Essay Topics (2024 - 2025)

1: Please review the Johns Hopkins Medicine Website. Is there an area of medicine or a particular medical specialty at Johns Hopkins that interests you and why? (400 word limit)

2: Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application if needed (400 word limit)

3: Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity. Include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician (400 word limit)

4: Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (400 word limit)

5: Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention…it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years where you experienced wonder in your everyday life. Although experiences related to your clinical or research work may be the first to come to mind, we encourage you to think of an experience that is unrelated to medicine or science. What did you learn from that experience? (500 word limit)

6: Please review the Johns Hopkins Medicine Equity Statement before answering the question below.

‍The Johns Hopkins Medicine Equity Statement:‍

‍-At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we believe that everyone has a role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in health care, research, and education.
-We must acknowledge, actively address and work toward effectively managing our negative biases, so that we collectively make decisions that improve the lives of our patients, our colleagues, our learners, and our community.
-We stand against discrimination and oppression in all their forms.
-It is vital that we achieve equity for all, including those who are most vulnerable.

‍The purpose of this essay is to get to know you as an individual and a potential medical student. Please describe how your personal background informs your decision to apply to Johns Hopkins Medicine and what has influenced your desire to become a physician in a Medical community that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first-generation college student, or being a part of a minority group, (whether because of your gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, socio-economic status, political affiliation, first-generation status, religion, etc.) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. (500 word limit)

7: (optional) Would you like to share any additional information with the Admissions Committee about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application?This space can also address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider (300 words)

Is any member of your family, spouse, spouse-to-be, or domestic partner a current student, house officer, or employee of the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, or other affiliated partners? *Note, we do NOT use this information in our selection process. Yes / No, What is this Individual’s name? 60 character limit

What is their relationship to you? 60 character limit

What is their affiliation with the School of Medicine or Hospital?40 character limit

Do you have any additional relatives that you need to list? (up to 4)

Has any member of your family, spouse, spouse-to-be, or domestic partner graduated from the Johns Hopkins University?Yes / No, What is this Individual’s name?60 character limit

What is their relationship to you? 60 character limit

What degree did they earn from Johns Hopkins University? 60 character limit

Do you have any additional relatives that you need to list? (up to 4)

Is your spouse / spouse-to-be / domestic partner currently applying to an academic degree program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine? Yes / No, What is this Individual’s name? 60 character limit

Educational History

Have you ever applied to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (MD or MD/PhD programs) before?Yes / No, To which prior application year(s) have you applied?

Please share with us how you have reflected upon and grown since your previous application. Discuss any new updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements, etc.) 400 word limit

Have you ever interrupted your college education for a semester or longer?Yes / No, Please describe what you did during that break in enrollment (400 word limit)

Have you ever been placed on probation, dismissed, or suspended from any college or university for reasons pertaining to academic and/or campus judicial integrity?Yes / No, Please explain (500 word limit)

Have you have ever been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to any felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations)?Yes / No, Please explain (400 word limit)

Have you have already received your bachelor’s degree? Yes / No, Please describe what you have been doing since graduation and your plans for the upcoming year (400 word limit)

We recognize academic journeys can be complex and varied. If applicable, please briefly explain any withdrawals (W), incompletes (I), or academic coursework grades below a B on your transcript. Your explanation helps us understand your academic history better and how you have overcome challenges.

Do you have any other dual/integrated degree interests at Johns Hopkins University (MPH, MS, etc.)? Yes / No, Please explain (200 word limit)

Exciting news for all students who will attend Johns Hopkins now and in the future:

A $1 billion gift to Johns Hopkins University from billionaire Mike Bloomberg will make medical school free for most students, and increase financial aid for those enrolled in nursing, public health and other graduate programs.Starting this fall, Johns Hopkins will offer medical school students free tuition — normally about $65,000 a year for four years — for those whose families earn less than $300,000 a year. Students from families earning up to $175,000 a year will have living expenses and fees covered as well.

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Essay Topics ('23 - '24)

1. Optional: If you have already received your bachelor's degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation, and your plans for the upcoming year. (2000 characters)

‍2. Optional: If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time. (2000 characters)

3. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (2500 characters)

4. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (2500 characters)

5. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (2500 characters)

6. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (2500 characters)

7. Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention … it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years that you experienced wonder in your everyday life. Although experiences related to your clinical or research work may be the first to come to mind, we encourage you to think of an experience that is unrelated to medicine or science. What did you learn from that experience? (2500 characters)

8. Optional: The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it. (2500 characters)

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Essay Topics ('22-'23)

2500 Characters Max each

‍1. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application.

2. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment.

3. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician.

4. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience?

5. Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention … it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years that you experienced wonder in your everyday life. Although experiences related to your clinical or research work may be the first to come to mind, we encourage you to think of an experience that is unrelated to medicine or science. What did you learn from that experience?

6. Optional: The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it.

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Essay Topics ('21 – '22)

1. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (2500 characters)

2. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (2500 characters)

3. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (2500 characters)

4. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (2500 characters)

5. Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention … it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years that you experienced wonder in your everyday life. Although experiences related to your clinical or research work may be the first to come to mind, we encourage you to think of an experience that is unrelated to medicine or science. What did you learn from that experience? (2500 characters)

OPTIONAL QUESTION:

1. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it. (2500 characters)

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Essay Topics (’20 – ’21)‍

1. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (2500 characters)

2. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (2500 characters)

3. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (2500 characters)

4. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (2500 characters)

5. Wonder encapsulates a feeling of rapt attention … it draws the observer in. Tell us about a time in recent years that you experienced wonder in your everyday life. Although experiences related to your clinical or research work may be the first to come to mind, we encourage you to think of an experience that is unrelated to medicine or science. What did you learn from that experience? (2500 characters)

OPTIONAL QUESTION:

1. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it.

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‍Essay Topics ('19 – '20)‍

1. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (9999 characters)

2. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (9999 characters)

3. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (9999 characters)

4. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from the experience? (9999 characters)

OPTIONAL QUESTION:

1. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity) or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it. (9999 characters)

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‍Essay Topics ('18 – '19)‍

1. If you took a gap year: 700 characters box describing activities

2. If you took time off *during* undergrad: 700 characters box describing why / what you did

3. 600 characters for academic honors and awards.

4. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application.

5. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment.

6. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician.

7. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from this experience?

OPTIONAL QUESTION:

1. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity), or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it.

MSTP:

1. Please list your area(s) of interest in graduate study. These may be general and/or specific: (270 chars)

2. If you are planning to defer admission: 180 chars to explain why.

3. Foreign language proficiency

4. List names of ppl writing MD/PhD letters for you.

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‍Essay Topics ('17 – '18)‍

1. If you have already received your bachelor's degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation, and your plans for the upcoming year. 700 char

2. If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time. 700 char

3. List any academic honors or awards you have received since entering college: 600 char

4. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. 900 char

5. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. 1100 char

6. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. 900 char

7. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from this experience? 1100 char

8. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity), or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it. 1100 char

9. If applying to the dual MD/MBA program, please describe your reasons for wishing to obtain this degree. 1100 char

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‍Essay Topics ('16 – '17)‍

1. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (900 char)

2. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (1100 char)

3. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (900 char)

4. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from this experience? (1100 char)

5. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being a part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity), or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it. (1100 char)

6. If applying to the dual MD/MBA program, please describe your reasons for wishing to obtain this degree. (1100 char)

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‍Essay Topics ('15 – '16)‍

1. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (900 char)

2. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (1100 char)

3. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (900)

4. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from this experience? (1100 char)

OPTIONAL QUESTION:

1. The Admissions Committee values hearing about each candidate for admission, including what qualities the candidate might bring to the School of Medicine if admitted. If you feel there is information not already addressed in the application that will enable the Committee to know more about you and this has influenced your desire to be a physician, feel free to write a brief statement in the space below. You may address any subject you wish, such as being a first generation college student, or being part of a minority group (whether because of your sexual orientation, religion, economic status, gender identity, ethnicity), or being the child of undocumented immigrants or being undocumented yourself, etc. Please note that this question is optional and that you will not be penalized should you choose not to answer it.

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‍Essay Topics ('14 – '15)‍

1. If you have already received your bachelor's degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation, and your plans for the upcoming year. (700 characters)

2. If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time. (700 characters)

3. List any academic honors or awards you have received since entering college: (600 characters)

4. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (900 characters)

5. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (1100 characters)

6. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (900 characters)

7. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from this experience? (1100 characters)

8. If applying to the dual MD/MBA program, please describe your reasons for wishing to obtain this degree. (1100 characters)

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Essay Topics ('13 – '14)‍

1. If you have already received your bachelor's degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation, and your plans for the upcoming year. (700 characters)

2. If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time. (700 characters)

3. List any academic honors or awards you have received since entering college. (600 characters)

4. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application. (900 characters)

5. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (1100 characters)

6. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (900 characters)

7. Briefly describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from this experience? (1100 characters)

8. If applying to the dual MD/MBA program, please describe your reasons for wishing to obtain this degree. (1100 characters)

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‍Essay Topics ('12 – '13)‍

1. If you have already received your bachelor's degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation, and your plans for the upcoming year (700 character limit).

2. If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time (700 character limit).

3. List any academic honors or awards you have received since entering college (600 character limit):

4. Briefly describe your single, most rewarding experience. Feel free to refer to an experience previously described in your AMCAS application (900 character limit).

5. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment (1100 character limit).

6. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician (900 character limit).

7. If applicable, describe a situation where you were not in the majority. What did you learn from this experience? (1100 character limit).

8. If applying to the dual MD/MBA program, please describe your reasons for wishing to obtain this degree(1100 character limit).

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‍Essay Topics ('11 – '12)‍

1. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician.900 characters

2. If Applicable, describe a situation where you were not in the majority. 1100 characters

3. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. 1100 characters

4. Briefly Describe your most rewarding Experience or some achievement of which you are particularly proud. 900 characters

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‍Essay Topics ('10 – '11)‍

1. If you have already received your bachelor's degree, please describe what you have been doing since graduation, and your plans for the upcoming year. (700 character limit)

2. If you interrupted your college education for a semester or longer, please describe what you did during that time. (700 character limit)

3. List any academic honors or awards you have received since entering college. (600 character limit)

4. Briefly Describe your most rewarding experience or some achievement of which you are particularly proud. (900 character limit)

5. If applicable, describe a situation where you were not in the majority. (1100 character limit)

6. Are there any areas of medicine that are of particular interest to you? If so, please comment. (1100 character limit)

7. Briefly describe a situation where you had to overcome adversity; include lessons learned and how you think it will affect your career as a future physician. (900 character limit)