schools out West consistently ranks in my Admissions Top Three. Each school has its own character and each city holds its own distinct pleasures. Though the 405 and 101 have instilled me with road-rage of epic proportion, my love of the West has stemmed from my meetings with all of you.
How do you approach reading an application?: Part I, Part II (Common Application/Supplement), Counselor Recommendation, Transcript, and Teacher Recommendations – I’m by the book, really, but I like to see how applicants develop in that way. I like hot chocolate and desk spaces (though I can read at a lower table or on my couch, everything is more efficient with desks). Airplane tray tables? Absolutely not.
When not reading applications, what do you do for fun?: I like running around Federal Hill and the Inner Harbor, going out with friends (a monster truck rally is on the docket for this Saturday – a quick trip to Philly was last weekend), reading, and watching the British version of “The Office.” I’m easily entertained though – I love clowning around with coworkers or friends, eating out, or just eating. Ask me about any restaurant in Baltimore and I’ll give you a full run-down.
What are your Admissions pet peeves? (What drives you crazy?): I’d have to say, two-sentence essay questions. I have always felt as though the word “essay” connotes more than one or two comments – call me crazy, but I’d like to see a little more than that.
Favorite College Essay?: As an English major, I’m always partial to a well-crafted piece of writing. Photo collages, works of art, and other alternate media forms are always neat to see, but a written explanation is of the essence.
What three things would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?: There’s always tension between the fun/cool and the practical with this question – a map, flare guns, Swiss Army, etc. In truth, an endless supply of fountain Diet Coke, some Ray-Ban aviators, and a good book sound like bliss as of this moment. Ask me later and I’m sure I could muster a more sensible answer. Maybe I’d add on a motorboat with lots of gas…
As the calendar turns to February, we still have five more profiles for you...check back on Friday for the next one.
Yay Diet Coke!! Is it weird that you are my admissions counselor and we both have an addiction to a certain caffeinated drink?
Posted by: Dana | January 31, 2006 at 06:34 PM
Hi Again!
Posted by: Victoria Wong | February 07, 2006 at 03:45 AM
Ms. Brokl, the part about driving on the 405 and 101 was hilarious. All of us here on the West coast completely understand the hand-eye coordination/road rages/upset stomachs involved! We are very sorry...
Posted by: cynthia | February 07, 2006 at 06:25 PM