Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s actually the first research university in America. As you might guess, research is a pretty big deal there. They are especially known for their Biomedical engineering and public health majors. The school is also popular with Pre-meds. In the past, their acceptance rate has been around 8%; however, they did not release their acceptance rate for the class of 2026.
We have written about Johns Hopkins in the past, but they have changed their supplement this year. So, let’s relook at how to approach the John Hopkins Supplement. They only ask one question.
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). 350 word limit. *
This question essentially asks you, “Why do you want to go to Johns Hopkins?” We know what you might say: “Wait, what about the identity part?” Well, we have a bit of a formula for “why do you want to go here” questions, and if you use it, it will already tie into your identity or life experience.
Before you even start writing, you will need to choose a major and do some research. Even if you aren’t 100% sure what you want to study, you need to act like you do. Find a major that you are excited about, and then find higher-level classes, professors, and opportunities that speak to you and your interests inside of that major. You also want to research John Hopkins more generally. Find at least one club or other on-campus opportunity outside of class that connects to something you already do or care about.
Once you have done your research, you want to think of a story about when you fell in love or deeply interacted with the subject you want to major in. This story should connect to the person you are or a life experience you have had. For example, if you hope to study Environmental Science, you could tell a story about when your synagogue participated in a wetlands clean-up for Tu BiShva. Show how that life experience contributed to your desire to learn more about the environment. Identity is not limited to race, gender, or religion. If it connects to your story, that is great; however, it can be just about a significant life experience. Don’t force it if it doesn’t really fit.
Once you have told your story, it’s time to state what you want to major in at Johns Hopkins. You can then use the specific opportunities you found through your research to back this up. Let the reader know why you are excited about these opportunities. How do they connect to your interests? Once you have covered academics, connect the club or on-campus opportunities to activities to what you already do.
You want to show the overlap between who you are now and who you will be at Johns Hopkins.
John Hopkins only asks one question, so make your answer count. Take your time and really connect your passions to the academic and extracurricular opportunities at the University.
Need help with supplements? We would love to assist you. Give us a call!