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.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

  • Advisor Application
  • Popular Colleges
  • Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
  • Student Login
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Duke University

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

johns hopkins university personal statement

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

johns hopkins university personal statement

6 Outstanding Johns Hopkins Essays That Worked for 2024

Ryan

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.

  • Improve your essays in minutes, instead of hours
  • Based on lessons from hundreds of accepted applications & essays.
  • Easy and actionable strategies

23 College Essay Tips To Help You Stand Out

#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.

Get Essay Editing

  • Make a Strong Impression
  • Capture Your Unique Strengths
  • Write Outstanding Essays
  • ...and Apply Confidently!

#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.

You might also like:

12 Best Stanford Supplemental Essays That Worked 2024

12 Best Stanford Supplemental Essays That Worked 2024

6 Northwestern Essay Examples & Why Northwestern (2024)

6 Northwestern Essay Examples & Why Northwestern (2024)

9 Tufts University EssaysThatWorked

9 Tufts University EssaysThatWorked

8 Notre Dame EssaysThatWorked

8 Notre Dame EssaysThatWorked

23 College Essay Tips to Stand Out

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

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up you agree to Terms and Privacy Policy

© 2018- 2024 Essays That Worked . All rights reserved.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions , Privacy Policy , and Cookie Policy .

We have no affiliation with any university or colleges on this site. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners.

johns hopkins university personal statement

Johns Hopkins University | JHU

  • Cost & scholarships
  • Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Johns Hopkins University | JHU?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

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.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

*** Enter the $2,000 College Transitions No Essay Scholarship Contest ***

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

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
  • Application Strategies
  • Best Colleges by Major
  • Best Colleges by State
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • College Success
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Data Visualizations
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • General Knowledge
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High School Success
  • High Schools
  • Homeschool Resources
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Research Programs
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Teacher Tools
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

$2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Presented by College Transitions

  • Win $2,000 for college • 1 minute or less to enter • No essay required • Open to students and parents in the U.S.

Create your account today and easily enter all future sweepstakes!

Enter to Win $2,000 Today!

Mastering Your Johns Hopkins University Personal Statement: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on the journey to craft a compelling personal statement for Johns Hopkins University can be both exciting and daunting. This prestigious institution, known for its rigorous academic programs and groundbreaking research, seeks students who can articulate their passions, experiences, and aspirations effectively. A well-formatted personal statement is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate why you're an ideal fit for Johns Hopkins. In this guide, we'll explore the key elements of a strong personal statement and provide you with the tools to create a narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.

  • What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a crucial component of your college application that allows you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. It's your chance to go beyond grades and test scores, providing the admissions committee with a glimpse into your personality, values, and potential contributions to the university community.

For Johns Hopkins University, the personal statement serves as a window into your intellectual curiosity, passion for learning, and ability to overcome challenges. It's an opportunity to demonstrate how your experiences align with the university's commitment to interdisciplinary study and innovative problem-solving.

Importance of a Well-Formatted Personal Statement

The format of your personal statement plays a pivotal role in effectively conveying your message to the admissions committee. A well-structured essay not only makes your ideas more accessible but also demonstrates your ability to organize thoughts coherently – a skill highly valued in academic settings.

Consider the case of Sarah, a prospective Johns Hopkins student who was passionate about both neuroscience and music. By carefully formatting her personal statement, she was able to weave together her diverse interests, showing how her experience in a youth orchestra informed her approach to scientific research. The clear structure of her essay allowed the admissions committee to easily follow her narrative, appreciating the unique perspective she could bring to the university.

A thoughtfully formatted personal statement can:

  • Enhance readability, ensuring your ideas are easily understood
  • Showcase your ability to structure complex thoughts
  • Highlight key experiences and achievements effectively
  • Demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism
  • General Formatting Guidelines for Personal Statement

When formatting your personal statement for Johns Hopkins University, consider the following guidelines to ensure your essay is polished and professional:

Length : Adhere strictly to the word limit specified by Johns Hopkins. Typically, this is around 650 words.

Font : Use a clear, readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Stick to 11 or 12-point size .

Spacing : Use 1.5 or double spacing to improve readability.

Margins : Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.

Paragraphs : Clearly delineate paragraphs with either indentation or a line break.

Headers : If required, include a header with your name and application ID number.

File Format : Unless otherwise specified, save and submit your statement as a PDF to preserve formatting.

Proofreading : Carefully review for grammatical errors and typos .

Consistency : Maintain a consistent style throughout your statement.

Authenticity : Ensure your voice shines through – avoid overly formal or flowery language.

  • Introduction to Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, stands as America's first research university and has consistently been at the forefront of academic excellence and innovation. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the university is renowned for its world-class programs in medicine, public health, international studies, and engineering.

The university's commitment to research is evident in its $2.917 billion research budget for fiscal year 2019, the largest among U.S. universities. This dedication to discovery has led to numerous groundbreaking achievements, including the development of saccharin, CPR, and the first implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Johns Hopkins boasts an impressive list of alumni, including 29 Nobel laureates, such as President Woodrow Wilson and molecular biologist Carol Greider. The university's undergraduate population of about 6,000 students enjoys a low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship opportunities.

Known for its interdisciplinary approach, Johns Hopkins encourages students to explore diverse fields of study. The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering offer over 50 majors and 40 minors, allowing students to tailor their education to their unique interests and career goals.

Understanding Johns Hopkins University's Personal Statement Requirements

Johns Hopkins University takes a holistic approach to admissions, valuing the personal statement as a crucial element of your application. While the university doesn't have a specific personal statement prompt, they encourage applicants to use the Common Application or Coalition Application essay prompts as a guide.

Key points to consider:

  • Word Limit: Typically 650 words
  • Focus: Johns Hopkins values authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated passion for learning
  • Content: They're interested in understanding your unique experiences, perspectives, and how you'll contribute to the university community
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Consider highlighting how your diverse interests align with Johns Hopkins' cross-disciplinary philosophy

Format Personal Statement Following Requirements

When formatting your personal statement for Johns Hopkins University, consider these two effective approaches:

  • The Narrative Arc Format:

Introduction: Begin with a compelling anecdote that encapsulates your passion or a pivotal moment in your life. Body Paragraphs: Develop your story chronologically, highlighting key experiences that shaped your academic interests and personal growth. Reflection: Discuss how these experiences have prepared you for Johns Hopkins and how you plan to contribute to the university community. Conclusion: Tie your narrative back to the opening anecdote, demonstrating your growth and readiness for the challenges ahead at Johns Hopkins.

  • The Thematic Approach Format:

Introduction: Start with a unifying theme that represents your core values or aspirations. Body Paragraphs: Explore 2-3 key experiences or achievements that exemplify this theme, demonstrating your intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary interests. Johns Hopkins Connection: For each experience, draw clear connections to specific programs, research opportunities, or aspects of Johns Hopkins that align with your interests. Conclusion: Synthesize how your theme and experiences make you an ideal fit for Johns Hopkins, and how you hope to grow further at the university.

  • Get a Well-Formatted Personal Statement for Johns Hopkins University by Gauth PS Writer

Gauth Personal Statement Writer is your ultimate tool for crafting a compelling personal statement tailored to Johns Hopkins University application. This tool simplifies the daunting process of writing a personal statement. With Gauth PS Writer, you can write a personal statement and craft a powerful narrative that reflects your unique journey and aspirations.

Let's see how easily Gauth Personal Statement Writer can help you to write a personal statement with a lasting impression for Johns Hopkins University application.

Step 1. Access Gauth Personal Statement Writer's official website, and select the "School Application" from the top menu bar.

Step 2. Fill in some of your basic information. For Johns Hopkins University's applications, do remember to enter Johns Hopkins University in the "Target School" input box.

Step 3. Click the "Start Writing" button to immediately generate a personal statement that is tailored to your Johns Hopkins University's application.

Tip: You can always rewrite your Johns Hopkins University's personal statement if you are not satisfied with the PS generated.

Helpful Tips on Personal Statement Formatting

  • Maintain a clear and logical flow of ideas throughout your statement
  • Use transitional phrases to connect paragraphs and ideas seamlessly
  • Incorporate specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points
  • Vary your sentence structure to keep the reader engaged
  • Use active voice to make your writing more dynamic and impactful
  • Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea that supports your overall narrative
  • Avoid repetition and clichés; strive for originality in your expression
  • Consider using a subtle theme or metaphor that ties your essay together
  • End with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader

Crafting a well-formatted personal statement for Johns Hopkins University is a crucial step in your application process. It's your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations in a way that resonates with the university's values of innovation, interdisciplinary study, and intellectual curiosity.

Remember, a strong personal statement goes beyond just good formatting – it's about telling your story in a compelling and authentic way. Use the guidelines and tips provided to structure your essay, but don't let the format overshadow your genuine voice. Your personal statement should be a true reflection of who you are and why you're an excellent fit for Johns Hopkins University.

As you embark on this writing journey, keep in mind that revision is key. Take the time to refine your statement, seek feedback from trusted mentors or teachers, and ensure that every word contributes to your overall narrative. With careful thought and preparation, your personal statement can be a powerful tool in making your application to Johns Hopkins University stand out.

  • Johns Hopkins University - About
  • Johns Hopkins University - Undergraduate Admissions
  • The Common Application
  • Coalition for College
  • U.S. News & World Report - Johns Hopkins University

Mastering Your Johns Hopkins University Personal Statement Title: A Guide to Stand Out

Mastering Your Johns Hopkins University Personal Statement Title: A Guide to Stand Out

A compelling personal statement title is key to making a strong first impression on the admissions committee at Johns Hopkins University. Unlock the secrets to crafting a title that captivates and resonates with your unique story.

Mastering Your University of Massachusetts Amherst Personal Statement Ending: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Your University of Massachusetts Amherst Personal Statement Ending: A Comprehensive Guide

Concluding your personal statement effectively can make all the difference in your UMass Amherst application. Discover essential strategies to craft a powerful ending that resonates with admissions officers.

Leveraging AI Tools for Enhanced Essay Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

Leveraging AI Tools for Enhanced Essay Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

AI tools like Gauth enhance essay writing by correcting grammar, organizing content, and providing real-time feedback for improved quality.

The Ivy Coach Daily

  • College Admissions
  • College Essays
  • Early Decision / Early Action
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Standardized Testing
  • The Rankings

Johns Hopkins University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

A view of the exterior of Gilman Hall at Johns Hopkins University.

Johns Hopkins University has released its supplemental essay prompt for the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle. Johns Hopkins, which in recent years, has asked applicants to answer only one supplemental essay, is again requiring applicants to answer only one essay prompt — a 350-worder. But it’s not the length of Johns Hopkins’ essay prompt for applicants to the JHU Class of 2029 that’s interesting (although it’s 50 words longer than last year’s prompt). Instead, it’s the topic .

Unlike last year, when Johns Hopkins’ brave admissions committee — to our surprise — pushed the needle as far as it could go in the wake of the Supreme Court’s outlawing of Affirmative Action , by explicitly including race as among the grab bag of background options for applicants to choose to write about, the school chose a more conservative prompt this year. Yes, maybe they got scared.

2024-2025 Johns Hopkins Essay Topic

Below is Johns Hopkins’ essay prompt for applicants to the JHU Class of 2029:

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

Johns Hopkins’ Supplemental Essay Is Less Bold This Year

While similar, the wording of this year’s Johns Hopkins essay prompt doesn’t walk as close to the legal limit as last year’s, which read as follows:

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).

Last year, the school’s admissions committee directly asked about a student’s race (or gender, sexuality, religion, community, or something else) to understand their perspective and lived experience.

It marked a bold move in response to the Supreme Court’s outlawing of the practice of Affirmative Action in late June 2023. At the time, some surmised that many of our nation’s elite universities would avoid directly asking applicants to comment on their race. But not us. No, we at Ivy Coach have a crystal ball . That crystal ball, once even cited on the pages of America’s oldest college newspaper, forecasted that America’s elite universities would still find ways to indirectly consider race in the admissions process to create diverse classes, capitalizing on the opening provided by Chief Justice John Roberts.

In the majority opinion, Roberts wrote, “At the same time, as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

Yet not every school put themselves directly in the line of fire by using the word “race” in their supplemental essay prompt(s). Johns Hopkins — a school that proudly previously banned the un-meritocratic practice of legacy admission , or the tradition of offering preferential treatment to the progeny of a school’s alumni base — dared to do so for last year’s applicants. Agree or disagree with Affirmative Action, Johns Hopkins’ bold response to the ruling was  noteworthy . However, this year, they walked it back, choosing instead to include a more broad background/perspectives-type question that has become a staple of many elite schools’ supplements.

Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Was Super Bold Last Year

And it’s not as though Johns Hopkins simply cut and pasted their essay 2023-2024 prompt last year from the 2022-2023 cycle. The 2022-2023 essay prompt did not explicitly mention race. It read as follows:

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.

How to Approach Answering Johns Hopkins’ Supplemental Essay

But while Johns Hopkins’ admissions committee may have played it safer by changing the wording of the 2024-2025 essay prompt so as not to explicitly cite race, the sentiment remains intact. They want to hear about a student’s character, perspective (which could have been shaped by their race), values, skills, etc.

One, of course, doesn’t need to be an underrepresented minority to be able to answer this essay prompt. Applicants really have a blank canvas for this essay question. As such, they can direct their answer in just about any way they wish. However, it should be sure to also address the second half of the hybrid question of how that perspective, community, or life experience has shaped what they hope to study at Johns Hopkins.

It’s thus essential to include a few specifics that only apply to Johns Hopkins (and, no, name-dropping professors or listing classes do not count as genuine specifics about an institution). After all, JHU admissions officers want to understand how that perspective, value, skill, etc. will influence what you bring to their vibrant campus.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Johns Hopkins Essay Prompt

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Johns Hopkins and wowing admissions officers with compelling storytelling, fill out Ivy Coach ’s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services for seniors.

You are permitted to use www.ivycoach.com (including the content of the Blog) for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not copy, download, print, or otherwise distribute the content on our site without the prior written consent of Ivy Coach, Inc.

Related Articles

A flag hangs on a flagpole celebrating Duke University's centennial.

A Word on College Essays About Sports

October 24, 2024

Harper Memorial Library is featured beyond a snow-covered lawn at the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

September 19, 2024

The arch is visible in Washington Square Park.

NYU Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

September 18, 2024

A look inside a classroom at Harvard University.

The Ultimate College Essay Guide: Prompts and Writing Tips

September 12, 2024

A columned building with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology enscribed on the top is featured.

The Most Popular College Essay Prompts for 2024-2025

September 11, 2024

A columned brick building with a blue door is featured at Harvard University.

10 College Admissions Essay Pet Peeves from Ivy Coach

Toward the conquest of admission.

If you’re interested in Ivy Coach’s college counseling,
fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch.

Fill out our short form for a 15-minute consultation to learn about Ivy Coach’s services.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biostatistics

Environmental Health and Engineering

Epidemiology

Health Policy and Management

Health, Behavior and Society

International Health

Mental Health

Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Population, Family and Reproductive Health

  • Program Finder
  • Admissions Services
  • Course Directory
  • Academic Calendar
  • Hybrid Campus
  • Lecture Series
  • Convocation
  • Strategy and Development
  • Implementation and Impact
  • Integrity and Oversight
  • In the School
  • In the Field
  • In Baltimore
  • Resources for Practitioners
  • Articles & News Releases
  • In The News
  • Statements & Announcements
  • At a Glance
  • Student Life
  • Strategic Priorities
  • Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
  • What is Public Health?

Our Planet, Our Health

The new special issue of Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health magazine explores many of the ways humans have transformed Earth's natural systems to the detriment of human health, and highlights research aimed at repairing the harm. The Earth crisis is urgent—public health and planetary health have tools to meet the challenge.

Read the Magazine The Case for Planetary Health Dean Mackenzie’s Column

What’s at Stake for Public Health in the 2024 U.S. Election?

Experts share how they expect a Harris or Trump administration would affect abortion access, health care costs, federal agencies, global health, gun violence, and immigration.

Two Johns Hopkins Faculty Members Elected to National Academy of Medicine

Members are elected based on their major contributions to advancements in medical science, health care, and public health.

What We Know About Rwanda’s Marburg Virus Outbreak

How Rwanda is working to contain its first-ever outbreak of the deadly virus—including by testing a new vaccine.

How to Protect Yourself and Others From RSV

RSV season is upon us—but we have the tools available to protect the people most vulnerable to it.

Convalescent Plasma Might Have Saved Thousands More Lives During COVID Pandemic

Authors say findings support considering convalescent plasma deployment for future infectious diseases emergencies

How to Save a Life Using Naloxone

Here’s what you need to know about naloxone, and why it should be part of your home’s medical essentials.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is our most flexible degree. With 12 concentrations to choose from, students can tailor their degree to their unique goals while completing classes at their own pace on campus, fully online, or a mix of the two.

We are accepting applications until December 1 for the online/part-time MPH format that starts in June 2025 and the full-time format that begins in July 2025. We will also accept applications by July 1, 2025, for later online/part-time start dates.

Join Us during our Virtual Open House

At our October 25th virtual Open House, prospective students have the opportunity to chat with faculty, current students, and department coordinators. Admissions Services and departments/programs are also hosting virtual chats and information sessions throughout the fall. All these events are a great way to get questions answered about the School, programs, and life in Baltimore.

VIEW OPEN HOUSE AGENDA AND REGISTER LEARN ABOUT INFO SESSIONS AND CHATS CONTACT ADMISSIONS SERVICES

Subscribe to Stay Informed

Connect with us, our academic program offerings.

Our programs welcome those from within and outside the traditional boundaries of public health. Whether you're a future college graduate, a midcareer public health leader, or someone looking to make a career change, we have a program for you.

Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)

The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) is a professional degree alternative to the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree for students who want more focused skills in a specific field of public health or who lack two years of health-related work experience to begin or advance a career as a public health professional. MSPH programs generally require one academic year of coursework, followed by a field placement. The field placement duration and location vary by department/concentration.

Why Choose the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health?

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1994

and Largest School of Public Health

Courses Offered

Research Centers and Institutes

Alumni Living in over 160 Countries

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

Student-to-Primary-Faculty Ratio

Our Departments

Meet our faculty.

Our faculty are world-renowned experts, and trusted advisers to our students, public health leaders, and the public.

johns hopkins university personal statement

Lauren Zalla

Lauren C. Zalla, PhD, MS, studies policy approaches to improving health outcomes and reducing health inequities, particularly among people with HIV.

Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth C. Lee, PhD, researches the spatial and transmission dynamics of infectious diseases to advance policies for effective and evidence-based disease control.

Sabriya Linton

Sabriya L Linton

Sabriya Linton, PhD ’13, MPH, uses a health equity lens and mixed methodologies to study how local and macro-level factors influence substance use, mental health, related sequelae.

johns hopkins university personal statement

Ciprian M. Crainiceanu

Ciprian Crainiceanu, PhD, MS, is a biostatistician who works on complex, high dimensional data obtained from wearable and implantable computing and neuroimaging studies.

Join Us in Baltimore

Pursue a degree at the #1 school of public health in one of America's best cities. With 50+ museums, a bustling restaurant scene, gorgeous parks, and more, Baltimore is a great place to study and live.

LEARN ABOUT BALTIMORE  

Support Our Work

Our work is made possible in part by contributions from Bloomberg School donors.

Together, We'll Make History.

Video footage: A student utilizes a prosthetic arm in the lab; Masked students converse at a table; A masked instructor stands and speaks to students

Life as a Hopkins student means discovering new ways to express yourself, sharing ideas with friends and classmates, and collaborating on solutions to the big challenges facing today’s society.

Here you’ll have the relationships and resources to explore what you care about most—and then dig deeper to make a difference in the world around you.

#1 in the U.S. for Research Investment

5,600 Undergraduates in Our Mid-Size, Close-Knit Community

430+ Student-Led Organizations

98% Students With at Least One Research or Internship Experience

Freedom to Explore & Connect

johns hopkins university personal statement

In an academic environment as dynamic as our students, you’ll have the support to engage in meaningful opportunities for turning your ideas into action.

Learning at Hopkins

johns hopkins university personal statement

From day one, you’ll have a network of people looking out for your success and helping you make the most of your time here.

Mentorship & Advising

johns hopkins university personal statement

With hundreds of student clubs and organizations, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to build a community and have experiences that will shape your college journey.

Clubs & Organizations

Our homewood campus is a community that turns ideas into action & action into impact.

johns hopkins university personal statement

Investing in what's possible

Financial circumstances shouldn’t limit your potential. We’re here to make it possible for talented students to join our community and explore all it has to offer.

  • We meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students.
  • Our financial aid offers include need-based scholarships and work opportunities, not loans.
  • Your family’s financial circumstances won’t factor into your admissions decision.

Experience Life at Hopkins In-Person & Virtual Events

johns hopkins university personal statement

Virtual Information Session

Our admissions team covers everything from academics and student life to building your strongest application.

johns hopkins university personal statement

Specialized Virtual Events

Get details on specific parts of the application process or student experience.

johns hopkins university personal statement

Visit Campus

Get an inside perspective on what it’s like to live and study on the Homewood campus from the students who know it best.

johns hopkins university personal statement

Events In Your Area

Join us at an event near you to learn more about our community and get application tips.

Application Deadlines

  • Early Decision I Nov. 1
  • Early Decision II Jan. 2
  • Regular Decision Jan. 2
  • Transfer Mar. 1

BEFORE YOU APPLY

We know there’s a lot to consider when it comes to your college search. We want you and your family to have everything you need to approach this next step with confidence. Explore our College Planning Guide, which has advice for your journey, financial planning resources, and video tips for crafting your strongest application.

Quick Links:

  • Majors, Minors & Programs
  • Application Deadlines & Requirements
  • College Planning Guide

COMMENTS

  1. Essays That Worked

    We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original as you share your own story, thoughts, and ideas with us. ... Johns Hopkins University 3400 N. Charles St., Mason Hall Baltimore, MD 21218-2683. GPS address - do not use for mail. 3101 Wyman Park Drive ...

  2. PDF Sample Personal Statement/Comments Essays written by medical school

    Sample Personal Statement/Comments Essays written by medical school applicants from Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University Office of Pre-Professional Programs and Advising ... personal information and are given the opportunity to address the needs of a patient that even

  3. Personal Statement

    Personal Statement. The personal statement is your opportunity to describe who you are, why you are uniquely qualified for a career in the health professions (beyond GPA and standardized test results), and what influences and experiences have informed your decision to pursue medicine or dentistry. Most importantly, the personal statement is ...

  4. Application Tips: Personal Statement

    Learn how we use the personal statement to get to know you beyond your academic record and accolades. The best way to continue learning about Hopkins? Sign up for our mailing list. ... Johns Hopkins University 3400 N. Charles St., Mason Hall Baltimore, MD 21218-2683. GPS address - do not use for mail. 3101 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21218.

  5. Transfer Essays That Worked

    Summer Mai Li connects the personal stories of her loved ones to global civil and human rights issues that she intends to study during her time at Hopkins. ... Johns Hopkins University 3400 N. Charles St., Mason Hall Baltimore, MD 21218-2683. GPS address - do not use for mail. 3101 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21218.

  6. PDF Guide to Creating Effective Personal Statements

    SPECIFICS OF THE AADSAS ESSAY / PERSONAL STATEMENT Your personal statement is a one-page essay that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry. Not to exceed 4500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc. SUGGESTED TOPICS

  7. How to Write the Johns Hopkins University Essay 2024-2025

    Johns Hopkins University has just one supplemental essay, which all applicants are required to respond to. However, while other schools you're applying to may have more supplements, you want to make sure you dedicate enough time to this essay, as Hopkins is one of the most competitive schools in the country, especially for students interested in medicine.

  8. Application Workshop: Personal Statement

    Through analyzing and comparing example personal statement excerpts, a member of our admissions committee will provide an inside view on the role of the essay within the college application and tips on how to start writing or improve your first draft. ... Johns Hopkins University 3400 N. Charles St., Mason Hall Baltimore, MD 21218-2683. GPS ...

  9. Johns Hopkins University Essays that Worked

    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. ... So, think about how your Personal Statement and Johns Hopkins essay will play off one another. As you draft, consider how they both feed ...

  10. 2 Successful Johns Hopkins Essay Examples

    Essay Example #2. 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 ...

  11. Crafting an Exceptional Personal Statement for Johns Hopkins University

    The Process of Crafting a Standout Personal Statement for Johns Hopkins University. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you write an impactful personal statement for Johns Hopkins University: Brainstorm and Reflect: Start by jotting down significant experiences, achievements, and challenges that have shaped your academic journey and personal ...

  12. 6 Outstanding Johns Hopkins Essays That Worked for 2024

    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. Johns Hopkins Prompt: Collaboration. 1. Runners Take Your Marks. 2. Percussive Marching Arts. Johns Hopkins Prompt: Discuss an Accomplishment. 3.

  13. Johns Hopkins University

    Applying to Johns Hopkins University | JHU and trying to find all the correct essay prompts for 2023-24? Find them here, along with free guidance on how to write the essays. ... We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances. Calculate my chances. Johns Hopkins University | JHU's 2023 ...

  14. How to Write the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay: Examples + Guide

    As you write, try to avoid these common mistakes: Mistake #1: Writing about the school's size, location, reputation, weather, or ranking. Mistake #2: Simply using emotional language to demonstrate fit. Mistake #3: Screwing up the mascot, stadium, team colors or names of any important people or places on campus.

  15. PDF Personal Statement

    When applying to graduate programs one of the most important pieces of your application is the personal statement. This document describes your interest in the field, how you are prepared for graduate level study and details why each institution you are applying to is a good fit for your professional goals. Things to Consider Before Writing: 1.

  16. Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essays 2024-25

    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 ...

  17. Application Tips & Videos

    Personal Statement. Learn how we use your personal statement to get to know you beyond your academic record and accolades. Watch Video. ... Johns Hopkins University 3400 N. Charles St., Mason Hall Baltimore, MD 21218-2683. GPS address - do not use for mail. 3101 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21218.

  18. Mastering Your Johns Hopkins University Personal Statement: A

    For Johns Hopkins University, the personal statement serves as a window into your intellectual curiosity, passion for learning, and ability to overcome challenges. It's an opportunity to demonstrate how your experiences align with the university's commitment to interdisciplinary study and innovative problem-solving.

  19. What We Look For

    We typically find this in your supplemental essay, personal statement, and overall application. ... Johns Hopkins University 3400 N. Charles St., Mason Hall Baltimore, MD 21218-2683. GPS address - do not use for mail. 3101 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21218. Contact Us.

  20. Johns Hopkins Essay Prompts

    Johns Hopkins University has released its supplemental essay prompt for the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle. Johns Hopkins, which in recent years, has asked applicants to answer only one supplemental essay, is again requiring applicants to answer only one essay prompt — a 350-worder. But it's not the length of Johns Hopkins' essay ...

  21. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

    Protecting Health, Saving Lives—Millions at a Time. The Master of Public Health (MPH) is our most flexible degree. With 12 concentrations to choose from, students can tailor their degree to their unique goals while completing classes at their own pace on campus, fully online, or a mix of the two.

  22. Undergraduate Admissions

    Johns Hopkins University 3400 N. Charles St., Mason Hall Baltimore, MD 21218-2683. GPS address - do not use for mail. 3101 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21218. Contact Us. Sign up for our mailing list. Our Story; Alumni Volunteers; Administrative Offices; Clery Notice of Availability; Report Issue;