JHU Engineering Innovation: What's it like?

I've been thinking about applying to the JHU Engineering Innovation program. I wanted to hear some student experiences - what's the program like, is it worth it and how has it impacted your future decisions? Please share your insights!

From what I've gathered, the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Engineering Innovation program is generally considered quite valuable and rigorous. It offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into engineering principles through lectures, lab work, and project-based assignments.

The curriculum reportedly covers a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, biomedical, and electrical engineering. Students rave about the hands-on experience they get with labs, which includes dissecting a computer hard drive and designing circuits. It's a crash course into the life of an engineer, involving both individual and group work.An unique feature of the program is the 'bridge project.' Students have to design and construct a bridge model using only spaghetti and epoxy glue. These models are then evaluated for their understanding of engineering principles, along with their strength-to-weight ratio. This project is often cited as a high point of the program.

As for influencing future decisions, the program is known to provide students with clarity on whether or not pursuing an engineering path in college is a good fit for them. Many students find that their exposure to, and engagement with, the wide array of engineering fields in the program help them to refine their interests and identify a specific discipline that they would like to dig deeper into. However, It's worth noting that the program is quite intensive and requires a substantial time commitment, so be prepared for that if you decide to apply. It might not leave much time for other summer activities.

Keep in mind that colleges won't necessarily see this program as a deciding factor during application review. While such programs can certainly enhance your understanding of the field, it's important to continue pursuing engineering during the school year, such as by joining a robotics club or competing in science fairs, to demonstrate consistent interest and involvement.

Knowing whether this program is right for you largely depends on your own personal and academic interests, and how much you value gaining hands-on experience in the field of engineering.