Johns Hopkins Secondaries: Essay Examples and Tips | BeMo®

Struggling with the Johns Hopkins secondaries? You're not alone. I’ll walk you through how I tackled each prompt using personal stories and proven strategies, and how you can do the same. These examples are real, clear, and fully aligned with what the admissions committee wants to see. Also, check out our guide on medical school secondary essays for extra support.

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List of Johns Hopkins Secondaries

Johns Hopkins Secondary Essay 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. Limit: 300 words

In high school, I was bullied all the time. It started out as physical bullying, but with time it became more subtle social and mental bullying that most instructors and supervisors didn't see. I was frustrated, alone, and even powerless.

Instead of becoming angry and making things worse, I went to a small group of friends who were there for me and tried a new approach: being nice. I knew that my bully couldn't keep going if I didn't fight back. I started to settle things down by standing my ground and talking to people in a calm and polite way. I also spoke with other bullied children, and we formed friendships and supported one another.

The bullying didn't cease altogether, but it did get better. More importantly, I learned how to be strong and care about other people. I learned that there are innovative, non-confrontational ways to solve difficulties and that having a supportive group may help you navigate through even the darkest times.

As a doctor, I will always remember these teachings. Being pleasant is a strong way to get to know people. Patients may come to the clinic feeling fearful, defensive, or untrusting, but being pleasant to them could change the way you treat them. In medicine, doctors, nurses, and other staff members need to work together to take care of patients, just like I needed my friends to help me. And last but not least, I will keep the strength I gained during those years. Even if medicine is hard, you have to keep going.

Adversity taught me that being kind and doing new things can help you get through tough times. I want to keep these attributes when I go to medical school and when I work with patients.

Words: 294

Johns Hopkins Secondary Essay 2

Describe an interaction or experience that required you to understand or engage with a perspective different from your own. How did you respond and what was the outcome? Limit: 300 words

While working at a community health fair, I spoke with a patient who refused to receive a flu shot. I was angry at first. In my perspective, vaccination is an obvious and important way to protect public health. But as I listened more closely, I understood that her hesitation was based on her own experiences, not misinformation. She grew up in a community where people didn't trust doctors because of things that had happened in the past.

I asked her questions and listened to her story without making her feel bad or ignoring her concerns. She talked about how her family's opinion of medicine changed after her grandmother was treated horribly during a scientific experiment. This made me think about things from a new perspective. I stopped trying to change her perspective and instead worked on making her feel heard. She thanked me for listening to her instead of putting pressure on her after we talked about health measures that she was okay with.

I learned how important it is to listen before you talk, even though she wasn't vaccinated that day. At that point, it was more vital to win her trust than to change her viewpoint.

I am aware that as a future physician, I will encounter people who have different perspectives than I do. This experience reminded me that it's usually better to be humble and considerate of other people's opinions than to argue. By paying close attention, recognizing emotions, and meeting patients where they are, I may gain their trust and set the stage for future cooperation. Medicine is more than just applying your knowledge; it's also about getting to know people. It will be easier for me to provide compassionate, patient-centered care if I listen to people who have different opinions than I do.

Words: 299

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Johns Hopkins Secondary Essay 3

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? Limit: 300 words

When I first visited the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, I was immediately drawn to the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery. Hopkins has long played a significant role in this field. For example, they assisted in the study of epilepsy and disorders that lead to the breakdown of the brain and were the first to perform procedures on brain tumors. The way they emphasized the importance of connecting research to patient care so that what they learn in the lab can immediately benefit patients was what I found most appealing.

Helping at a stroke rehabilitation facility sparked my interest in neurology. I observed that even small improvements in a person's speech or movement could increase their independence and respect. A retired teacher who was struggling to resume writing was one of my patients. Her diligence inspired me to put in even more effort. According to her, treating neurological disorders requires a great deal of empathy and understanding in addition to technical knowledge.

Johns Hopkins appeals to me because it allows me to study while conducting research and assisting others. Two programs that value new perspectives and interpersonal relationships while considering the full person are the Brain Health Program and the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. I would like to receive my training at a facility that allows me to participate in ongoing research and acquire clinical skills. That's what Hopkins is.

Ultimately, the reason I enjoy neurology is that it requires physicians to solve challenging issues while continuously keeping in mind the patient experiencing the symptoms. I believe that Johns Hopkins has the tools, mentors, and collaborative spirit that will enable me to become a physician who not only cures disease but also instills hope in others.

Words: 286

Johns Hopkins Secondary Essay 4

Every future physician has a story. What’s yours? Share the experience, insight, or connection that first made you see yourself in medicine—and how it continues to shape your path. Limit: 300 words

I first considered myself a doctor when I was a teenager working at a free clinic. I assumed I would be filling out forms and escorting people to the examination rooms, but one day an elderly man approached me and struck up a conversation. He claimed that it was difficult for him to manage his diabetes after he stopped taking his prescription drugs on a regular basis. I was moved not only by his illness but also by the cool dignity with which he discussed his issues.

I could listen to him, but I couldn't advise him on how to improve his health. My perspective was completely changed. I discovered that listening to people's experiences is just as important to medicine as helping them get better. I became aware of the potential importance of that job after witnessing the doctor speak to him.

I've been looking for ways to strengthen that relationship ever since. In college, I worked with people from diverse backgrounds as a volunteer in a community outreach program and studied health disparities. Speaking with people helped me understand that the foundation of medicine is empathy, trust, and a desire to understand people beyond their problems.

I still find this information useful. I am convinced that assisting others is the best use of my abilities and skills. I want to be a doctor who listens to, supports, and empowers patients as well as treats them. That day at the clinic was the start of my career as a doctor. Since then, everything I've done has shown that this is where I belong and where I can make the biggest difference.

Words: 272

Johns Hopkins Secondary Essay 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?”

Limit: 2,500 characters

What draws you to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine? Reflect on how our mission, culture, and academic community align with your values, experiences, and aspirations as a future physician. In your response, please highlight specific aspects of both the Hopkins community (academic, research, and/or extracurricular opportunities) and the Baltimore community, particularly the patients and families that we serve. Elaborate on how you intend to actively engage with and contribute to both of these communities as you pursue your medical education. Limit: 300 words

My favorite thing about Johns Hopkins is how well they treat patients and conduct top-notch research. People are drawn to Hopkins because it is a pioneer in medical research and because it values a wide range of individuals. Both of these qualities, in my opinion, are extremely important for the type of doctor I want to become.

Because the Genes to Society curriculum teaches me how to understand patients by examining their biology, environment, and social factors, it truly inspires me to perform well. Because of my knowledge of health disparities and my experiences helping with community outreach programs, I am able to comprehend this approach. I have observed the impact of environment, culture, and access on health outcomes. I also like Hopkins' abundance of research opportunities, particularly in the fields of neurology and public health. These would enable me to work on challenging problems.

Equally important is being able to communicate with Baltimore residents. As demonstrated by its collaboration with neighborhood clinics and initiatives like the SOURCE Service-Learning program, Hopkins is particularly committed to reducing health disparities. I learned from working with people on the periphery that in order to provide quality care, you must establish trust and get to know your patients outside of the hospital. To support the community, gain knowledge from patients and their families, and strengthen the ties between academic medicine and public health, I want to work at Hopkins.

The nicest thing about Johns Hopkins is that everyone collaborates, generates fresh ideas, and supports one another. I would like to train in an environment that encourages students to not only learn medicine but also practice it in their communities, where conducting top-notch research and helping people go hand in hand. Hopkins has that balance, which is why I want to help it grow.

Words: 299

Johns Hopkins Secondary Essay 6

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. Limit: 300 words

Essay 6 is optional

One thing about my path that isn't entirely shown in other parts of my application is how I managed schoolwork with important home duties. For much of my second year of college, I had to take care of and help a sick family member. I went home on the weekends to assist out a lot, which meant I couldn't do as many fun things, and my grades slipped for one semester.

This was a hard moment in my life, but it taught me things that still affect who I am today. I learned how to accomplish a lot of things, make decisions, and be strong when things go tough. I learned to care more for patients and their families who are dealing with health problems that are hard to deal with. Taking care of sick family members made me realize that being sick affects more than just the one who is sick. It transforms everyone's life and makes them more polite, open-minded, and tolerant.

Since then, I've done well in school and kept doing a lot of clinical, research, and volunteer work. I don't think this is a setback; I think it made me more determined to become a doctor.

I hope that by telling this narrative, the Admissions Committee will understand the problems I had and how I overcame them. I think that learning resilience, empathy, and determination will help me do better in medical school and, in the end, as a doctor.

Words: 244

Want to know the most common secondary essay prompts? Watch this video:

Conclusion

The Johns Hopkins secondaries helped me understand how crucial structure and storytelling are in every answer. These samples show what a good essay looks like in real life. Use them to write your own answers that show who you are and what you've been through.

FAQs

1. Do the prompts ever change?

Yes, the prompts will vary from year to year, so be sure to double-check your prompts. However, most years, the prompts are similar and cover similar topics.

2. How different are the prompts at different schools?

Similarities often exist between different institutions. For example, the “Why did you pick our school?” prompt is difficult to avoid. Generally speaking, prompts will address hardships you have faced, lessons you have learned, and how you have grown as a person. Specifics will differ, however, with respect to school mission statements, for instance.

3. Can I reuse essays from my Johns Hopkins secondaries?

To some extent, yes. Because topics and prompts are often very similar, there will be some essays that are applicable across schools. Beware, however, of simply copy-pasting text from one application to another, as details matter. You don’t want to reference Johns Hopkins by name in an essay for a different school, for instance.

If you do have overlap and can reuse certain essays, double-check that they contain no references to the school for which they were written.

4. Can I exceed the word limits if only slightly?

Not even slightly, no. Do not exceed the word limits by one, single word.

5. How long should it take to write these essays?

While there is no hard rule, BeMo’s general recommendation is that you take 2–3 weeks to write your essays, setting aside time each day to work on them. You’ll need to write and rewrite, proof for spelling and grammar, and make sure you haven’t missed any opportunity to increase your standing with the admissions committee.

Once you have the prompts, you should start brainstorming and writing down your ideas.

6. Do these essays get graded?

Most institutions aren’t going to give you a letter grade, but they are evaluating the essays. So, even if the reader's opinion of you as a candidate is the only score, you should try to maximize it. Remember: you’re trying to be an impressive candidate, so be impressive in your writing.

7. Do grammar mistakes and spelling matter?

Of course they do. You need to show that you are a strong communicator because being a physician requires communicating with your health care team, other staff and co-workers, family, and, of course, patients. Make sure you can do so effectively. An evaluator who is horrified by bad grammar and spelling will worry whether you have the capacity to understand lectures or respond to patient reports properly.

8. Do I need to write the optional essays?

Yes. Although an optional essay is, by definition, not necessary, it is another opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee, impress them, and leave them knowing they want you to join their institution. Therefore, while technically you do not have to write them, we recommend that you do unless there is a specific instruction telling you not to.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo