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Johns Hopkins University | JHU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Identity short response.

Tell us about an aspect of your identity (e.g. race, gender, sexuality, religion, community, etc.) or a life experience that has shaped you as an individual and how that influenced what you’d like to pursue in college at Hopkins.? (This can be a future goal or experience that is either academic, extracurricular, or social).

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompts and Advice

August 23, 2024

In the most recent admissions cycle, Johns Hopkins University admitted approximately 7.6% of applicants into the Class of 2027. As a school that rejects thousands of applicants each year with 1500+ SATs and impeccable transcripts, those hoping for a positive result at JHU need to find additional ways to shine in the eyes of the admissions committee. The Johns Hopkins supplemental essay is one such opportunity.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Johns Hopkins University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Johns Hopkins  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Given that 19 of every 20 RD applicants to Johns Hopkins University are ultimately unsuccessful, you need to do everything you can to stand out amidst a sea of uber-qualified teens from around the globe. Through its one mandatory essay prompt, Johns Hopkins University’s supplemental section affords applicants an opportunity to highlight what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is Johns Hopkins’s supplemental prompt for the 2024-25 admissions cycle. Additionally, you’ll find our tips on how to write a winning composition.

Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Prompt

How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives or skills—and what you want to pursue at hopkins (350 word limit).

JHU is inviting you to share more about your background/identity/community through the lens of how that will impact your experience at the university. Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity

Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essays (Continued)

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew.

You’ll then need to discuss how your background/identity/experiences have influenced what you want to pursue at Hopkins. As such, think about what you learned/gained and how it relates to one of your academic, social, or extracurricular college goals. For example, perhaps growing up in Northern California has made you passionate about post-wildfire ecosystem restoration, which you hope to pursue further through Johns Hopkins’ environmental science program. Or, perhaps your experience as a tutor has made you interested in The Tutorial Project , or the discrimination you watched your sibling face after revealing their gender identity has informed your desire to be part of initiatives like the Safe Zone Program .

To that end, be sure you address how you will take advantage of Johns Hopkins’s immense resources. These resources could be inside and/or outside of the classroom. You can accomplish this by citing specific academic programs , professors , research opportunities , internship/externship programs , study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.

How important are the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays?

Johns Hopkins University considers six factors “very important” in evaluating a candidate. The essays are among them. In addition to the essays, Johns Hopkins gives the greatest consideration to the rigor of one’s school record, GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, and character/personal qualities.

Want personalized assistance?

Are you interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced essay coaches as you craft your Johns Hopkins essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for more writing resources? You might consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

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2 Successful Johns Hopkins Essay Examples

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. Known for its strong foundation in research, the world-renowned teaching hospital (Johns Hopkins Hospital) and Undergraduate Research Awards Program provide opportunities for students to get hands-on experience during their time at Hopkins.

Since Johns Hopkins is a highly selective institution, you’ll need a strong essay to better your chances of acceptance. Let’s take a look at the prompt, and how one student answered it. After, we’ll break down what’s working well, and potential areas for improvement. 

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Johns Hopkins essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt:  Founded in the spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests, and pursue new experiences.  Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)

My fingers drummed across the table at a rhythmic pace. The musical beat played the chords of my growing anxiety. I ignored the triumphant cheers from the other groups as I held my breath waiting for our results. 

My shoulders fell as a wave of defeat accompanied the empty screen. The only thing that arose was the doubtful thoughts belting in my head. 

“I’m wasting so much time.” “Do I not have what it takes to be a scientist?”

The contrast of my dark skin and bright lab coat was noticeable in the laboratory. Yet, the white coat stayed on as I continued jotting my observations in my lab notebook. An array of different colored beakers decorated my workstation along with many pipets. For the duration of my eight-week internship, my partner and I had to extract DNA with PCR primers and show its dilution through gel electrophoresis. If done correctly, the DNA bands will appear on the imaging scanner. In other words, we had to grow resilience.

Along with our increasing failed attempts, our resilience began to blossom. Despite setbacks, our endeavor’s brought us closer to the scientists we worked with. “Success doesn’t come easy, if it did then it wouldn’t feel successful” one of our directors lectured. With those words, an inferno ignited as I put on my lab coat once again, eager to continue my attempts. By the seventh week, we were back in the imaging room awaiting our results. I held a pencil in one hand and my notebook in the other keen to note any areas of improvement. Surprisingly, the screen presented our DNA with zero contaminants. My heart skipped a beat as my face grew sore from my grin, eyes glued to the rows of perfect DNA bands– I felt successful. 

This kind of prosperity attracts me about Hopkins,– a victory that is met with consistent labor. Being America’s first research university shows the resilience and dedication it takes to make the world a better place. I would like to be a part of this trajectory by working with Dr. Bastian and her fascinating investigation in advancing our understanding of the genetics of inherited neurological and psychiatric diseases. At Hopkins, I can continue experiencing success along with a community of like-minded people.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay does a fabulous job of conveying this student’s feelings through descriptive imagery. We understand their initial anxiety when they say “ My fingers drummed across the table at a rhythmic pace ” and “ I held my breath waiting for our results. ” Then, when they provide their internal dialogue second-guessing themselves, we understand their anxiety stems from self-doubt and a lack of confidence. We’ve barely begun the essay, and we have already learned so much about this student.

The student uses their lab coat as a symbol throughout the essay, bringing an extra layer of depth, nuance, and maturity. While it originally makes them feel out of place, “ The contrast of my dark skin and bright lab coat was noticeable in the laboratory, ” as they grow more comfortable and resilient, they welcome it with pride: “ With those words, an inferno ignited as I put on my lab coat once again, eager to continue my attempts. ” Using an object as a proxy for their feelings is a beautiful way to convey their growth and demonstrate their talent for story-telling.

Because this essay tells a story of how a student overcame a personal obstacle, we see so much of their character shine through. This student didn’t just limit themselves to discussing their interests, but really hit the nail on the head when it came to showing how it has shaped them, by framing their response in the manner of an “ Overcoming Challenges ” essay. This is a good example of not boxing yourself into one essay archetype just because that’s what the prompt asks for. Make sure you address the prompt in full, but don’t be afraid to elevate your essay with elements of other essay archetypes.

What Could Be Improved

Although this essay does a very nice job sharing who this student is, it could have used more elaboration on who they hope to be at Hopkins. Not addressing the school until the final paragraph makes it seem like an afterthought. As much as admissions officers want to know who you are, they also want to know how you will fit into the campus community. Therefore, it is a better idea to integrate resources and opportunities the school offers throughout your essay, rather than saving it for the end. 

They could have compared the professor they want to work with to their inspiring director who taught them about success and mused over what life-changing tidbits Dr. Bastian will share. They could have mentioned a class that covers the nuances of DNA imaging that they hope to take to understand what their perfect bands of DNA mean. Maybe there is a club on campus for scientists of color that they want to join to collaborate with people to fully conquer their self-doubt.

There are many different opportunities that this student could have weaved through their essay to truly demonstrate how they would fit seamlessly into Hopkins, without sacrificing the descriptive narrative they have crafted about themselves.

Essay Example #2

As I stretch the rubber band to touch the edge of the cardboard strip, the fingers curl. I release the elastic, watching as the joints, made of popsicle sticks, relax successively. Finally, my project is ready. In the Biomedical Engineering section of the GAMES camp at the University of Illinois, we were asked to construct a prosthetic arm that could grip and move a block of clay. After hours of meticulous redesigning, I crafted a successful prototype and became obsessed with using engineering to tackle challenges in medicine.

The following summer, I explored bioengineering on a cellular level at the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, where a project on limb regeneration sparked my interest in biomedical research. I eventually pursued hands-on research experience with the USC Biomechanics Research Lab. In my project, I apply scientific principles to running to prevent stress-induced injuries in athletes. By analyzing video frames of PAC-12 athletes in motion and linking them to force plate data, I create videos and graphs for analysis. Comparing this data to athletes after a stress fracture, I observe differences that increase susceptibility to injury, ultimately improving the health of athletes using engineering.

From these experiences, I grew interested in majoring in Biomedical Engineering at Hopkins, where I find a distinct focus on hands-on learning. I am particularly excited to participate in design projects in the course “Rehabilitation Engineering Design Lab”. The uncommon structure of this course will allow me to design a medical device to fit the needs of patients with disabilities, which will then be analyzed in rehabilitation centers. Through this real-world approach to learning, I will strengthen my teamwork skills and address modern medical issues, furthering my interest in Biomedical Engineering through first-hand exploration.

As a top-tier research institution, Hopkins will also provide me with ample opportunities to explore my curiosities and build on my research experience from the USCBRL. In the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, I hope to work under Dr. Marilyn Albert in discovering new treatments for dementia. I became interested in neurological research when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As I watched her diagnosis progress, I became curious about the underlying biological mechanisms behind her decline and wondered how biomedical research could prevent neurodegenerative disease. In this lab, I will tie my personal interest in neurological research to my passion for improving medicine through engineering, making Hopkins the ideal place to explore my interests.

This essay starts off with a strong hook:  “As I stretch the rubber band to touch the edge of the cardboard strip, my fingers curl.” This is intriguing, as the reader is urged to continue following the action of the scene and piece together what this student is passionate about.

The student uses personal examples, like their experience at the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Institute and their grandmother’s Alzheimers, to make their passion for their intended area of study clear. It’s important to do this, to create a purposeful essay that speaks to who you are and why you are choosing a specific area of study, career path, and university.

The student moves back and forth seamlessly between their own personal life, and their plans for studying at the university. The writer always connects their life to their collegiate identity : for example, in the third paragraph it says “From these experiences, I grew interested in majoring in Biomedical Engineering at Hopkins, where I find a distinct focus on hands-on learning.” This narrative structure results in an engaging essay.

A major weakness of this essay is how broad it is. With a more general prompt like this that asks you to “share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you,” students often make the mistake of trying to convey their whole life story, and this student fell into that trap a bit. 

Rather than telling us about the GAMES camp, the Stanford Institute, and their grandmother’s diagnosis, this student could have tightened up the essay by choosing one of their deepest fascinations and delving into how they will explore that particular interest at Hopkins.

They could include one strong, detailed anecdote, rather than squeezing in two or three that aren’t flushed out. There would be a central idea running through the essay that makes it very easy for the reader to appreciate what this student cares about, why they care, and how they plan to act on their interest in college.

It’s okay to not address multiple facets of your personality and interest in an essay—in fact, it’s usually preferred! Admissions officers will still understand the complexity of your personality from other parts of your application, but your essay will provide them with much more insight if it is focused and detailed, not a broad summary.

Where to Get Your Johns Hopkins Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Johns Hopkins  essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Advising

• Incoming Transfer Students
• Incoming First Years
• Current Undergraduates
• Graduating Seniors Transcript Instructions
• Transfer Courses FAQ

At Johns Hopkins, there are many offices dedicated to helping transfer students succeed. Our academic advising offices understand that transfer students may have questions and concerns and aim to make their transition to Hopkins an easy one. We carefully consider each transfer applicant’s history of college courses and are pleased to provide a preliminary credit assessment.

Preliminary Transfer Credit Assessment

As a transfer applicant, you will receive a preliminary transfer credit assessment from JHU Admissions. The preliminary assessment is not an official or final evaluation and is subject to change. The role of the preliminary assessment is only to provide assistance in making your enrollment decision. If you decide to accept admission to JHU, an official credit evaluation will be completed.

Completing Your Transfer Credit Evaluation

Once you decide to accept admission to JHU, you will have an official transcript evaluation.

To finalize your transfer credit evaluation:

• Go to SIS > Registration > Online Forms > External Course Request Form. Fill out the form and press Submit.
• Your name, your JHU email, your year of study, and six-digit Hopkins ID.
• The name of the host institution and where it is located. This is the institution where you wish to take the course.
• The course name at the host institution.
• The course number at the host institution.
• The course credits assigned by the host institution.
• The calendar system at the host institution: semester, quarter, or units system.
• If this course is a science course, does it include a lab embedded in the lecture course?
• Provide an electronic syllabus for each class you wish to have evaluated.
• For all math and chemistry courses , you must provide an electronic topical breakdown for the course. If a topical breakdown is not already in the syllabus, please have it available to add to your request.
• All students will be notified by email regarding your request for approval. This process could take longer than expected.
• All students, including graduating seniors, should request that an official electronic transcript be sent directly to [email protected] . The preferred mode for the official transcript to be sent to JHU is electronic, however we understand that not all colleges and universities offer their official transcripts to be sent via secure email transmission. Therefore, if the institution requires you to provide a US Postal address (for paper transcripts) please use the address provided below: Johns Hopkins University, Office of the Registrar: 3400 N. Charles Street, Garland Hall, Suite 75. Baltimore, MD 21218

Writing Intensive Designation

You may receive up to 6 credits writing intensive designation for courses that have already transferred. You’ll find more details on the guidelines for writing intensive credit, how to request this designation and the link to the request form here: Transfer Courses FAQs

AP/IB/GCE Exams

• To receive credits for AP/IB/GCE, you must submit official score reports to JHU.
• JHU does accept some AP exam credits, but not all. The best resource for a new student to review on this policy is in the University Catalogue. The External Credit Policies page of the catalogue addresses AP credits. There is a lot of pertinent information on this page so please read it in its entirety to be sure you understand if and how your AP credits can be utilized toward your undergraduate degree.
• If you enter the university with AP/IB/GCE credits for a specific course and then take an equivalent course offered by the university, your AP/IB/GCE credits are disallowed.

Johns Hopkins University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

Johns Hopkins University 2024-25  Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 350 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives or skills—and what you want to pursue at Hopkins? (350 word limit)

JHU is purposefully leaving this question super open-ended, so you can write about any facet of your background, interests, or personal values that has been most integral in shaping who you are. Admissions also wants to know how this aspect of your life experience has impacted what you want to gain from attending Hopkins. Start by thinking about what makes you you . You can write down some words that you would use to describe yourself or work backward by thinking about what you hope to pursue at Hopkins, then consider how that relates to your character, perspectives, or skills. Maybe you dream of becoming a surgeon specializing in gender-affirming operations, combining your interest in science and medicine with your passion for helping members of the trans community. Perhaps you don’t know what you want to major in yet but hope to expand your horizons at JHU as a first-generation student, bringing what you learn back home to share with your family and community. As long as you put aside time to brainstorm freely and edit meticulously, we’re confident you’ll impress admissions with your response!

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6 Outstanding Johns Hopkins Essays That Worked for 2024

To get into Johns Hopkins University in 2024, you'll need to make sure your essays that help you stand out.

You may know that John Hopkins releases essay examples every so often.

And in this article, I've gathered 6 additional incredible Johns Hopkins essays from admitted students.

Whether you're a student or parent of an applicant, get inspired and real insight into JHU admissions.

What is John Hopkins University's Acceptance Rate?

Getting into Johns Hopkins is difficult. Last year, over 37,150 students applied to Johns Hopkins and 2,407 were admitted.

That means Johns Hopkins had an overall acceptance rate of 6.5%, or in other words about 1 in 15 students get admitted each year

Johns Hopkins Acceptance Scattergram

Luckily, if you want to maximize your chances of getting into Johns Hopkins, your essays make sure you have your best chance of acceptance.

For top schools like Johns Hopkins, your essays matter more.

What are the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

This year, Johns Hopkins requires applicants to write one essay of 300-400 words in response to its writing supplement question.

Here are the Johns Hopkins writing supplement prompts for this year:

• Founded in the spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests, and pursue new experiences.

Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)

6 Additional Johns Hopkins EssaysThatWorked

These are 6 additional Johns Hopkins essays that worked written by admitted students. Here you can read their essay examples and see how they got accepted.

I've also included some Common App essays written by admitted JHU students.

• 1. Runners Take Your Marks
• 2. Percussive Marching Arts
• 3. Constance Care Center
• 4. Governor's School of Science
• 6. Glowing Blob

#1. Johns Hopkins Supplement Example: Runners Take Your Marks

Prompt: Successful students at Johns Hopkins make the biggest impact by collaborating with others, including peers, mentors, and professors. Talk about a time, in or outside the classroom, when you worked with others and what you learned from the experience. (300-400 words)

"Runners take your marks, get set, collaborate?"

When one attempts to characterize the sport of cross-country, the term 'teammates' rarely comes to mind. More commonly, the activity is associated with words such as 'champion' or 'competitor', both singular nouns. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine the extent of my surprise when, stepping into my first-ever cross-country practice as a lanky ninth-grader, I witnessed the sense of camaraderie present among the more established members of the team. Despite my acknowledgement of these runners as teammates, I held my opposing views of cross-country and of collaboration at the poles of my mind, convinced that the two were terminally incompatible. Stubbornly clinging to this black-and-white philosophy, I carried it with me throughout the season's inaugural meet, unaware of the burden that such a dichotomous perspective created. Instead of tuning into the motivated cheering of coaches, I tuned into the laborious pumping of my arms, resultant of the intensity of the race.

Opposed to focusing on the changes in pace effected by my teammates, I chose to focus on the chafing around my ankles, resultant of an ill-fitting pair of racing spikes. Intent of ensuring my own success, I willfully ignored the reality that, although my teammates were assuming the role of rivals, my teammates were simultaneously assuming the role of collaborators, purposefully striving to ensure the success of one another. Consequently, the competing teams engaging in cooperative conduct similarly happened to be the teams with the greatest overall achievement at that first meet.

While witnessing the success of collaborative teams certainly set into motion a transformation of my polarized perspective in regards to cross-country, the true catalytic factor materialized itself as the interactions carried out between my teammates and I. As the season progressed, and as I gradually gained awareness of the team's nuanced character, I noticed that the strengths of one teammate served to supplement the weaknesses of another. Where one teammate may have fallen short on rhythm near the conclusion of a race, for example, another teammate would provide a blazing final 'kick'. Equipped with a transformative understanding of team dynamics, I ultimately came to realize that cooperative achievement arises not from compromise, but rather from the constructive amalgamation of distinctive individual qualities.

As I toe the starting line of an undefined future, I will undoubtedly carry these indelible lessons with me throughout the entirety of life's most daunting race.

#2. Johns Hopkins Supplement Example: Percussive Marching Arts

There is something intimate, almost profound, in mirroring the movements of about 14 people around you.

From paralleling the idiosyncrasies of a vibraphone player’s smile to the nuances of a marimba player’s wrist movements, it is difficult to achieve total nonverbal communication in a band’s front ensemble. The result, however, is an infinitely rewarding one; the visual mosaic we design — whether inside the confines of a gymnasium floor or on an expansive stretch of turf on a football field — is akin to the aural one we create as well. This tapestry, while ostensibly uniform, is woven with the gradations of every player’s physical form, their quirks quickly adopted by the whole ensemble.

Indeed, pantomiming and performing become one in the same in the stationary percussive marching arts. This mimicry demands a sacred conviction that every player will commit to maintaining the mosaic that we’ve worked so hard to build. The tense moment when each player waves his or her mallets above the board permits no hesitation; there is no room to confirm the camaraderie between players before striking the keys. We are forced to trust that everything will fall into place, and the tapestry will unfold as it should to captivate our audience.

I’ve learned a lot from playing mallet percussion across the ensembles offered at my school, but the most important thing I’ve learned is to relax, and allow the hours me and my peers have put into rehearsal take their course. I am a notoriously anxious person, obsessed with precision and perfection. Performing is anything but precise; it’s fluid and expressive. When the drum major counts off, I cannot worry about my stance behind the board, or if how much torque I am applying to the first stroke is the same as the person next to me. I must be unapologetically confident.

The faith that I’ve cultivated in my peers in creating this musical tapestry has translated to an increased faith in myself and my own abilities. No longer am I afraid to explore new talents, or take intellectual excursions into fields unbeknownst to me. I am free to teach myself anything, from the entirety of Claude Debussy's works on piano to the John Cena theme song on recorder. Indeed, contributing to something greater than myself has fundamentally changed who I am for the better.

#3. Johns Hopkins Common App Essay Example: Constance Care Center

Common App Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (250-650 words)

Why This Essay Works:

This student uses vulnerability in admitting that they held preconceived notions about the elderly before this experience. The quote introduces these preconceived notions well, while the description of how this student got their job in the care facility is also engaging.

Admission officers love to see your interactions with others. Showing how you interact reveals a lot about your character, and this essay benefits from reflecting upon the student's relationship with a particular elderly individual.

What They Might Improve:

It is good to be descriptive, but only when it supports your expression of ideas. In this essay, the author uses adjectives and adverbs excessively, without introducing new ideas. Your ideas are more important than having a diverse vocabulary, and the realizations in this essay are muddled by rephrasing similar ideas using seemingly "impressive," but ultimately somewhat meaningless, vocabulary.

This essay touches on some interesting ideas, but on multiple occasions these ideas are repeated just in different phrasing. If you have already expressed an idea, don't repeat it unless you're adding something new: a deeper context, a new angle, a broadened application, etc. Ask yourself: what is the purpose of each sentence, and have I expressed it already?

It's true that almost any topic can make for a strong essay, but certain topics are trickier because they make it easy to write about overly used ideas. In this essay, the main idea can be summarized as: "I realized the elderly were worthy humans too." It touches upon more interesting ideas, such as how people can be reduced down to their afflictions rather than their true character, but the main idea is somewhat surface-level.

#4. Johns Hopkins Common App Essay Example: Governor's School of Science

#5. johns hopkins personal statement example: riddles.

Common App Prompt #6: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? (250-650 words)

As I was going to St. Ives, Upon the road I met seven wives; Every wife had seven sacks, Every sack had seven cats: Cats, sacks, and wives, How many were going to St. Ives?

The riddles of life were not as straightforward as the puzzles in my books and websites. In fact, they were not straightforward at all, like winding mazes of philosophical quandary.

One of the most thought-provoking subjects that preoccupies my mind regards the existence of aliens. Initially, my mind was settled on the possibility of intelligent life. A universe so big could not possibly be lifeless.

As for the solution to the riddle at the start:

How many were going to St. Ives?

This essay does well by having a unique central topic—riddles—which allows the author to draw out interesting ideas related to this theme. Your topic doesn't necessarily need to be profound or hugely significant, because this author shows how you can take a seemingly unimportant topic and use it to make meaningful connections. In this essay, riddles grow to represent something greater than the activity itself, which is something you can do with almost any topic.

One of the most effective ways to "show, not tell" is to use specific and tangible examples. This essay does a great job of exemplifying their ideas. Rather than just saying "I enthralled my friends with questions," the author also shows this: "Over peanut butter and sliced ham, I assumed the role of story teller..." Examples are always more convincing because they are proof, and allow the reader to interpret for themselves. Don't tell the reader what you want them to think. Instead, set up moments that guide the reader to come to those conclusions themselves.

This conclusion connects back to the beginning, which is generally a good idea as it creates a cohesive structure. However, this ending doesn't quite make sense in the context of the riddle. Rather than creating new meaning, it comes off as arbitrary and contrived. Make sure your conclusion isn't creative just for creative-sake, and instead also has significant meaning attached to it.

#6. Johns Hopkins Personal Statement Example: Glowing Blob

Common App Prompt #7: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. (250-650 words)

The diamond leaves of gnarled oak trees throw spectrums of color onto mounds of frosty snow that gleam melancholily under the moonlight. The leaves chime as wind violently rustles them in a haunting melody. I splinter a leaf off its branch and inspect the shard of my illusion, eyes dancing with amusement.

As I dwell in my worries, a cold hand reaches from behind me and taps my shoulder.

I jerk away, fear bubbling in my amygdala as I look into the nonexistent eyes of my intruding visitor.

The moon illuminates a blob of pink squish as it draws back slowly, points its spindly hands towards my drink and asks: “Could I have some of that?”

The blob wipes its invisible mouth with its nonexistent sleeve. I ask: “What are you?”

The blob tells me to stop looking at it so suspiciously. “I can prove it,” It says. I tell it, please, go ahead.

Suddenly we are back in the glowing forest. “Diamonds? Pah!” The blob dismisses them. Instantly, the leaves turn solid gold, the snow melts, and the wintry world is thrown into a blistering summer.

The blob laughs heartlessly. “Your cortex is under my control,” it says smugly.

“I heard you had a question for me?” It taps its invisible ears knowingly.

The blob wriggles its invisible brows as it waits.

It smiles that wicked smile. It laughs that sinful laugh. Then that insufferable blob wakes me up.

As I sit up in the dark and rub my bleary eyes, I am vaguely aware of the deep­set unfulfillment settling itself inside me. I yawn and plop back into bed, the soft red glow of my alarm clock indicating that it is still before midnight.

One thing is for sure about this essay: it has a unique idea that has surely not been written before. Regardless of your topic, you want your essay to be unique in some way, even if it isn't as fantastical as this essay. You can use a unique structure, such as having central symbolism, metaphor, or being structured as a recipe, for example. But this can easily become "gimmicky" if it doesn't have a clear purpose. In general, the most effective way to have a unique essay is to focus on having deep and unique ideas and reflections. By focusing on interesting takeaways and connections that are ultra-specific to you and your experiences, your essay will standout regardless of the structure.

This essay uses a lot of fiction-like writing that is fantastical and "flowery." Although moments of this kind of writing can make your essay more vivid, it is quite easy to end up with dense storytelling and descriptions that ultimately don't share anything interesting about you. The purpose of your essay is ultimately to learn about you: your values, your ideas, your identity, etc. By using dense story-like writing, it can be easy to lose focus of what admissions officers are looking for. In general, avoid writing "fancy" stories like this essay, unless you have a clear and distinct purpose for doing so. Everything in your essay should have a purpose in "going somewhere" (i.e. reaching interesting ideas and takeaways).

This essay is definitely creative, but lacks meaningful takeaways and ideas. By the end of the essay, we don't know much about the author besides the fact that they have an affinity for creative writing and are "on a search." Although the content is unique, the end result comes off as quite generic and surface-level because no interesting thoughts are explored deeply. The most interesting part of this essay is "I open my mouth and ask it my most crucial question," but this is super unsatisfying because the question is never divulged. Instead, the reader is teased by this fantasy story and the essay goes nowhere meaningful, which comes off as gimmicky and "creative for creative's sake," rather than deeply personal and interesting.

This essay ends on the idea of "continuing my search," but for what exactly? It is never explained, elaborated, or even implied (besides one reference to painting earlier). That makes this conclusion comes off as somewhat surface-level and uninteresting. Admissions officers won't care about "your search" unless they have a reason to care. That is, unless it tells something specific about you. On it's own, this idea of "exploring" and "searching" is meaningless because it is too broad and unelaborated.

What Can You Learn From These Johns Hopkins Essays?

If you're trying to get into Johns Hopkins University this year, you'll need to write essays that help you stand out and get accepted. These 6 examples of Johns Hopkins essays that worked show how real students got into JHU in recent years.

In this article, you can read and learn from essay examples responding to the Johns Hopkins writing supplement for 2024 as well as successful Common App personal statements .

Let me know, what did you think of these Johns Hopkins essay examples?

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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What do outstanding essays have in common? Here are our 23 most effective strategies based on lessons from admitted students.

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Peabody Institute

Site navigation, undergraduate application instructions, bachelor of music, bachelor of fine arts, and performer’s certificate, requirements and deadlines.

Additional Information

• Make sure to answer “Yes” for the application to Double Degree question in order to be considered.
• Make sure you ALSO apply to JHU through the Common or Coalition apps. You are only required to pay one application fee. Click through the link above for details.
• Those who have applied but are not admitted to the Double Degree program will automatically be considered for the Directed Studies Minor.

Once you have started your application, you can save your progress and return to your application at any time.

When you have completed your application, you will be able to review and submit it before paying the application fee of $120. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed or scheduled for an audition/interview unless we have receive the application fee. If you feel that you qualify for an application fee waiver, please email  [email protected]  with your request.

After submission you will not be able to make changes to the application itself, but you will be able to edit your portfolio through your application status portal.

Recommendation Letters

You will be asked to submit email addresses for three people who can speak to your performance ability. These people will automatically be emailed with instructions on how to electronically submit their recommendation. While you must submit these email addresses by the application submission deadline, your recommenders will have until the following deadlines to submit their recommendations:

If you want to change your recommender or their email address after submitting your application, please contact the admissions office at  [email protected] .

Teacher Preference – BM or PC

You are strongly encouraged to list studio teacher preferences on your application if applicable.  These preferences have no bearing on the consideration for your admission to Peabody and are not shared with the faculty prior to your audition. Composition, Computer Music, and Music for New Media do not offer teacher preferences at this time. Composition studio assignments are made during the decision process, and Computer Music studio assignments are made post-enrollment.

Studios can fill up quickly, especially in the larger departments, so we recommend listing 2 to 3 different faculty choices for areas of study that have multiple studio faculty. If you have any questions about teacher assignments, please contact the admissions office at  [email protected] .

Biographies are listed alphabetically  here , or you can find their information on the department’s specific page under  Area of Study . More information can be found on our  FAQ page .

Test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS)

Domestic applicants (sat/act).

• Recording Arts, Music for New Media, and Computer Music applicants: although SAT and ACT scores are  not  a requirement, scores of ≥700 on the math portion of the SAT and ≥32 on the ACT are typical of students who are successful in these programs.
• We may request test scores if you are  homeschooled  or enrolled in a non-traditional or online secondary school program.
• Double Degree  applicants  should review the  JHU Admissions page  for answers to questions about their  testing requirements .
• If you decide to self-report SAT/ACT scores, you will be asked to submit official scores upon making an enrollment decision. If you do not wish to submit official scores, we recommend that you not self-report any scores either.
• SAT code is 5532
• ACT code is 1730

If test scores are required for your program, your application will be considered incomplete after the posted deadline and we will be unable to make an admission decision.

International Applicants (TOEFL, IELTS)

• We do not accept the Duolingo English Test.  We are now accepting the TOEFL iBT Home Edition if Covid-19 policies in your home country have prevented you from taking the TOEFL at a test center.
• Students enrolled for two years or longer at a school in which English is the primary language should submit a transcript from this school and do not need to submit an English proficiency test score.
• Test scores maybe self-reported on the application but verified test scores must be submitted to Peabody through their respective testing agencies by the deadlines below. Peabody’s TOEFL School Code is 5532.
• We do not accept the TOEFL “My Best Scores”.

If we do not have an official score by the posted deadlines, your application will be considered incomplete and we will be unable to make an admission decision.

High School Transcripts

Please submit your official high school (and college, if you are transferring credits) transcripts to Peabody Admissions directly from the institution.

• Official transcripts are required of all applicants and should include a cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the institution to Peabody. Any transcripts sent or submitted by you (the applicant) will be considered unofficial.
• You may upload unofficial transcripts to your application, but note that official transcripts will be requested prior to rendering an admission decision.
• Classes that are in progress for which you have not yet received grades should be included.
• We strongly recommend sending official transcripts through an official electronic channel (Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, etc). 
• If you are accepted and choose to enroll at Peabody, you must request that your school send a hard copy of your official final transcript with a conferred graduation date by July 1. Without an official final transcript, you will be unable to enroll in classes at Peabody.
• Double Degree  applicants only need to submit transcripts to JHU.
• International applicants  are required to upload an official English translation of all transcripts.

Repertoire List (BM, PC)

Upload a representative list of the repertoire you have studied in your major instrument or area. If your major is Composition, Music for New Media, or Computer Music, list your own works with instrumentation. Please indicate any repertoire performed in public with an asterisk (*). Piano or Voice applicants must upload a complete repertoire list.

Composition

• Auditioning prospective BM students should be fully conversant in the reading and writing of music.
• BM candidates are expected to demonstrate some knowledge of 20th century music, including post-war music (music written since 1945).
• Scores consisting of a variety of instrumentations are strongly encouraged. For BM candidates an orchestral score is not required.
• Please be sure to clearly indicate the names of the compositions.
• Acoustic performances are strongly encouraged but not required. MIDI performances are acceptable.
• Instrumental proficiency is not required but strongly encouraged.

Computer Music

Each applicant to the Computer Music program will submit a Portfolio along with other Application materials by the submission deadline. This portfolio should include 3-4 musical items that best represent the applicant. These items could be any of the following:

• Compositions made by the applicant
• Demonstrations of electronic instruments the applicant has created or used in their compositions
• Arrangements of other work made by the applicant
• Collaborations made with other artists
• Video documentation of the applicant performing on their instrument

Music for New Media

Please submit a portfolio demonstrating creativity and an understanding of the fundamentals of composing music with software instruments. Must include detailed documentation about the compositional process and creative goals.

Foundations Benchmark Exam

Applicants who pass the pre-screening round for Computer Music, Music for New Media, and Recordings Arts & Sciences will be required to complete the  Foundations Benchmark  Exam.

The Foundations Benchmark Exam is a timed 30 minute examination that assesses your knowledge and speed in music fundamentals. Satisfactory performance on this assessment is one factor considered in the admissions process that will help contribute to admission to a student body poised for success at Peabody Conservatory.

Upload a short essay (one to two pages in length) in response to one of the following prompts:

• Describe your most memorable musical experience (or dance, for dance applicants).
• Choose a time that you encountered an obstacle, and describe what you did to overcome it.
• Please explain your academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and/or special/challenging circumstances, including but not limited to disabilities, low family income, first generation college student, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal or family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status.

Optionally (and in a separate document) we would like to hear about any personal or academic issues which might come into play as we process your application. Additional essay requirements for specific departments are below.

Music for New Media Applicants

Please upload an additional essay describing your background and how it led to your interest in music for new media. Include a description of current goals upon graduating with the degree.

Directed Studies Minor

The  Directed Studies Minor  allows Peabody students to earn the Bachelor of Music degree with a minor comprised of courses taken at other divisions of Johns Hopkins University. Students develop a Directed Study Plan that emphasizes a specific field beyond music. Basic requirements include:

• A minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission to the Directed Studies Minor
• You must have selected “Yes” on your application where asked if you are interested in the Directed Studies Minor
• Students may also apply or re-apply for the Directed Studies Minor at the end of their fourth semester of study, with the same admission requirements
• The initial plan must be submitted before the start of the fifth semester of study and be approved by the Chair of Liberal Arts
• Students may begin taking coursework toward a minor at any time
• Once admitted to the minor, students must maintain good standing in their major area and a 3.5 cumulative GPA

More information can be found here. You may wish to contact Peabody’s  Office of Academic Affairs  with any further questions.

Transfer Release Form

This is required for current undergraduate students applying to Peabody. If you wish to transfer to Peabody from another college where you are receiving financial assistance, and you wish to be considered for financial assistance at Peabody, you must complete a transfer release form and have it signed by the music executive at your current school. You can download this form  here . Please upload this form to your application.

Financial Aid

All applicants who complete an audition/interview are automatically considered for Peabody’s merit-based scholarships.

The FAFSA and CSS Profile submission is required for admission. Please note that you must submit the FAFSA if you wish to be considered for need-based aid such as work-study and grant aid. Please visit our  Financial Aid page  for more information.

Auditions/Interviews

What to expect at your audition/interview:

• The audition/interview typically lasts about 7-15 minutes, depending on your area.
• Accompanists are provided for voice auditions held at Peabody ONLY. Accompanists are not required for other majors, but you may bring one if you wish

Johns Hopkins Essays

<p>I was looking at Johns Hopkins essays and I’m really confused about their prompts. To me, they seem to be about the same topic. Here follow the topics:</p>

<ol> <li><p>Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 on a spirit of exploration and discovery. As a result, students can pursue a multi-dimensional undergraduate experience both in and outside of the classroom. Given the opportunities at Hopkins, please discuss your current interests (academic, extracurricular, personal passions, summer experiences, etc.) and how you will build upon them here. (300-500 Word limit)</p></li> <li><p>In your personal statement on the Common Application, you explained why you are seeking to transfer. Please explain in detail why you wish to transfer to Johns Hopkins University specifically (500 words maximum).</p></li> </ol>

<p>For me, my reasons for transfer are mainly that Johns Hopkins has a lot of research and good departments in the fields I’m interested. So that kinda fits into both topics. I feel like this might not be a problem just for me, as the topics tend to overlap a lot in general.</p>

<p>Any suggestions?</p>

<p>Thanks a lot </p>

<p>(I mean, not topic suggestions, but suggestions as to howto clarify the differences between both essays - maybe Im misunderstading something, etc.)</p>

<p>Gah, I hate those overlapping questions. I remember the essay questions for Brown were similar to those of Johns Hopkins that they just asked me similar questions worded differently. What I advise you to do in this case is to make one general and the other very specific. </p>

<p>For example, for the first question, discuss about your academic interest at length (make it longer than the half of the essay) and WHY YOU CAME UPON THAT INTEREST. You know about the rule of “Show not tell” right? Show them why you like the field of your interest so much (which is why you are trying to transfer, right?) and how your pursuit of higher learning in that interest of yours GIVE YOU NO CHOICE BUT TO TRANSFER TO JOHNS HOPKINS. What you need to stress here is that you NEED to transfer, not WANT to. </p>

<p>For the second question, then, discuss about very specific resources available at Hopkins (you need to do your own homework here) that fits perfectly to your interests, making Hopkins your first choice among many other schools. Go in depth about the resources in depth and show your passion. </p>

<p>That’s what I did for most of my applications, and although the results are not out yet, I made the strongest case possible. You don’t have to do exactly what I said, but that’s just my two cents. I hope you get in to Hopkins :)</p>

<p>Thats exactly what I did! Thanks for your help and good luck with Brown. (You are applying as a transfer to Brown, right?)</p>

<p>Yes, as a transfer! I am polishing my essays for Stanford and Penn for one last time right now. When I click Submit button for these two schools, one and a half months of painful waiting awaits :D. Good luck with your transfer admissions!</p>

<p>Good luck to both of you! I’m also applying as a transfer to Hopkins. Submitted last night and finalizing my last 2 apps. It’s nice to see some other people also applying to transfer to Hopkins because I haven’t come across anyone on the boards here for this cycle yet.</p>

Johns Hopkins University Essays that Worked

Johns hopkins essays – an introduction.

Writing college essays is one of the hardest parts of the college application process. If you’re wondering how to get into Johns Hopkins, you’ll want to start by familiarizing yourself with some Johns Hopkins essays that worked. These will help you approach the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays, one of the main Johns Hopkins requirements.

As you prepare to apply, reading Johns Hopkins essay examples can help you know how to structure your own essays. However, before we examine the Johns Hopkins essay prompts and Johns Hopkins essays that worked, let’s learn a bit more about Johns Hopkins . 

You might be drawn to JHU because you are impressed by the Johns Hopkins rankings.

According to U.S. News , Johns Hopkins ranks:

• #7 in National Universities
• #9 in Best Value Schools
• #1 in Biomedical Programs
• #13 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, just to name a few.

While the Johns Hopkins ranking may put the school on your radar, rankings won’t help you when it comes time to complete your Johns Hopkins application. And, as the Johns Hopkins rankings show, the Johns Hopkins application process is competitive . 

Before you apply, familiarize yourself with the Johns Hopkins application and Johns Hopkins requirements. This includes the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays. Keep reading to learn more about one of the most important Johns Hopkins requirements: the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays.

To help prepare you to write your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays, we have provided two Johns Hopkins essay prompts and four Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples . By looking at Johns Hopkins essays that worked, you can learn how to approach your own Johns Hopkins essay. 

Does Johns Hopkins have a supplemental essay?

Yes, one of the Johns Hopkins requirements is a supplemental essay.

In fact, the Johns Hopkins essay is one of the most important parts of your Johns Hopkins application. 

You should use your Johns Hopkins essay to highlight who you are as a student, person, and community member. Later in this article, we’ll look at four Johns Hopkins essay examples. These can help inspire you as you draft and edit your own essays.

Keep in mind that Johns Hopkins supplemental essays will look different for different people. However, like our Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples, your Johns Hopkins essay should highlight how you’d contribute to campus life. 

Depending on how strong of a writer you feel you are, writing your Johns Hopkins essay might feel like a challenge—but that’s okay! If tackling your Johns Hopkins essay feels daunting, you’re in the right place. We’ve selected our Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples to help you write an amazing Johns Hopkins essay.

How many essays does Johns Hopkins have?

Below, we will review multiple Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples. We”ll also look at Johns Hopkins essay prompts from past years. However, this year, there is only one supplemental Johns Hopkins essay . Still, remember that you will submit two essays as part of your Johns Hopkins application. These include your Personal Statement and your Johns Hopkins essay.

As you prepare your Johns Hopkins application, give yourself enough time to write both your Personal Statement and Johns Hopkins essay. As you’ll see from our Johns Hopkins essays that worked, writing a compelling essay is no easy feat.

Just like writing your Personal Statement, writing your Johns Hopkins essay takes time, brainstorming, and editing. We hope our Johns Hopkins essays that worked help you learn how to tackle the Johns Hopkins essay prompt.

Now, it’s time to jump into the Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples. Before we break down our Johns Hopkins essays that worked, let’s look at this year’s Johns Hopkins essay prompt.

Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essays

Before you can write a great Johns Hopkins essay, you need to understand your prompt. One of the first things Johns Hopkins admissions will consider when reviewing your essay is whether you addressed the prompt. Our Johns Hopkins essays that worked each show off who the writer is, but always in service of the prompt. Keep this in mind as you begin to write. 

The Johns Hopkins essay prompt has changed over the years. So, make sure you always check the admissions page or the Common App for the current prompt. While our Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples may not reflect this year’s prompt, they can still help you write your college essays.

Here is the current Johns Hopkins essay prompt:

Founded in the spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests, and pursue new experiences. Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)

This prompt is extremely open. The main topic of your essay is “something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you.” This could be anything. so feel free to get creative.

Don’t forget about the second part of the prompt: “how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins.” The second half of this prompt implies that you should be specific about what you want to do/accomplish/learn at Hopkins. Then, connect your goals at JHU back to what you’ve shared about yourself .

Johns Hopkins Essay Examples

Next, let’s dive into our Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples. To help you get started on your Johns Hopkins application, we’ll take you through four Johns Hopkins essays that worked. 

Reading past essays can help give you an idea of how to approach the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays. Each of our four Johns Hopkins essay examples respond to one of two prompts from past Johns Hopkins applications. 

While our Johns Hopkins essay examples respond to prompts from past years, they are still helpful. Additionally, this year’s prompt is quite open-ended. So, you can still apply tips from our Johns Hopkins essays that worked to your Johns Hopkins essay.

Johns Hopkins Essay Examples: Prompt #1

Let’s look at our first Johns Hopkins essay prompt. Note that this prompt is quite similar to the current prompt, so our Johns Hopkins essay examples will likely have a lot in common with successful essays for this coming year. However, this year’s Johns Hopkins essay prompt is more open-ended, asking students to share anything about them they’d like to share with Johns Hopkins admissions. As a previous iteration of this same prompt, this Johns Hopkins essay prompt asks students to specifically discuss their interests.

Our first two Johns Hopkins essays that worked respond to the following prompt:

Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 on a spirit of exploration and discovery. As a result, students can pursue a multidimensional undergraduate experience both in and outside of the classroom. Given the opportunities at Hopkins, please discuss your current interests (academic, extracurricular, personal passions, summer experiences, etc.) and how you will build upon them here.

The second part of each Johns Hopkins essay prompt is also a slight variation on the other. This prompt asks you to describe how you will continue to pursue and develop your interests should you be admitted to Johns Hopkins.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the nuances of this prompt and how it might impact our Johns Hopkins essays that worked, let’s look at the first of our Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples.

Johns Hopkins Essays that Worked #1

Since childhood, mathematics and science had some special magic for me. The mathematical numbers and formulas and the scientific experiments always fascinated me. This interest turned into my passion when I started doing hands-on projects for Science Olympiad in middle and high school and also engineering projects in high school. My quest for engineering is based on the creative application of mathematics and science which can be applied with judgment, rigor and creativity to develop and design new or better ways to utilize materials, technologies and the forces of nature for the benefit of our society.

I am particularly interested in Environmental Engineering discipline. Presently earth’s environment is being put under constant pressure for improvement. I have made many trips to India with my parents and found out how the natural resources are still immensely underutilized and how these natural resources, along with the engineering principles and design, can be leveraged in order to improve the quality of lives of common people all around the globe. My goal in life is to transform knowledge, experience and resources that I can gain through an engineering program at a leading institution like Johns Hopkins University into technologies that can be incorporated into products and services which in turn can fulfill these necessities. During my trips to rural India, one of the sights that particularly drew my attention was the state of the waste-water and how its quality can be improved with the help of water treatment technologies. Instilled with this idea, I have read many research articles in the journal called “Environmental Science & Technology”. I found few research articles that were emphasizing how to prevent nitrogen related impairment of waste-water quality. Researchers are honing in on the specific bacterial genes that are responsible for nitrous and nitric oxide formation in the waste-water. Their goal is to “engineer” this process so that these genes can not be properly expressed, thereby preventing the nitrogen related impairment of the waste-water quality. 

Recently I have also gone through some research work of one professor from Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences. His research focuses on environmental microbiology and engineering with an emphasis on the fate and transport of pathogenic microorganisms in water, food, and environment. This work includes extensive laboratory based research designed to develop and evaluate molecular detection methods which can be applied to field-based investigations. This type of research work always fascinates me. In future, as an engineer, my passion will be to carry out further research work in a field like this which can fulfill the necessities of the vast majority of people in this universe.

Why This Essay Worked

This is one of our Johns Hopkins essays that worked because it discusses a unified current interest—environmental engineering—through a variety of lenses. This writer showcases their passion through their extracurricular activities , their experiences traveling with their family, and the ideas they’ve explored outside the classroom. Then, they detail specifics about Johns Hopkins that relate to their interests. This includes the work of a professor they admire.

The first of our Johns Hopkins essay examples includes a lot of detail. In reading it, you get a clear sense of who the writer is, what they care about, and how they’d engage with JHU. They also cite a specific professor’s work, whose name has been removed in order to preserve anonymity in this article.

While the writer spends a lot of time discussing scientific concepts, their engagement with these concepts highlights their intellectual curiosity. In doing so, the first of our Johns Hopkins essay examples makes a strong case for the writer’s admission.  

The essay is organized chronologically. It begins in childhood, then moves through middle and high school. It then addresses the writer’s personal experiences connecting to the larger world. Finally, it extends to what this student hopes to do at Johns Hopkins and in their future post-graduation. 

As you’ll see in our other Johns Hopkins essay examples, there are different ways to approach organization. However, make sure your essay has a strong beginning and a conclusion that builds to a clear final point.

Let’s take a look at the second of our Johns Hopkins essay examples for this prompt.

More Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Examples

Johns hopkins essays that worked #2.

Essay Title: Statements of Justice

“She’s a mulatto, right?”

Why did he use that word to describe me? Is that all he sees? I am so much more than that.

“Can any men in the classroom help me carry this?”

Am I weak because I am a woman? Does designing and building a staircase and ramp not qualify me to carry boxes down the stairs? My strength is not directly derived by your perception of women, thank you very much.

“You don’t talk black.”

What does that even mean?

Statements. Underhanded questions and observations that I’ve heard my entire life. They made me question who I truly am. Then Trayvon Martin was killed. It was the first national event in my memory that exposed the injustices in our justice system, and the shadow of racism I naively thought no longer existed. I began coming to terms with the harsh reality that these comments were merely a reflection of the continuous legacy of discrimination in this country.

I struggled, over many long days and sleep deprived nights, thinking about who I am and where I fit in this seemingly endless fight towards equality. I wanted and needed to find a way to heal the injustices in our system. Such atrocities include the corrupt criminal justice system, the de facto segregation, the inequitable educational opportunities, the 80 cents for every dollar a man makes. And I want to be a part of the movement that changes it all.

I began working to alleviate some of these issues in both Greensboro and Dallas. In peace and conflict, I began working towards making positive statements. I attended a rally that supported equal access to education and ending voter discrimination through unfair laws. I became involved in advocating for Planned Parenthood. I participated in volunteer work to beautify my city and encourage people to pursue their education and future careers. My favorite was teaching reading and math to children in low income communities.

John’s Hopkins is located in Baltimore, a city that has grappled with the frustrations of racism. I want to continue pursuing my passion for equality and justice with Hopkins at my side. I want to practice justice by participating in the on campus Black Lives Matter protests and peaceful protests throughout Baltimore. I want to love mercy by being a part of Hopkins organizations such as the Tutorial Project. I want to walk humbly as an example of a strong, biracial woman. A woman that kids across Baltimore, and one day even across the country can look up to and say “I want to be like her one day.” John’s Hopkins is the place where I can promote equality and justice while also exploring my passion for science, math and engineering. It is the place where I will continue practicing my resolve to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Hopkins is the place where I want to help end the injurious comments and begin a legacy of statements that emulate justice.

We chose to include this as one of our Johns Hopkins essay examples because of how powerful this student’s vulnerability is. This essay does a great job of connecting the pursuit of knowledge to how we build community and fight injustice in the world. In reading the second of our Johns Hopkins essay examples, you get a clear idea of what the writer cares about. You also can imagine how they would use their education for the greater good. 

This essay has a particularly strong beginning and end. It opens with an attention-grabbing series of revealing questions and answers that tie into this writer’s final word on what they hope to accomplish at JHU. Without feeling like a list, this writer also touches on their many extracurricular and volunteer work . They also discuss the organizations they hope to join on campus .

If you want to read more Johns Hopkins essay examples, you’re in luck. Keep reading for another Johns Hopkins prompt and more Johns Hopkins essays that worked.

More Johns Hopkins Essay Examples

Next, let’s move on to our second batch of Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples. These Johns Hopkins essay examples respond to another past Johns Hopkins essay prompt.

While these Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples may seem like our previous Johns Hopkins essay examples, it’s important to note the differences between this prompt and the current Johns Hopkins essay prompt.

The next set of Johns Hopkins essays that worked respond to the following prompt: 

Successful students at Johns Hopkins make the biggest impact by collaborating with others, including peers, mentors, and professors. Talk about a time, in or outside the classroom, when you worked with others and what you learned from the experience.

From this prompt, you can expect the next two Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples to touch on specific instances of teamwork and collaboration with others. This prompt is much more specific than the current prompt. However, thinking about a question like this can give you insights as to how you like to work with others and how you might do so at Hopkins.

There are two kinds of group work. The first is your proficiency group work where there is a task to be done and a leader simply divides the work among the group and it gets done in a fraction of the time it would take an individual. The second is work without a defined end goal. This means that work can’t simply be divided; it has to be first created by the group members and then their finished products have to be joined together by the group.

In my aerospace engineering major, there is a project that we did at the end of freshman and sophomore year. It was a high altitude balloon launch. This project took us about three weeks to plan out and follow through on each year. The first time, it was a basic launch, and we had to create a payload with temperature and altitude sensors as well as a Geiger counter, a GoPro, and a GPS tracking signal. Everything except the GPS and camera was created through an Arduino. We all worked well together, but it was a very rigidly drawn out project. We were given exactly what to do and we just did what we were told in a collective fashion by dividing the world up randomly and following instructions.

The second time we did our project it was slightly more complicated. We had all of the previous items: camera, GPS, etc… But, we were allowed some freedom in the set up this time. We added a 3D printed camera frame so that we could generate a 3D video by having one go pro face each direction.  I added music too; I used a greeting card music speaker and attached a string to the trigger which we pulled on launch. Overall the project became more detailed and more complex, but still successful. In part, this was due to our experience. But, the most of the improvement was because we were able to express our individualism. We combined our own personalities to create a greater teamwork than just dividing up the work.

No one really knows the answer to everything. So, when you have the possibility to incorporate multiple perspectives in a group instead of focusing on one dominant perspective it increases the likelihood of success. Overall, it increases the enjoyment in the work because everyone can express themselves and their ideas are heard. 

Like other Johns Hopkins essay examples, this essay focuses on a specific personal experience. This is one of our Johns Hopkins essays that worked because it translates an experience into a nuanced narrative.

The important thing to note in this essay is how the writer’s perspective comes through. The writer stresses that collaboration without a defined end goal leads to expressions of individualism. They also discuss how different perspectives increase the likelihood of success—a perspective that aligns with Johns Hopkins’ values.

Remember, our Johns Hopkins essay examples are not models you should copy your essay off of. Instead, think of them as blueprints designed to show you how to approach the prompt. Feel free to explore different ways to respond to the prompt and make your essay your own.

Back in middle school, there was nothing greater than the battle of the sexes. The competition seemed to transcend the classroom and appear in all environments. One of the most prominent instances is during a school-provided game show: boys vs. girls.

The game show was set up in two sets. In the first one it was the 8th graders (my grade) vs the 7th graders, and the second was an 8th grade battle of the sexes. This competition would be the first chance that we could actually quantify which sex was “better”, so the competition was taken very seriously. Since it was middle school, everyone was eager to participate, but in order to win we needed to strategize. Trying to settle down the group wasn’t easy, but after a couple of minutes I got all of the girls to be quiet and listen to my plan. My plan was to only send those skilled in each category to participate. At first some people didn’t want to agree, but then they realized that was the only way to win. For the academic categories, the girls who took honors classes went up. For sports categories, the athletic girls went up. For the teamwork categories, a group of cohesive close friends went up. For the artistic games, all the music and arts girls went up. The boys caught on to our strategy, but it was too late in the game for them to catch up. We overwhelmingly beat the boys and never let them live it down.

Before this game show, although the girls were always fighting with the boys, we were actually really divided amongst ourselves. Since there was no unity, it was easier for the boys to attack us and wear us down. However, our victory in the game show changed everything. We realized that teamwork was the only way for us to be strong and truly be “better” than the boys. From that point on, us girls remained united and used teamwork to defeat the boys in every opportunity we had. Anytime I have a great task to handle, I remember this instance in order to battle through the differences in the group and work together with others. Unity and teamwork are values that I adore dearly and I know they will be significant on my pathway to success.

This is the last of our Johns Hopkins essays that worked, and it takes a different approach than some of our other Johns Hopkins essay examples. This essay rounds out our Johns Hopkins essay examples because it demonstrates multiple facets of the writer’s identity. However, it still centers around the prompt’s topic of collaboration.

The writer highlights a moment of leadership where they took charge of their group. They describe how they created a game plan and got everyone on their side. Then, they show how this experience built community, uniting the girls despite their differences. Finally, they reflect on their personal growth. In doing so, they highlight how they plan to carry this lesson with them into the future.

These Johns Hopkins essay examples may have a narrower focus than what you might write for this year’s prompt. However, they still show how important specificity is to storytelling. By including specific details, you keep your reader engaged and excited about what you have to say.

Does Johns Hopkins care about essays?

Yes, your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays are extremely important to your application. As they review your application, Johns Hopkins admissions wants to understand who you are and what you will bring to campus.

Your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays are a terrific opportunity for you to demonstrate your academic passions through three facets, including your:

• Academic character
• Impact and initiative
• Personal contributions

Check out the Johns Hopkins Application Information page to read more about how the admissions team will review your application. This can also help you learn how to demonstrate your academic passions in your Johns Hopkins application.

However, keep in mind that your Johns Hopkins essay isn’t the only part of the Johns Hopkins application. Johns Hopkins reviews all applications holistically, meaning all of the Johns Hopkins requirements impact your admissions decision. While our Johns Hopkins essay examples are strong in their own right, you can also expect that they complemented an otherwise strong Johns Hopkins application. 

Along with your supplemental essay, the Johns Hopkins requirements include:

• A completed application (either the CommonApp or the Apply Coalition on Scoir)
• Secondary school report
• Two teacher evaluations
• Mid-year report

Due to the continued impact of Covid-19, Johns Hopkins admissions has decided test scores will remain optional . So, the Johns Hopkins requirements do not include SAT or ACT scores. If you are planning to submit test scores, remember that they are no replacement for your Johns Hopkins essay. 

How do you write a Johns Hopkins essay?

All strong Johns Hopkins essays start with research. Like the writers of our Johns Hopkins essay examples, you should decide what you hope to get out of JHU. So, don’t fixate on statistics like Johns Hopkins rankings. Instead, learn about what Johns Hopkins values in both their students and community.

Then, give yourself a complete writing process. Set aside time to brainstorm , work through different topics/ideas, and get your first draft down on paper. Once you have a draft, it’s time to edit , rewrite, and finally proofread. If possible, try to get your “final” draft complete a week ahead of the deadline. That way, you’ll have time to set it aside for a few days before you make your final edits. 

Highlight your personal narrative

You’ve seen some great narratives shine through in our Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples. So, as you can tell, there are many ways to approach the Johns Hopkins essay prompt. Remember that your Johns Hopkins essay isn’t the only essay JHU will receive—the Johns Hopkins requirements also include your Personal Statement. So, think about how your Personal Statement and Johns Hopkins essay will play off one another. As you draft, consider how they both feed into your personal narrative.

Your Personal Narrative is the overall story your application tells to an admissions officer. When crafting your application, think about the overarching themes in your application. Then, look at how they connect to who you are and what you hope to bring to Johns Hopkins’ community. 

Fit your essay with your narrative

If you’ve already chosen a topic for your Personal Statement, think about how your Johns Hopkins essay fits into that narrative. Each of your essays should reveal something compelling and complex about you. As we look at each of our Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples, we’ll take note of what we can learn about the writers of each essay and what Johns Hopkins admissions would have appreciated about it.

Our Johns Hopkins essay examples weren’t written overnight, so don’t plan on writing yours last minute. If you’re here reading through our Johns Hopkins essay examples, you’re likely already in a good place to start crafting your own.

Other Resources on Johns Hopkins University

There’s no secret formula on how to get into Johns Hopkins or how to write an essay like our Johns Hopkins essays that worked. So, make sure you do some research. Get a feel for the school and learn more about what they offer. This can be more helpful than you realize when it comes to writing your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays.

In addition to our Johns Hopkins essay examples, CollegeAdvisor.com has tons of great resources to help students learn more about Johns Hopkins. Check out our Johns Hopkins college page for an overview of the school, our how to get into Johns Hopkins guide , and our Johns Hopkins University panel .

For more resources on how to make your essays as strong as our Johns Hopkins essays that worked, check out our masterclass on editing your essays and advice from an admissions officer on making your essays shine . 

Johns Hopkins University Panel

Johns Hopkins Essays that Worked direct from Johns Hopkins Admissions

If you want to read more Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples, make sure you check out Undergraduate Admissions Johns Hopkins essays that worked. This year, they have six Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples written by students from the class of 2025, so there’s no shortage of Johns Hopkins essay examples for you to review.

These Johns Hopkins essay examples can be a great supplement to those provided above. The admissions committee nominated each Johns Hopkins essay to be made available to future applicants as Johns Hopkins essays that worked. In each essay, applicants reveal something important about their experience and how it has shaped their character and values. In turn, they show how their values align with the values and culture at Johns Hopkins.

For even more Johns Hopkins essay examples, check out the 2023 Johns Hopkins essays that worked and the 2022 Johns Hopkins essays that worked.

Johns Hopkins Essays that Worked – Final Thoughts

We hope our collection of Johns Hopkins supplemental essay examples has given you a better idea of what to expect when it comes time to write your own! Remember, these Johns Hopkins essays that worked are meant to inspire you. Your own essays don’t need to look just like our Johns Hopkins essay examples—in fact, what matters most is that you tell your own story. 

Once you’ve read through our Johns Hopkins essay examples, be sure to check out all of the resources available through Johns Hopkins and CollegeAdvisor.com. Happy writing!

This article was written by Stefanie Tedards. Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  CollegeAdvisor.com  can support you in the college application process.

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Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

The Johns Hopkins supplemental essays 2023-2024 are a critical application component as admissions become increasingly competitive. These essays offer a window into the applicant’s personality, aspirations, and intellectual vitality beyond what can be gleaned from grades and test scores.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Johns Hopkins Have?

Navigating the college admissions landscape can often feel like deciphering a complex code with multiple layers. However, for those setting their sights on Johns Hopkins University (JHU) during the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, the path is marked by a singular yet profound essay prompt.

In a decisive move, JHU has streamlined its supplemental essay requirement to one pivotal question . This prompt arrives at significant legal and societal shifts following the Supreme Court’s ruling in June against race-based admissions.

Johns Hopkins has crafted a question that acknowledges this new terrain and invites applicants to engage in a reflective discourse on race. This singular essay is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a community of diverse perspectives and experiences while adhering to the latest legal standards.

Why is the new prompt important?

The new prompt for the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays 2023-2024 is critical because it invites students to discuss the intersection of their identity and their educational journey. In today’s globalized world, understanding and appreciating the multifaceted nature of identity is crucial.

Johns Hopkins acknowledges this by asking applicants to share how their unique backgrounds have shaped their perspectives and aspirations. This prompt signals that the university values diversity in all its forms and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

It also allows the admissions committee to identify students with both the academic qualifications and the personal experiences and insights that can contribute to the rich, intellectual environment at Hopkins.

What is the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay 2023-2024?

The new supplemental essay prompt for the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays 2023-2024 invites applicants to engage in a reflective exercise that is both introspective and forward-looking.

Tell us about an aspect of your identity (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, religion, community, etc.) or a life experience that has shaped you as an individual and how that influenced what you’d like to pursue in college at Hopkins (This can be a future goal or experience that is either academic, extracurricular, or social. 300-word limit).

Candidates are asked to identify and discuss a specific element of their identity or a pivotal life experience that has significantly influenced their development. The prompt goes further, seeking to understand how this aspect of their identity or experience will inform and shape their ambitions within the academic, extracurricular, or social spheres at Johns Hopkins University.

This 300-word limit challenge is not just about self-expression; applicants request to connect their past and present to their potential future at Hopkins, thereby providing a narrative arc that binds their story to the university’s community and values.

How to write the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay 2023-2024?

Writing the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay for 2023-2024 is an exercise in introspection and storytelling. This essay is your chance to unveil a slice of your identity or a defining life experience, connecting it intricately with your aspirations at Hopkins.

Your goal is to paint a picture that links your past experiences and identity to your future at Hopkins naturally and compellingly. This requires self-awareness and understanding of what Johns Hopkins offers and how it aligns with your goals.

Understanding the prompt

The critical components of the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays 2023-2024 prompt hinge on two main elements: identity and influence. Applicants must first pinpoint an aspect of their identity or a life experience that carries significant weight in their narrative.

This could encompass a wide range of topics, including but not limited to race, gender, sexuality, religion, or community. The second component requires students to reflect on the impact of that identity or experience.

This is where the introspection turns outward — how has it prepared them for college? How does it drive their future goals? The prompt demands a synthesis of personal history with academic and extracurricular aspirations while demonstrating a clear link to how these elements will continue to evolve at Johns Hopkins.

Brainstorming your response

• Identify Key Elements of Your Identity : List aspects like race, gender, religion, or community. Reflect on how these have shaped your perspectives and actions.
• Significant Life Experiences : Think about pivotal moments in your life. This could be a challenge you overcame, a considerable achievement, or an event that changed your outlook.
• Academic Influences : Consider experiences that have shaped your academic interests. Was a class, teacher, or project ignited a passion in a particular field?
• Extracurricular Activities : Reflect on any extracurricular activities that have been meaningful to you. How have these activities contributed to your growth?
• Social Interactions and Community Involvement : Consider your role in your community or social groups. How have these experiences influenced your worldview?
• Future Goals at Hopkins : Brainstorm how your identity and experiences could influence your future at Hopkins. What do you want to achieve academically, extracurricularly, or socially?
• Connecting the Dots : Finally, find the threads that bind these elements. How do they come together to paint a picture of who you are and what you aspire to be at Johns Hopkins?

Structuring your answer

When structuring your answer, start with a compelling hook – a vivid snapshot of a moment or experience that epitomizes the aspect of your identity or life experience you’re focusing on. This could be a narrative, a poignant observation, or a reflective statement.

The introduction should grab attention and subtly hint at how this aspect or experience has shaped you. In the body of your essay, delve into the details. Describe the background or part of your identity with depth and introspection, focusing on how it has influenced your perspective, values, and goals.

Use specific examples and anecdotes to bring your story to life. This is where you show, rather than tell, the admissions committee who you are. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative thread.

In the conclusion, tie everything back to Johns Hopkins. Explain how your experiences and identity have prepared you for and influenced what you want to pursue at Hopkins. This is your chance to demonstrate self-awareness and understand how Johns Hopkins can be a platform for your future growth. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression, reinforcing your unique perspective on the Hopkins community.

Remember, clarity and conciseness are key – every sentence should serve a purpose in advancing your narrative and showcasing your fit for Johns Hopkins.

How to Demonstrate Fit at Johns Hopkins?

Demonstrating fit at Johns Hopkins in your supplemental essay involves more than just expressing your desire to attend; it requires a thoughtful connection between your journey and what Johns Hopkins uniquely offers.

Your essay should communicate how you see yourself engaging with and benefiting from these aspects of the university, creating a compelling narrative of mutual benefit.

Why Personal Experiences or Aspects of Identity Make Johns Hopkins the Ideal Place for Academic and Personal Growth

Your experiences and aspects of your identity are crucial to illustrating why Johns Hopkins is the ideal place for your academic and personal growth. For instance, if you have a background in community service, you might connect this to Johns Hopkins’ strong emphasis on social impact and civic engagement.

This could demonstrate how your past experiences have equipped you with the skills and values that will allow you to contribute meaningfully to the university’s community outreach programs. Similarly, if your identity has been shaped by overcoming challenges, this resilience could be linked to thriving in the rigorous academic environment at Hopkins.

The university’s culture of innovation and research might resonate with your journey of exploration and discovery, suggesting that Hopkins is a place where your academic curiosity and drive will be nurtured and challenged.

Suggestions for Researching Specific Programs, Clubs, or Opportunities at Hopkins that Align with the Essay’s Themes

Researching specific programs, clubs, or opportunities at Johns Hopkins can significantly strengthen your essay by demonstrating a well-informed interest in the university. Start by visiting the official Johns Hopkins website, where you can find detailed information about their academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.

Pay special attention to programs or courses that align with your academic interests or career goals. For example, if you’re interested in public health, explore the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s offerings and consider how its resources and expertise align with your aspirations.

If community service forms a significant part of your identity, look into the various service-oriented clubs and organizations at Hopkins, such as the Center for Social Concern. Additionally, attending virtual or in-person campus tours and information sessions can provide valuable insights into student life and the university’s culture.

Engaging with current students or alumni through social media or university forums can also offer a more personal perspective on what being part of the Johns Hopkins community is like. This research will inform your essay and help you articulate a clear and specific reason why Johns Hopkins is the right fit for you, both academically and personally.

Remember, specificity is critical; the more detailed and tailored your references to Hopkins’ programs and opportunities, the more convincing your essay will be.

How to Polish Your Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay 2023-2024?

Polishing your Johns Hopkins essay is crucial in ensuring your application stands out. This phase is about refining your narrative, ensuring clarity of thought, and enhancing the overall readability of your essay.

A well-polished essay is like a well-tailored suit – it fits you perfectly and presents you in the best possible light.

Advice on Revising and Editing to Ensure Clarity, Coherence, and Conciseness

• Read Aloud for Natural Flow : Reading your essay aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing and improve the natural flow of your writing.
• Check for Clarity : Ensure that your ideas are expressed clearly and directly. Avoid ambiguity and ensure that your points are easy to understand.
• Seek Feedback : Have someone else read your essay. They can provide valuable insights on areas that might need clarification or improvement.
• Focus on Coherence : Check that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next. Your essay should have a logical flow that guides the reader effortlessly from start to finish.
• Eliminate Redundancies : Remove repetitive phrases or ideas to make your essay more concise and powerful.
• Vary Sentence Structure : Use short and long sentences to engage the reader. This variation adds rhythm and interest to your writing.
• Be Precise with Word Choice : Choose words that accurately convey your thoughts and feelings. Avoid overly complex vocabulary that might confuse the reader.
• Proofread for Grammar and Spelling : Carefully check your essay for grammatical errors or typos. These mistakes can distract from the quality of your writing.
• Trim the Fat : Avoid unnecessary words or sentences that do not contribute to your main argument or narrative.
• Final Read-Through : Give your essay one last read, ensuring it is error-free and reflects your voice and story.

The Importance of Maintaining an Authentic Voice While Adhering to Grammatical Standards

Maintaining an authentic voice in your essay is paramount. It breathes life into your narrative, making your story uniquely yours. Your voice reflects your personality, experiences, and perspective – the lens through which the admissions committee will see you.

However, balancing authenticity with grammatical correctness is a delicate art. Adherence to grammatical standards is crucial as it demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for the reader. It’s about presenting your authentic self in the most straightforward, most professional manner possible.

Grammar isn’t just about rules; it’s about effective communication. When your essay is grammatically sound, your ideas are conveyed more powerfully, and your narrative becomes more compelling. This doesn’t mean you should lose your style.

On the contrary, your unique voice should shine through every well-structured sentence and every correctly used punctuation mark. Think of grammar as the framework that supports and enhances your voice, not as a constraint. By mastering this balance, you ensure that your essay captures who you are and resonates with clarity and professionalism, making a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Ready to Unleash Your Potential with AdmissionSight?

Embarking on the journey to a prestigious institution like Johns Hopkins requires more than just grades—it demands a narrative that captures the essence of who you are and the aspirations that propel you forward.

At AdmissionSight , we specialize in transforming your unique experiences into compelling stories that resonate with admission committees. Our expertise in strategic essay crafting can elevate your application, ensuring your voice is heard and remembered.

Don’t let the opportunity to stand out slip through your fingers. Join us at AdmissionSight, and let’s sculpt your personal experiences into a masterpiece of persuasion that Johns Hopkins can’t overlook. Click the button below to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward realizing your college dreams.

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