Hopkins Insider

What's On Tap (sponsored by TiVo)

During my last entry I mentioned I had a third topic to discuss, but since the post was running a bit long I postponed it. Well, postponement is over. Actually, let me postpone it for just one more moment. Since this 3rd topic has nothing to do with Hopkins nor college admissions, I thought I should at least start the post with some important reminders related to those areas. So here's a little calendar of important dates:

October 15: Our off-campus, alumni interview program for Class of 2012 applicants has launched. Click here for the online request form. Get your requests in early, as every year we face a high volume of requests.

October 20: Engineering and Natural Sciences Open House.

October 21 - 25: My Group Travel events throughout New England. Further details can be found on the Group Travel web site.

October 27: Humanities and Social Sciences Open House. Check out the Open House web page for details on our two fall open houses.

November 1: EARLY DECISION DEADLINE. To help prepare you for the deadline I suggest reading both our ED FAQ page and my To ED or not to ED... blog post from last year. Also, feel free to use our Early Decision Questions discuss thread on the Johns Hopkins Forums.

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Ok, so here is what I have been really wanting to discuss...

TELEVISION

It's been about a month since the start of the Fall Television Season and I haven't really spoken much about my TV preferences. It is not because I am not watching ... OH, I definitely am.

This season has been much more enjoyable than past seasons, not because of the abundance of choice or great new series, but rather I am not missing any shows. Oh yeah, and I am enjoying most of my shows in HD. See not only do I have two working TiVos on my televisions in my bedroom and office, I also now have an HD Comcast box with DVR service on dual tuners in my living room. Basically that means I can record and save 5 different shows at the exact same time. And with my addiction to television, as frequent blogger readers have read about in the past, I am pretty much in entertainment heaven.

What all this has provided me with is FREEDOM of entertainment choice. I am no longer bound to the way the Networks and Cable want me to watch my television. I don't have to watch the shows when they come on at 8, 9 , 10:30. I don't have to watch commercials. I can make my own choices ... and I want a hot, juicy burger. (Sorry those Wendy's commercials are everywhere.) No, what I meant to say is that I want TV my way. (Thank you TiVo Gods!!!). So you ask what is TV the Admissions_Daniel way ... good question. Well, let me introduce you to the way I categorize my television watching and recording:

Shows I must watch Live (and usually watch a 2nd time during the week):

Mondays: Prison Break at 8pm on Fox, Heroes at 9pm on NBC
Tuesdays: House at 9pm on Fox, Law and Order: SVU at 10pm on NBC
Wednesdays: Pushing Daisies at 8pm, Dirty Sexy Money at 10pm on ABC (note that these are both brand new shows and already are favorites of mine)
Sundays: Dexter at 9pm on Showtime

Also on this list are LOST and 24 ... but those shows don't return until the new year. How sad!

Shows I must watch each week (but on my own schedule):

Chuck: which airs Mondays at 8pm on NBC but I usually watch on Tuesdays. Fun new show with a great cast and an interesting premise.

Journeyman: airs Mondays at 10pm on NBC and I usually watch after Chuck on Tuesdays. (I watch a lot of TV on Tuesdays.) Not the greatest show but I like the lead characters and feel there is a lot they can do with this show.

Bionic Woman: airs Wednesdays at 9pm on NBC and if I don't watch it on Wednesday, I'll catch up on the weekend. This show may be axed by me, but I am giving it a shot because NBC is really pushing it.

Life: airs Wednesdays at 10pm on NBC and I watch it at 11pm on Wednesdays. This is my third favorite new show of the season and it would be in the previous category if not that Dirty Sexy Money airs at the same time.

Woman's Murder Club: airs Fridays at 9pm on ABC. It just started last Friday and the episode was just O.K. I am going to stick to the show because I like most of the cast and the show is based on a series of James Patterson books that I mostly enjoy.

Numb3rs: airs Fridays at 10pm on CBS. I love this show so if I don't watch it on a lonely Friday night, it is one of the first things I do on Saturday morning.

Comedies that I record and watch throughout the week:

It is not that I don't like comedies, but I don't feel they need to be scheduled throughout the week. I often will use a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning to catch up on comedies, or watch one of two during the week if I need a pick-me-up. So here is the list of comedies I record in order of my preference:

1. The Simpsons (Sundays at 8pm on Fox)
2. My Name is Earl (Thursdays at 8pm on NBC)
3. 30 Rock (Thursdays at 8:30pm on NBC)
4. Family Guy (Sundays at 9pm on Fox)
5. The Office (Thursdays at 9pm on NBC)
6. Scrubs (Thursdays at 9:30pm on NBC - when it returns)
7. Big Bang Theory (Mondays at 8:30pm on CBS)
8. Carpoolers (Tuesdays at 8:30pm on ABC)

Cable Shows I must watch:

One of the greatest advancements in the TV industry over the last ten years has been original television shows coming from cable networks. The Sopranos is the perfect example of this, but there are so many great shows to choose from. Here are the list of cable shows I follow, once again in order of preference:

1. Dexter (Showtime) - a serial killer who only kills people who deserve it. I watched Season 1 in a day, and I am now totally addicted.
2. Rescue Me (FX) - Dennis Leary is a genius, and this show gets better episode after episode.
3. Extras (HBO) - The funniest show on television that almost no one knows about. Ricky Gervais is also a genius ... rent the first season and you will laugh until it hurts.
4. Entourage (HBO) - Just pure campy fun. All men are jealous of these guys.
5. Flight of the Conchords (HBO) - A very unsual, strange, and completely hilarious show.
6. The 4400 (USA) - I missed this past season, but will catch up soon.

There are some cable TV shows I record daily/weekly just because they are some of the funniest shows ever created. The list includes:

• The Daily Show with John Stewart -- The Soup -- Best Week Ever -- and of course The Colbert Report.

Shows I might catch up on using DVDs or Online:

There are some shows that I miss out the first go-round, and then try to use DVDs, iTunes, or online stations to catch up on previous seasons. I will be doing that for Friday Night Lights and also probably Ugly Betty. I am also considering Sleeper Cell, Gossip Girl, The Unit, Brothers and Sisters, and of course The Wire.

New Shows I tried and just loathed:

No real comments here ... just don't bother watching: K-Ville, Cane, Cavemen, nor Big Shots. How do these shows get green-lighted???

Finally, SHOWS I WILL NEVER WATCH

1. Grey's Anatomy (and Private Practice since it is related). I can not stand this type of television.

2. CSI: Anything. How are these shows so popular. Can you spell F-O-R-M-U-L-A-I-C.

3. Reality Television. I am done ... these shows are horrible. The lone exceptions are competition shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

OK, so what do you think??? Add your thoughts, criticisms, and suggestions in the comments section. (Yes, I a comment pandering again ... but you all never respond!) And if you see me at an up-coming Open House or my Group Travel events, let me know what your favorite TV show is and also maybe ask a question or two about Hopkins.

Newest Blog, Thank You Notes, and a 3rd thing

Three things to talk about this week ... so let's dive right in.

#1

Last week, I introduced you all to our two newest bloggers, Lauren and Mandy. I hope you enjoyed these new freshmen blogs, and took my advice to bookmark (RSS?) their blogs so you can follow them through their first year at Hopkins. Well it's another week, and I have an even newer blog to introduce you all to:

2011: Hopkins Freshman Blog (link)

This is Hopkins Interactive's first foray into a joint-authored blog. We have selected four amazing members of the Class of 2011 to share tales with you all about their freshmen experiences. I encourage you to bookmark this blog too, and follow the stories of these four unique first year students. As well, if as time goes by your prefer one of the authors over another, you can use the categories section to highlight the blogger(s) entries you most want to read. Here we are giving you the option to follow the collective experiences of four distinct freshmen, or just follow them individually.

Introduction time:

Jessica K. - Category Posts

Jessica comes to Hopkins from Tenafly, NJ and will be pursuing a degree in Public Health Studies from the Social Science perspective. Jessica is already an expert on all that is Hopkins, and it is clear after just her first month at Hopkins that she will be getting involved in many aspects of campus life. Check out Jessica's first post as she discusses all the opportunities the lie in front of her.

Josh G. - Category Posts

Josh is another native of New Jersey (Park Ridge to be exact) and he arrives at Hopkins as a humanist looking to study Film and Media Studies and possibly Writing Seminars as well. Josh is going to be our resident music expert as he is working with friends to write songs and start a band, plus he already has experienced the club and concert scene in Baltimore. Let Josh's first post speak for itself.

Rob A. - Category Posts

Rob is a New Englander hailing from the small town of Hampstead, NH. His story could easily be small-town boy makes it big in the big city of Baltimore, only problem is that Baltimore ain't that big of a city. Rob will though be detailing his experiences with city life, making great friends, and taking great classes, as his first post already did. Plus, he is probably going to become active with Outdoor Pursuits so he can remain connected to his New Hampshire life.

Stephanie D. - Category Posts

Stephanie is our resident left coaster, coming from Northern California, Kentfield to be exact. Like Laura and Lauren, Stephanie will be a Writing Seminars student, proof once again that true humanities students can find a home at Hopkins. Stephanie has already adjusted to her "new home" already, accepting the challenge of her courses and embracing all the new social opportunities. Read Stephanie's first post to get insight into her first month of amazing experiences.

A note on the pictures: Jessica and Josh are seen in the first photo on the left, smiling with Siobahn who is on the left. Stephanie and Rob are featured in the second photo on the right, hanging with Mandy who is on the right.

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#2

Next up today is I want to bring your attention to an interesting article that was in the New York Times last week:

Thank-You Note Enters College Admission Game

A few of my thoughts as I read through this article:

• First on the title: I really wish the media would stop using phrases like "Admission Game." It really is annoying and just helps to foster the admissions craze that has dominated the landscape over the last few years. THERE IS NO GAME ... there is a definitive process. But, I guess as true with most of the media, they have to hype such abrasive phrasing so they can sell more. The media is just big business now, it is not about telling the truth and the public good. Boy, I really can't stand today's media ... maybe I should find that 100+ page honors thesis I wrote more than 10 years ago about how the media has gone awry. Never mind!
• Thank-you notes have become the new frontier: No they haven't. This is not a new trend. I have been a college admissions professional for nine full years and I have been getting thank-you notes since my first week on the job. And they have been of all varieties since that first time -- simple notes, specialized stationary, little presents, in-depth emails, and even one time cash. The NY Times I guess was desperate for a splashy Education story to sell more papers, so let's make a controversy over something that has been going on forever.
• What is so wrong with thank-you notes: I really don't get the tone of this article. I love thank-you notes. I send them when I find it appropriate. The college search is quite similar to a job search ... would the NY Times be writing an article about the "new" trend of job applicants sending thank-you notes after interviews. Oh no!!! They are trying to manipulate the job search by saying thank-you. Oh come on ... be serious. A thank-you note is a simple form of etiquette.
• Strategy vs. heartfelt: I agree that some thank-you notes are strategic, but what is wrong with that. See my job search comparison above. But in all the thank-you notes I have received over the years, I'd say 90% are just heartfelt, appreciative statements. It is nice to hear that the student had a good experience during a visit, an interview, a meeting with me, etc. It also means we are doing something right.
• Quoting Independent counselors: Now here is an issue that should be deconstructed. The professionals, and I use that term loosely, who milk families out of tons of money to package their students so they can "win the game" of college admissions. I could say a lot, but my Mom always said if you have nothing nice to say, keep your mouth shut.
• More on strategy: Let me let you all in on a secret ... NO STUDENT HAS EVER BEEN ADMITTED OR DENIED BECAUSE OF A THANK-YOU NOTE. Sorry, it is not that simple people. If you want to send a thank-you note because you want to say thank-you, then do it. If you don't, guess what ... don't.

OK, two final comments about this article which clearly got me into this whole state of frustration:

1st ... at least the article ended with two very true quotes:

Is it necessary to write a thank-you note?” said Janet L. Rapelye, dean of admissions at Princeton. “No. But I’m still in favor of them. Expressing gratitude is a lovely quality.”

Ms. Rapelye added, “In and of itself, it’s not going to change a decision,” and she suggested that the people who should really be thanked were the teachers and college counselors.

2nd ... one other quote that got to me:

Even when thank-yous are received, they are not necessarily kept. Admissions officials at some colleges, like New York University, Johns Hopkins and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, say they are tossed.

Where did they get this information? So Admissions officials at Johns Hopkins University toss thank-you notes. Hmmmmm....strange. I am an Admissions Official at Johns Hopkins, have been for four years. I also have a folder that I keep from year-to-year with all correspondence I have with students, including an abundance of thank-you notes. Is that tossing them? I don't think so. In fact, every year at application time I have these notes and other forms of correspondence added to the applicants' files so that when I evaluate their files I see the previous communication. Why? Just helps me remember if I have been in touch with the applicant. It does not changes one's chances for admission ... it just helps me with my memory.

Great article New York Times. Glad that you are the bastion of "all the news that's fit to print." OK, I will come down off my soap-box.

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#3

I meant to speak about a third topic, but I am wiped after being critical of the New York Times. So, I will delay that topic for later in the week.

I do have a third item though ... YOU! My readers!!! I want to hear from you. I really want to hear from you.

***Yes, I am pandering for comments again. I just love knowing you all are out there.***

So drop me a comment. Let me know what you think of the NY Times article. Let me know what you think about our new bloggers. Let me know what you think of the Fall TV Season. All comments are welcome, except if it has anything to do with the New York Mets. I do not want to talk about them at all.

Until next time.

New Bloggers, New Office

Admissions Daniel is back and better than ever. I hope you have enjoyed the previous Guest Author entries, especially the most recent one by my Mom. My Mom really enjoyed her first experience with blogging, and is now frequently asking whether she has any new comments. She really has been bitten by the blog bug ... wishing for comments just to make sure that there are actually people out there reading our crazy thoughts.

(Oh yeah, can't forget this...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!)

As this entry's title alludes to, we've got some new stuff to talk about. First, I am really, REALLY, REALLY excited to announce the launch of two new Hopkins Interactive current student blogs. This past week we welcomed to the blog roll, two new freshmen (Class of 2011) bloggers. Let's do the introductions...

Mandy S. - Class of 2011 - Simply Serendipitous

Mandy joins us from Cary, N.C. and willing be pursuing a Neuroscience degree during her time at Hopkins. In just my brief conversations with Mandy so far this year, I am 100% confident that she will be presenting a truly enjoyable blog this year. So is prone to creating lists, which for anyone who has been a frequent reader of the Hopkins Insider blog, knows I have a penchant for lists as well. Mandy is also "accident-prone" as she discusses in her first post, so I expect some great hilarity in her entries.

Lauren C. - Class of 2011 - Wish You Were Here

Lauren hails from Westmont, NJ and is a true Humanist, with plans to study both English and Writing Seminars. An experienced blogger, Lauren has grand plans for her blog. It is clearly evident in her first post, that she plans to mix story-telling, with advice, and a good level of emotion too. I am already a fan, and I am really glad to have another Humanities student joining the blog team. Though as a die-hard NY Mets fan, I don't love the fact that she is a Phillies fan (but after the end of this season, I just have to keep my mouth shut).

You can follow Mandy's blog by clicking here and Lauren's blog by clicking here. Don't forget to also bookmark these blogs or add them to your RSS feed so you can keep in touch throughout the year. Plus, we all love comments, so feel free to leave a thought or two on their blogs!

And oh yeah, REMEMBER ... we have 10 other current student blogs you can choose from. Complete List Here.

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The other big news of early October ... the move to Mason Hall is complete. Though there is finishing touches being done to the building over the next few weeks, the entire Admissions team has moved in. Later in the month I will dedicate a special blog entry to showing off the building. Until then, I'll just share some pictures of my favorite part of the building ... MY OWN OFFICE. Enjoy, and check out my view!!!