How to Write Your Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essays

Interested in applying to Johns Hopkins University, but need some help with addressing the Johns Hopkins supplemental essay prompt? The supplemental essay is a powerful way to showcase your unique qualities and fit with the school. Let’s help get your creative ideas flowing and develop a strategy and structure for your essay response. 

Johns Hopkins has a reputation for having one of the best public health programs in the US. The Bloomberg School of Public Health is a leading public health institution globally, known for its research, training programs, and emphasis on improving health outcomes worldwide.

A few other outstanding programs at Johns Hopkins you should know about include: 

• Medicine and Health Sciences: The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine offers MD programs and various biomedical sciences graduate programs, making it a premier destination for aspiring doctors and researchers.
• International Relations: The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) specializes in international relations with a focus on global policy and economics.
• Music: The Peabody Institute is renowned for its music and performing arts programs, attracting students passionate about music and the arts.

Apart from these institutes, Johns Hopkins is recognized for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies: 

• Research Excellence: It consistently ranks among the top research universities in the world. Johns Hopkins is renowned for its contributions to various fields, including medicine, public health, engineering, and the sciences.
• Interdisciplinary Programs: The university emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to engage in diverse fields of research and academic inquiry, particularly in areas like bioethics, global health, and environmental studies.
• Innovations in Science and Technology: Johns Hopkins has been at the forefront of numerous scientific breakthroughs, including advancements in medical imaging, genetics, and biomedical engineering.
• Global Impact: Through various initiatives, including the Johns Hopkins Global Health program, the university plays a significant role in addressing global health challenges and shaping health policy.

As you draft, consider weaving your enthusiasm for Johns Hopkins naturally throughout your story rather than saving it for the conclusion. 

For example, if a high school research project sparked your passion for data science, you could mention early on how Hopkins' unique Data Science Lab or interdisciplinary research opportunities in data-driven public health resonate with your goals.

So if you are convinced that Johns Hopkins is for you, but don’t know how to address the supplemental essay prompt, let's dig into this and take a closer look at it. 

The Johns Hopkins supplemental essay question reads: 

"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)

This essay prompt is about all of you—how your experiences, values, and personal growth make you the right candidate for Johns Hopkins and what you plan on studying there. You should aim to highlight these aspects that encompass you, with your strongest reasons for wanting to attend Johns Hopkins specifically.

Let's break down how you might build your response to the essay prompt in two parts. 

1. What personal challenges have you overcome?
2. What experiences have significantly influenced your values and beliefs?

Choose one specific event or moment that is most relevant and impactful for your narrative - something that shaped who you are that you can tie to Johns Hopkins. 

This for example could be: 

• a meaningful experience: a life experience that has influenced your character and ambitions
• a challenge you’ve overcome: overcoming obstacles like financial hardship or personal struggles that built resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic, etc
• a passion you discovered: a passion through experiences like volunteering or internships that ignited curiosity and commitment, leading you to pursue a major in a specific area
• a cultural influence: a diverse cultural environment that fostered certain characteristics like open-mindedness and adaptability, and inspired a particular perspective. 

Don’t just speak about the experience, but more importantly discuss how it shaped you—your character, values, perspective, or skills.

Connect your personal story to what you wish to pursue at Johns Hopkins and why you want to pursue it there. Describe specific resources, centers, or professors at Johns Hopkins that align with the chosen major. For example, mentioning the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory for technology-focused applicants, or the Center for Talented Youth for those interested in education.

This is where you want to flesh out how Johns Hopkins’ strong focus on public health research interests you in the example illustrated earlier. What at Johns Hopkins is offered that matches your interest, and why just Johns Hopkins and not another college?  Be specific about the programs, resources, faculty, or community and why they pique your interest.

For instance, if you’re interested in global health, you might reference the Center for Global Health, where interdisciplinary research initiatives tackle health challenges worldwide. Similarly, if biomedical engineering excites you, you might discuss how the Biomedical Engineering program’s emphasis on research with faculty aligns with your aspirations.

We’re not the only ones who think the “why” you want to pursue it at Johns Hopkins is important—as Bailey, a senior admissions officer there points out: 

While the admissions committee needs to see you’ve done your research and understand what Hopkins has to offer, simply listing what you hope to pursue on campus is only half of the puzzle. Be sure to connect the dots by explaining why you wish to pursue those things, and how they’ll help you remain connected to and grow in your identity.

If you are stuck with how to respond, why not draw inspiration from others who have written successful essays that got them into Johns Hopkins? 

Reading through examples can spark new ideas and help you understand the structure and tone that resonate well with admissions committees. Johns Hopkins shares a variety of past essays that their students wrote here—pay attention to how these writers convey their unique experiences and personal growth in their essays, perhaps they can spark an idea!

When writing the Johns Hopkins supplemental essay, it’s crucial to be mindful of both dos and don’ts that can enhance or detract from the impact of your narrative. In particular, there are a few specific pitfalls that applicants often encounter with this essay prompt.

• Repeat phrases or information directly from the website: Avoid simply echoing phrases or facts you’ve found.
• Describing traditions the school is well-known for: Instead of merely listing these traditions, applicants should illustrate how these elements resonate with their journey.
• Think of this prompt as only a "Why them" essay: the why me—your unique qualities, experiences, and skills that you bring to the table—is the centerpiece! 

Johns Hopkins values introspective and authentic storytelling. Instead of focusing solely on accomplishments, describe how your experiences shaped you and brought you closer to your goals. Showing genuine reflection and purpose in your narrative can leave a lasting impact on admissions officers.

• Keep your writing authentic and personal. Use your voice to express your thoughts and feelings. 
• Stay within the 350-word limit, so focus on being concise while still conveying your message effectively.
• Revise your draft for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Seek feedback from trusted individuals who can provide insights into your writing. 

Reflecting on your life experiences and their influence on your character and ambitions can help you create a meaningful and captivating essay that underscores your suitability for Johns Hopkins. By highlighting your distinctive journey, you’ll not only showcase your individuality but also illustrate your preparedness to enrich the Hopkins community.

Best of luck!