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Johns Hopkins University

One 350-word essay about an important first. Annotated examples.

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Required essays

Length

350 words

Test scores

Required

Optional?

What Johns Hopkins rewards

Johns Hopkins keeps it simple: one supplemental essay, 350 words, and SAT or ACT scores are required for 2026-2027. For the university's sesquicentennial, the prompt asks you to write about an important first in your life that shaped you.

One essay means every word counts, and it means the choice of subject is most of the battle. Hopkins is a collaborative, hands-on research university, and the prompt rewards a specific, true, well-chosen moment over a grand one. This guide breaks down what the prompt is really after, with two annotated examples that take very different angles.

01A well-chosen moment. The right small first beats an impressive big one. Specificity is the whole game in 350 words.

02Genuine reflection. Not just what happened, but what it did to you, traced honestly.

03Collaboration and curiosity. Hopkins is a research culture. Curiosity and learning with others read well.

04Economy. 350 words rewards a writer who can make one scene carry real meaning.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for Johns Hopkins, each broken down with annotated examples.

An important first350 words max

Over the past 150 years, every monumental discovery at Hopkins has started with a first step. 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.

See all 1 prompt and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Johns Hopkins and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision INov 1

Early Decision II and RegularJan 2

Cost

Sticker price$83,840

Avg net after aid$26,200

Meets full needYes

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Explore Johns Hopkins

How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Johns Hopkins weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $26,200/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Johns Hopkins interview? Format, tips, and practice The Johns Hopkins Reader ProScore your draft against Johns Hopkins's exact prompts

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Johns Hopkins FAQ

What is Johns Hopkins's acceptance rate?

5.14% (Class of 2029, 2,525 of 49,112). At Johns Hopkins, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Johns Hopkins require?

Johns Hopkins requires 1 supplemental essay on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Johns Hopkins cost?

Johns Hopkins's published sticker price is about $83,840 per year, but the average family pays $26,200 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Johns Hopkins require SAT or ACT scores?

Johns Hopkins requires SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

When are Johns Hopkins's application deadlines?

Johns Hopkins's application deadlines are Early Decision I Nov 1; Early Decision II and Regular Jan 2. Add Johns Hopkins to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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