Hopkins Insider

Introducing the Admissions Committee X: Amy Brokl

Name: Amy Brokl

Territory: California (shared with Shannon Miller) and Washington

Education: Johns Hopkins University - B.A. in English and History of Art

Johns Hopkins Start Date: June 2003

Years in Admissions: 4 and a half years

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: Having had the opportunity to work in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for the better part of my four years as a student, I was naturally drawn to the profession. I was also looking forward to taking a stab at two pieces of the puzzle that hadn't, at that point, been available to me: file review and travel / recruitment. File review continues to be one of the most fascinating parts of my job - that, and the negotiation of creative routes to avoid the 405 rush-hour traffic!

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: Theoretically, the most enjoyable aspect of this process for me is contemplating what these applications mean. Each file represents an individual preparing to launch. Though I understand that this launch is by no means an end in itself - rather, it's one of the first steps most students take as burgeoning young adults - I can't help but become excited by the promise of each series of documents. Practically, the most enjoyable aspect is the reading itself. There are some dynamic personalities, hilarious written statements, and profound confessions in each applicant pool (one might argue in each file). It's an extraordinarily engaging process from start to finish.

The least enjoyable part?  I'm consistently frustrated by the fact that a "deny" decision can rarely, if ever, be fully unpacked. Application review forces our committee to make decisions - that is what we do - but the process is rarely as simple as determining "qualification." Regardless of how many times an applicant hears the terms "fit" and "feel," it doesn't lessen the sting nor provide much in the way of feedback. I recognize there's not much one can do about it, or should do about it. It is what it is. But it's tough nonetheless.

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: As each cycle passes by, I'm reminded of the fact that my reading process is really most successful at a table or a desk, accessorized with a variety of beverages (coffee, Diet Coke, iced tea, seltzer...). I don't organize my piles of files in any particular way, as some of my colleagues tend to do. Whatever comes - front to back - student first, then high school; that process works for me.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: The people. Hands down - I'll say it every time. Yes, I appreciate the Hopkins experience: the opportunity to test one's mettle; to stretch one's independent spirit even further; to do real work with great support and good-feeling. All of these things can and do happen to Hopkins undergraduates. They happened to me. The thing is though, all of this seems slightly less compelling, a little hokier, without the addition of the people and the community of which they are a part.

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: I would love to work as a freelance travel writer.  Museum work is also a close second (I still haven't gotten my experiences in the History of Art Department out of my head).

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: Cost. And access. Perhaps those are easy outs, but in highly selective colleges and universities, cost is already prohibitive.

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: Chicken-fighting in the library, co-opting a booth at the Spring Fair Beer Garden (can I say that?), leading and being led on a Pre-Orientation trip, being taught by a number of iconic faculty members, procrastinating with friends time and time again, exploring Baltimore for New Student Orientation, experiencing Homecoming/Reunion as a student and as an alumna ... they continue, ad infinitum.

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?: Let me preface my response: though these are fine answers for any prospective college freshman, they have particular significance for Johns Hopkins undergrads!

• Book - It's a tie between some Edgar Allan Poe and Zagat's guide to Washington D.C. and Baltimore restaurants. 
• Movie - "Hairspray," new or old. 
• Album - Unfortunately, I don't have an album per se. Just go to a Men's Lacrosse game when they're winning - the cheers of the fans are music to my ears!

Introducing the Admissions Committee IX: Mark Butt

Name: Mark Butt

Territory: Delaware, New Jersey, and select International regions including Canada

Education: University of Delaware - B.A. in Elementary Teacher Education; University of Pennsylvania - M.S.Ed. in Management of Higher Education

Johns Hopkins Start Date: August 2006

Years in Admissions: Three years

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: College admissions encompasses many of the aspects that I truly enjoy; including advocating for higher education, travel, analytical thought and interacting with people. It really is the perfect fit for me and I have a hard time imagining myself doing anything else right now.

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: The most enjoyable part of the application process is feeling like you get to meet people. Reading applications is like going to a huge party and you get to personally sit down with each person for a while and get to know them. My least favorite part is probably placing students on the waitlist – it’s very hard for me. While being denied admission is a hard reality for high school seniors, the waitlist puts students in limbo. There are many amazing, bright, and talented people who are never taken off of our waitlist.

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: As previously mentioned, reading applications for me is like having a conversation with the applicant. It’s about recognizing the strengths and areas of growth for an applicant and also being in tune with the goals of Johns Hopkins University as an institution. I like looking at the students through multiple lenses (a scholar, a roommate, a friend, a leader, etc.) to get an idea of who they are as a person while keeping in mind the institutional idiosyncrasies of Johns Hopkins University.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: I have a lot of favorite things about Johns Hopkins but the people are my most favorite. I think there is such a compelling mix of students, faculty and staff here that it makes a great place to work. This is of course augmented by our campus which gives students a great sense of place. Further, I think Baltimore has been pleasantly surprising as a city and community. Prior to coming to Hopkins I knew very little about Baltimore; however, having been here for a while now, Baltimore has truly captivated me as a citizen and city dweller.

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: I would probably be still figure skating professionally. Growing up in Canada I competed at the National level as a singles figure skater. I competed all throughout college and medaled at the US Figure Skating National Collegiate Championships before joining a professional company (Ringling Bros./Barnum & Bailey) and performing in Disney on Ice. I had a wonderful stay in the company and then retired to move on to graduate school.

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: This is a tough question as there are many issues.  I think issues of inequality in multiple disciplines pose large challenges to institutions.  This is an umbrella for issues such as high school funding, financial aid and opportunity discrepancies in a democratic, capitalist society.

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: I think traveling on behalf of Hopkins to Europe and Central America has been a wonderful experience and opportunity. It’s always great to meet families and students from far away countries who are interested in learning more about the undergraduate experience.

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?:

• Book - The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
• Movie - Water; Directed by Deepa Mehta
• Album:  The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill and RIOT! by Paramore

Introducing the Admissions Committee VIII: Daniel Creasy

Name: Daniel Creasy (a.k.a. Admissions_Daniel, the Hopkins Insider)

Territory: New England: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont

Education: Brown University - B.A. in Political Science

Johns Hopkins Start Date: August 2003

Years in Admissions: 10 years

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: Reflecting back, I can assure you I didn't grow up saying I wanted to work in college admissions, and at no time in college did I ever think of the field as a possible career. Just after graduating college though I became disinterested and disconnected from my two possible career tracks, political science and / or communications. Therefore I re-evaluated what my passions were and what professionally brought me joy, and at the top of the list was giving tours and helping the Admissions Office at my alma mater. So I applied for entry-level college admissions jobs, a University took a chance on me, and the rest is history.

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: I have always considered reading college applications as a series of individual conversations with high school students. As a proceed through each file the conversations can take so many directions. Each file can lead to so many emotions. I laugh ... I cry ... I am compelled ... I am disappointed ... I am surprised ... I am bored ... I am amazed. It is this range of emotions that motivates me to read file after file, and it has become what I truly enjoy. What I least enjoy though is the pressure that comes with reading so many files in such a short period of time.

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: I have anal retentive tendencies and many mock the way I read applications. Oh well, the process has worked for me for the past five years reading for Hopkins and I will not be changing. At the start of the week I alphabetize all the files I have to read for that week. Then I start and just read them as they come. During busy weeks I can never get to the end of my files, so I alternate each week reading A-Z one week and Z-A the next. As far as how I actually review the individual files I suggest reading these former blog entries: Ready, Set, Read!!! from November 2006, The Approach... from December 2006, and Three Months ... from January 2006.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: Without hesitation it is the current students. I have the true honor every year to work closely with a team of 20+ amazing students as part of the Admissions Advisory Board (the coordinators of Hopkins Interactive). Additionally, I try to remain connected with students I have recruited in the past and thankfully our office is always full of student workers, tour guides, student interviewers, etc. All in all, the students impress and impact me on a daily, almost hourly basis. I am constantly motivated with their intelligence, their maturity, their drive, their creativity, their diversity, and their engaging personalities. If not for the students I work with I am not sure I would have such a passion for my job.

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: I have always thought that if I didn't get bitten by the Admissions bug ten years ago, I probably would have stuck with some position in the media. Thankfully I didn't have to pursue that path as I know that was not the right road for me. If there was no such thing as the field of higher education, then my dream jobs would either be the play-by-play announcer for the NY Mets and the NY Islanders (I'm coming for your job Howie Rose) or an indie Hollywood screenwriter (Diablo Cody you are warned).

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: My colleagues have had wonderful answers about access and financial aid, of which I agree with completely. For a change of pace, my issue of choice (though I agree it is not the top issue) is the media's portrayal of the college admissions process. There are so many criticisms I have of how my profession is reported on in today's media. The emphasis on rankings, the sensationalism of competition, the focus on how Harvard / Yale / Princeton goes so goes everyone else, the failure to do actual research on subjects, and the belief that how things were in the past have only worsened in the present. The general poor reporting on the field of college admissions by today's media causes increased stress levels in today's applicants and their parents and leads to confusion about how everything actual does work. (I wish more reporting was done like in the Washington Post last February: The Hopkins Insider Hits the Front Page.)

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: It would be easy to mention the two national championships victories over Duke in the last four years by the Hopkins Men's Lacrosse team. However, personally my favorite memory so far is the day Hopkins Interactive launched and this Hopkins Insider Blog was born (December 12, 2005). This blog and the student's site had been a dream of mine since my second year in college admissions. I actually left the previous institution I worked for because I knew my dream would never be realized there. Hopkins and the Dean of Admissions, Dr. Latting, provided me with a lot of leeway and control in creating these sites, and for that I am truly thankful. We have improved on those initial days and will continue to in the coming months, and we have many more visitors to the sites now, but it was that launch date over two years ago that I will never forget.

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?: This is by far the hardest question on this survey. For those who know me well, I have a lot of opinions about movies, books, TV, albums, etc. But I thought long and hard and here are my answers:

• Book: Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime & Punishment. The characters, the story, the symbolism, the questions of duality and identity ... all are just so compelling. I have read the book four times and each time I get more out of it. Also, I would be remiss if I answered the opposite of this question too ... what book should all student NEVER READ before entering college -- The Catcher in the Rye. I could write a 1000 words about why this is the worst book ever, but I will move on instead.
• Movie: This is nearly impossible. It would be easy to say The Usual Suspects, my favorite movie of all time, but that wouldn't read go to the wording of the question. So I suggest all future college students see Crash before enrolling in college. This movie changed the way I though about issues of diversity and race, and as a student enters college they need to be aware of the broad range of questions related to those topics.
• Album: I can't narrow it down to one, so I will share five suggestions: U2's The Joshua Tree, The Cure's Disintegration, Foo Fighter's In Your Honor, Nine Inch Nail's Pretty Hate Machine, They Might Be Giants' Flood.

I hope you enjoy the updated pictures of my niece Lilly, and my dog Soze.

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A special treat to accompany this staff profile. For those fans of Admissions_Daniel (me!!!), check out the latest entry of our Hopkins Interactive Video Blog for a look inside my office:

Admissions CRIBS: Mason Hall Room 217

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And a second special addition to this profile. Avid readers of the Hopkins Insider blog probably know of my addiction to films and my love of Oscar night. Well this Sunday is the big night, and just like I did last year (And the Winner Is ...) I thought I would share with you all my Oscar picks.

In fact, below you will find not only my predictions, but also Soze's predictions. Every year Soze and I sit down and complete two Oscar ballots. My Oscar ballot is completed as if I was actually voting -- I select my favorites and who I think most deserves the "golden statue." Soze on the other hand selects based on who will most likely win. Yes we watch all the nominated films, we surf the Internet, we read Entertainment Weekly, and we track the Vegas odds. Soze is not only a talented dog but he is competitive and really, really, really wants to win those Oscar pools.

So without further adieu, enjoy Daniel and Soze's selections for the 80th Annual Academy Awards:

Best Motion Picture of the Year
Daniel's Pick: Juno (I actually thought all five films were fantastic this year, but personally Juno is the type of movie I love and was quite original.)
Soze's Pick: No Country for Old Men (winning the majority of Guild Awards usually leads to Oscar gold)

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Daniel's Pick: Daniel Day-Lewis (though he plays similar characters in other films, his acting carried an amazing film)
Soze's Pick: Daniel Day-Lewis (he's one almost all the other awards ... this is a run-away in my canine opinion)

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Daniel's Pick: Ellen Page (she captured the heart of the film and I am not sure any other young actress could have played Juno)
Soze's Pick: Julie Christie (Daniel is annoying me with his love for Juno, but I chose Julie because Oscar has a penchant for seasoned actors playing ailing individuals)

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Daniel's Pick: Javier Bardem (stole every scene of a well acted film)
Soze's Pick: Javier Bardem (like Daniel Day-Lewis, the clear front-runner)

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Daniel's Pick: Amy Ryan (I think it may have been the Boston accent, but she stole the film (Gone Baby Gone))
Soze's Pick: Cate Blanchett (Risk is rewarded)

Achievement in Directing
Daniel's Pick: The Coen Brothers (tough call because I am a huge Paul Thomas Anderson fan, but I think this is the best ever Coen's film whereas I think PTA has done better in some past films)
Soze's Pick: The Coen Brothers (best move = best director too)

Adapted Screenplay
Daniel's Pick: There Will Be Blood (I usually split the Director and Screenplay categories, and I will do it again this year)
Soze's Pick: No Country for Old Mean (I am predicting a big nights for the Coens)

Original Screenplay
Daniel's Pick: Juno (Diablo Cody's script is unique and unmatched)
Soze's Pick: Juno (Oscar usually rewards heavily nominated films not winning in other categories with this award ... so it is a battle between Juno and Michael Clayton. Juno earned more $$$ so I choose that one.)

Achievement in Film Editing
Daniel's Pick: Bourne Ultimatum (this movie should have been nominated for more - but just watch those fight scenes to reward the editors)
Soze's Pick: No Country for Old Men (editing awards usually match best films awards - so I go with that rule)

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Daniel's Pick: Ratatouille (great story and great animation too)
Soze's Pick: Ratatouille (Pixar wins again)

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
Daniel's Pick: The Counterfeiters (Holocaust films usually win)
Soze's Pick: The Counterfeiters (see what Daniel said)

Achievement in Art Direction
Daniel's Pick: Sweeney Todd (Tim Burton lavish scenes are amazing)
Soze's Pick: Atonement (Oscar voters love period pieces)

Achievement in Cinematography
Daniel's Pick: No Country for Old Men (for me the vastness of the cinematography really made this film)
Soze's Pick: There Will Be Blood (the same cinematographer is nominated for both No Country for Old Men and Jesse James, so he will split votes and help Blood win)

Achievement in Costume Design
Daniel's Pick: Atonement (I am being swayed by how beautiful Keira Knightley is)
Soze's Pick: Sweeney Todd (Oscar loves flashy)

Achievement in Sound Mixing
Daniel's Pick: Transformers (this is Kevin O'Connell's 20th nomination and he is never won -- come on, give it to him)
Soze's Pick: The Bourne Ultimatum (not going to happen for Kevin ... Bourne was a better received film)

Achievement in Sound Editing
Daniel's Pick: The Bourne Ultimatum (watching the film in Dolby surround sound was just amazing)
Soze's Pick: The Bourne Ultimatum (when films are nominated for both sound movies, the winner of one usually wins the other)

Achievement in Visual Effects
Daniel's Pick: Transformers (how could you ignore all those changing parts)
Soze's Pick: Transformers (most advanced effects needed)

Achievement in Makeup
Daniel's Pick: La Vie en Rose (the aging process was impressive)
Soze's Pick: La Vie en Rose (could Oscar really go to Norbit???)

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Picture (Original Score)
Daniel's Pick: Ratatouille (The music was memorable the most for me in this film)
Soze's Pick: Atonement (it just seems to be an original score type of film)

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Picture (Original Song)
Daniel's Pick: "Falling Slowly" from Once (this film should have been more nominated so it should at least win here)
Soze's Pick: "Falling Slowly" from Once (the Enchanted songs will knock each other out)

Best Animated Short Film
Daniel's Pick: I Met the Walrus (got to love Beatles films)
Soze's Pick: Peter & the Wolf (what the experts are saying)

Best Live Action Short Film
Daniel's Pick: The Tonto Woman (Elmore Leonard connection)
Soze's Pick: Tanghi Argentini (those experts are never wrong, right???)

Best Documentary Feature
Daniel's Pick: Sicko (not Moore's best, but interesting enough to win)
Soze's Pick: No End in Sight (Liberal Hollywood hates Bush)

Best Documentary Short Subject
Daniel's Pick: Freeheld (an amazing story well filmed)
Soze's Pick: Sari's Mother (I have no clue...)

Introducing the Admissions Committee VII: Matthew D'Agostino

Name: Matthew "Dag" D'Agostino

Territory: Pennsylvania and Virginia

Education: B.A. in Philosophy; M.A. in Latin American Studies (Anthropology track)

Johns Hopkins Start Date: I started at Hopkins in the summer of 2002, working at the Center for Social Concern, which is the volunteer/outreach office for students wanting to make Baltimore a better place. After five years there, I moved over to Admissions full-time in August 2007.

Years in Admissions: Less than one year.

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: My education and experience has been decidedly interdisciplanary, and it is the one other place (after my last job) on campus where I can bring my experience and interests together in a way that creates tangible change on campus. Ethics, philosophy, research, statistics, public speaking ... all are part of this job.

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: I look at applications like a historian reads archival materials: there is a mystery here, which is, "Who is this person?" and I want to find out, detective-style, as much as I can with the materials I have, with an eye toward improving those materials over time.

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: I hate sitting down, but it is the only way to do it. Close the door, turn out all lights except one, no music unless there are no words in it, etc. When I get tired, I get up and pace. I read applications the same way I eat my food: I save the best for last. I read the "facts" first, meaning the grades, stats, etc. After that, I feel that I have the freedom to put my whole brain into the more intangible parts of the application, such as the essay, or compare different parts of the essay in order to get an overall picture.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: People like learning here. Students are very self-motivated, and it shows.

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: Newspaper photojournalist or editor or ethnographer. Or, as my friends may hope, a baker.

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: Inequality is the biggest issue, in our society, in our Admissions pool, and in our ability to attract the best wherever they come from. As the nation becomes more disparate in terms of wealth, higher education can do a lot to increase equality of opportunity. But what effect will that have on the overall trend toward inequality? Higher education has a good perspective from which one can examine issues of inequality, even if all of answers are not to be found here.

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: When my professor (I used to go to grad school here) gave me back the third revision of my first graduate paper and told me, "Now this is a first draft." He made sure I learned what a real paper looks like, and more than that, what scholarship is about.

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?: Any book, movie, or album will do, as long as you read, watch, or listen to it at least 40 times, have learned 40 different things from it, and still love the book, movie, or album. Scholarship is about looking deeply, and any one experience doing so can teach you about how to apply it anywhere.

Introducing the Admissions Committee VI: Sherryl Fletcher

Name: Sherryl A. Fletcher

Territory: Midwest: Illinois, Michigan and Ohio

Education: Albion College - B.A. in Education and Studio Art; The University of Michigan - M.A. in Higher Education College Administration

Johns Hopkins Start Date: September 1996

Years in Admissions: 25 years in college admissions, 13 years in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and 12 years in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Johns Hopkins University

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: My Masters degree in Higher Education Administration was complimented by the work I engaged in within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Michigan. The combination of shaping university policy, daily interaction in student recruitment and selection / enrollment, and the depth of the profession of college admissions was an excellent match for my career goals 25 years ago.

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: Learning about the student in a comprehensive manner utilizing all of the supporting documents within the application is most enjoyable. I imagine the compressed time that we have to read many applications is the least enjoyable part of the reading process.

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: I tend to read applications in the office, when I can,  while my office door is closed such that I can fully concentrate on the applicant. I also use evenings and weekends at home as a quiet time to read.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: The academic and student life balance at Johns Hopkins University creates a very talented and diverse applicant pool. It is quite enjoyable to meet the students I have read so very much about when they enroll with us!

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: If my career were not in college admissions, I would be an architect working with colleges and universities as they implemented master planning processes.

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: Affordability for higher education is a top priority for many colleges and universities.

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: The top memory for me at Johns Hopkins is working with some of the best university colleagues in the nation, including a top notch and mighty group of Admissions Officers!

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?: I would suggest that every high school senior spend some time reviewing some of the best high school papers that they have written. Papers for English and History classes, which have supported their development of their own value system and ideas, would provide a foundation for who they are at present and who they hope to become during their four undergraduate years. My son, a college freshmen, did a bit of this during the summer before his freshman year and it not only provided time for reflection but time to think in advance about the many opportunities that he hoped to find in a college setting.

Introducing the Admissions Committee V: Jameel Freeman

Name: Jameel Freeman

Territory: Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia

Education: The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - B.A.s in Political Science and African American Studies

Johns Hopkins Start Date: August 2005

Years in Admissions: 8 total (undergraduate and graduate)

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: I come from a family of educators, so I grew up on high school and college campuses. As I matured through college with the assistance of wonderful mentors, a career in higher education became my passion. From starting out in the field of Graduate Admissions to my work now in Undergraduate Admissions, there remains the strong desire to take an active role in selecting and mentoring some of the best and brightest students at Hopkins.

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: The most enjoyable part of reading college applications is the fact that every single applicant is different. Each application has a different story, different values, different traditions, different goals. The least enjoyable part is the reality that every college and university has to face: there are always so many more great students than we can unfortunately admit to each class.

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: I tend to begin with the personal side of the application starting with the essay, the resume, and the letters of recommendation. I look for students who have something to say and a reason for wanting to be part of the Hopkins community. Students can't go back and change their grades (at least I hope not!), or SAT/ACT scores, those are concrete numbers that will always be there. But during this entire process, students have full control over their voice and personal experiences and I want to hear what they have to say.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: My favorite thing about Hopkins has to be the students, faculty and staff. I've always been impressed and amazed by the wonderful leadership, academic contributions, and sense of community Hopkins has nurtured. To be able to work here and see first-hand how Hopkins continues to build on these accomplishments makes me proud to be apart of the Hopkins family.

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: If I weren't working in Admissions I would probably be: teaching US History at the high school level, enjoying my work as a Political Analyst, or continuing my dream of one day becoming an ESPN SportsCenter Anchor.

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: The most pressing issue in my opinion concerning Higher Education currently is access. There are so many students who are repeatedly left behind in school systems across the country that just need proper guidance from people who are genuinely interested in their success. Finding a effective way to get to those students is the most pertinent issue in my opinion.

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: I don't really have a top memory, there have been so many great stories!

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?: In my opinion if I was FORCED to choose one in each category,

• Book - To Kill a Mockingbird
• Movie - Glory
• Album - Michael Jackson's Thriller (though none of today's applicants were born when it came out ... it is a true CLASSIC!)

Introducing the Admissions Committee IV: Rachel Cowan Jacobs

Name: Rachel Cowan Jacobs

Territory: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, U.S. Virgin Islands, and most International regions

Education: Columbia University - B.A. in American History with a focus on American race relations; M. Ed. in Counselor Education from University of Virginia

Johns Hopkins Start Date: September 2003

Years in Admissions: 12 years

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: I have always valued a college education and the college experience.  When I was going through my college search process, I was also deeply intrigued by the mechanics of what the admissions staffs at the various schools I visited were doing. I decided that I wanted to be a part of that process: bringing in the right group of high school grads to any given institution.

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: I love getting to know each applicant through the different components of the application. I feel as though I have expanded my own horizons by meeting so many different people through the paper pages.  Least enjoyable part?  Sitting in the same position for hour after hour.  Get me to a yoga class!

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: Reading from home, I want to be relaxed when I confront my pile of apps, with no known distractions waiting for me (like my dog, wanting to go for a walk).  My ability to concentrate is fierce, so I can read for hours without taking a break.  I structure my day in chunks of time so that when it’s break time, I give myself so many minutes and get a lot of things done.  Then, when I return to reading, my mind is clear and relaxed, and I’m ready to tackle the next stack.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: The people.  From students to staff to prospective applicants, for me, it’s all about the people. They make the atmosphere pleasant and rewarding.

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: I think I’d want to be a trainer for guide dogs.

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: This is a tough one because there are so many different angles to answer this question from.  Wearing an admissions officer hat, my answer is the rising cost of attendance and how to make it affordable for more students.

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: At Commencement in 2005, I met Al Gore. That was very cool.

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?: Too many choices!

• Book - A current Atlas of the World
• Movie - Fantasia
• Album - Free to Be You and Me

Introducing the Admissions Committee III: Shannon Miller

Name: Shannon Miller

Territory: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon (doesn't get much better than that!)

Education: Gettysburg College - B.A. in Spanish

Johns Hopkins Start Date: August 2005

Years in Admissions: 2 years

Why did you choose to enter the profession of College Admissions?: At Gettysburg, I spent almost all of my free time in the Admissions Office: giving tours, coordinating day and overnight visits, answering phones, working the front desk, interning. You name it, I did it. When it came time to graduate, I realized I really loved the work I did there and thought that Admissions would be a great place to start after graduation.

What is the most enjoyable part of reading college applications? And the least enjoyable part?: Most Enjoyable – Finding an applicant that really wows you! I love getting an applicant that I’m excited about – not only do they get lots of stars on their decision sheets, but I will also run to another counselor’s office or call another counselor to tell them about the applicant. Even better is when you find that the student you loved actually enrolled and he or she stops by to visit you! Least Enjoyable – By far, evaluating the GPAs for the students – Math and I are NOT friends.

What is your personal approach to reading an application?: My favorite place to read is at home on my couch. I start off by evaluating all of the GPAs for the applications I am going to read for the day…that means anywhere from 40-60 GPAs!! I find that I don’t enjoy math, and it generally slows me down, so I can go quicker if I get the GPAs out of the way first. I then sort my applications randomly into piles of 10. After each set of 10 I complete, I do some sort of activity – go for a run, bake cookies, watch an episode of Will and Grace, eat cookies…you get the idea.

What is your favorite thing about Johns Hopkins University?: By far, the students. I work with the tour guides here, and my favorite part of the day is when they come in to tell me stories about what they are up to, a project they are working on, something they’ve done in the city. They are without a doubt, the highlight of each day. Oh, and I love the taco salad in Levering Food Court.

If working in College Admissions wasn't an option, what would you be doing as an occupation?: Event Planning – I totally get sucked into shows like “Whose Wedding is it Anyway” and would love to be the one helping to plan the big day. Not to mention all the cake testing you get to do!!

In your personal opinion, what is the top issue facing the field of higher education currently?: Financing Your Education – With the increase in tuition from year to year, this can be a real pain. I think that if you can get into a college, they should find a way to help you pay for it.

What is your top Johns Hopkins University memory to date?: Stuffing acceptance letters. Right before we mail in the end of March, the staff and some of our students get together to stuff our acceptance packets. It is a great time of year because we all get a chance to relax, and talk about how excited we are about the incoming class

What book, what movie, and what album should all students have read, watched, and listened to before enrolling in college?:

• Book – I LOVE CRAB CAKES! – If you’re headin to Bawlmore hon, crabcakes are going to be your new best friend.
• Movie – This is a tough one, but I would say an essential before you go to college is Animal House.
• Album – Bon Jovi’s Cross Road – Yes, I’m from Jersey!