Sylvester already knew of Ladd through her mathematics articles in Educational Times, which he had read in England before coming to the United States, and so he requested that the University admit Ladd even although entry was not in general open to women. Ladd was admitted to Johns Hopkins in 1878 on the condition that she only attend lectures given by Sylvester .
Sylvester na alam ng Ladd matematika sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga artikulo sa Educational Times, kung saan siya had read sa England bago darating sa Pilipinas, at kaya siya hiniling na ang University admit Ladd kahit na kahit na entry ay hindi sa pangkalahatang bukas para sa mga kababaihan. Ladd ay natanggap sa Johns Hopkins sa 1878 sa kondisyon na siya lamang ang dumalo sa lektura given by Sylvester.