Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essays 2025-26 — Prompts and Advice

August 29, 2025

In the most recent admissions cycle, Johns Hopkins University admitted 6.4% of applicants into the Class of 2028. 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.

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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 brand-new supplemental prompt for the 2025-26 admissions cycle. Additionally, you’ll find our tips on how to write a winning composition.

2025-26 Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay 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. (200-350 words)

Despite their list of examples, Johns Hopkins knows you’re not a PhD-level researcher or a Pulitzer winner, so they’re not looking for anything earth-shattering here (unless, of course, you’ve accomplished something earth-shattering—in which case, please share). Instead, they’re simply trying to understand more about you via a moment that you find meaningful.

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)? Are there certain activities, experiences, or accomplishments that could shed more light on that important aspect?

Now, backtrack. You can break anything down into multiple “firsts,” large and small, so your objective is to find the “first” that feels most personally significant.

For example, perhaps you landed your first job last summer. That job, in general, could be the “first” you write about. Or, you could get more nitty-gritty. Let’s say you work as a tutor. What was your very first shift like? What about the first time you really connected with a student (or the first time you didn’t)? Do you remember the first lesson you planned yourself, or the first time you voiced a concern to your boss?

The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so after you discuss your “first”—and what it led to—be sure to reflect on how it impacted you, helped you grow, and/or changed your perspective.

Should I include Johns Hopkins specifics in my response?

Johns Hopkins doesn’t specifically ask for this information, but if you can make any natural connections between your essay’s topic and Johns Hopkins’ resources/programs, we’d recommend it.

For example, perhaps the first time you took part in a post-wildfire cleanup led to a passion for ecosystem restoration, which you hope to pursue further through Johns Hopkins’ environmental science program. Perhaps your experience as a tutor has made you interested in The Tutorial Project. Or, maybe the first time you watched your sibling face discrimination after revealing their gender identity informed your recent advocacy efforts—as well as your desire to be part of initiatives like the Safe Zone Program.

How important are the Johns Hopkins supplemental essays?

Johns Hopkins University considers five factors “very important” in evaluating a candidate. The essays are among them, which means they are of incredibly high importance to the admissions committee. In addition to the essays, Johns Hopkins gives the greatest consideration to the rigor of one’s school record, GPA, class rank, and recommendations.

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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.

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College Admissions

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).