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How to Answer the 2025-26 Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Prompts
By
Varonika Ware
Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.
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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. This university is widely known for its emphasis on medicine and science. With an acceptance rate hovering around 7%, Johns Hopkins is highly selective. One way to make your application stand out is by learning how to craft a stellar response to the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays.
The John Hopkins supplemental essay prompt
Supplemental essays are an opportunity to give the admissions office a deeper look into who you are and what you’ll contribute to the university. There is only one JHU essay prompt, but you should make sure that you add a personal touch to stand out. Applying to college isn’t just about academics– it’s about everything that makes you special!
The prompt
“Over the past 150 years, every monumental discovery at Hopkins has started with a first step: The first draft by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. A prototype that led to a life-changing medical invention. The first pitch that launched a new startup venture. As we commemorate the university’s sesquicentennial—150 years since its founding—we continue to celebrate first steps just as much as final achievements. Tell us about an important first in your life—big or small—that has shaped you.” (350 word limit)
This prompt taps into the idea that big accomplishments start with small actions. The key to an effective answer is to describe why this first step was impactful by detailing what has happened because of it. You can do so most effectively by showing, not telling. With only 350 words, succinctly describe why this first action led you to build upon it. Discuss what you’ve done and what you plan to do in the future.
This helps show that you’re an ambitious student and indicates that you would take advantage of the assets JHU has to offer. You can also do some research into JHU and include a sentence or two about how you would continue this passion or ambition as a student at JHU.
Also, be sure to spend some time reflecting during your essay. Reflect on why this action was so impactful to you. You can bring aspects of your upbringing, childhood, or other passions. Make sure to find a through-line that touches all parts of the essay and craft your response around it.
Also see: How to write an essay about yourself
Final thoughts for students
Organize your thoughts with an outline before jumping right into writing your supplemental essay. By doing this, your essay will transition smoothly from one thought to the next and avoid unnecessary changes in direction. 350 words go by quickly, so start with your main points before adding additional details.
And before you hit that “submit” button, make sure to:
- Proofread thoroughly to correct grammar mistakes
- Cut out any run-on sentences
- Read your essay aloud at least once to catch any small mistakes you might’ve missed
Don’t miss: How to respond to the Common App essay prompts
Additional resources
Once you’ve completed your Johns Hopkins supplemental essays, there is surely more to be done! Organizing for college can be stressful, but Scholarships360 is here to help. Get a jump on preparing for college with some of our resources to make your application process easier. Learn how to complete the FAFSA and how to compare your financial aid award letters. Throughout your higher education journey, make sure that you are applying for all the scholarships you qualify for!
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