Duke University vs Johns Hopkins University

Duke University is the more selective of the two at 6%, versus 6% at Johns Hopkins University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Duke University
Most selective
6%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1570
Private · North Carolina
Johns Hopkins University
Most selective
6%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · Maryland

Duke University vs Johns Hopkins University: the differences that matter

How Duke University and Johns Hopkins University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Duke University and Johns Hopkins University are almost equally selective (6% vs 6%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Duke University leans more on application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities, while Johns Hopkins University puts more weight on class rank, standardized test scores. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Duke University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1570 and Johns Hopkins University's is around 1560. Admitted students at Duke University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorDuke UniversityJohns Hopkins University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankconsideredimportant
Standardized test scoresimportantvery important
Application essayvery importantimportant
Recommendationsvery importantimportant
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantconsidered
Talent / abilityvery importantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Duke University or Johns Hopkins University harder to get into?

Duke University is harder to get into, with a 6% acceptance rate versus 6% at Johns Hopkins University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Duke University and Johns Hopkins University?

Duke University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1570, and Johns Hopkins University's is around 1560.

What are my chances at Duke University and Johns Hopkins University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.