Essays That Worked
The essays are a place to show us who you are and who you’ll be in our community.
It’s a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals. Below you’ll find selected examples of essays that “worked,” as nominated by our admissions committee. In each of these essays, students were able to share stories from their everyday lives to reveal something about their character, values, and life that aligned with the culture and values at Hopkins.
Read essays that worked from Transfer applicants.
Hear from the Class of 2030
These selections represent just a few examples of essays we found impressive and helpful during the past admissions cycle. We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original as you share your own story, thoughts, and ideas with us.
Essays That Worked
The Secret Ingredient is Connection
David turns baking into a story about creativity, community, and connection across cultures. From lemon squares to babka, his essay shows how something as simple as sharing homemade treats can bring people together.
Read David’s Essay
Developing Roots
Etina uses her fascination with trees to explore resilience, belonging, and the balance between community and independence. Her essay is a thoughtful, original take on what it means to put down roots and keep growing.
Read Etina’s Essay
The Two Sides of America
Gillian’s essay moves between Chicago and rural Mississippi to show how two very different worlds shaped her perspective. Read how summers on the farm gave her a deeper understanding of responsibility, respect, and the beauty of seeing life from both sides.
Read Gillian’s Essay
Clean Closet
What starts as an ordinary closet cleanout becomes a reflection on memory, growth, and learning how to let go without losing what matters. Read how Ruoni turns a sentimental childhood space into a powerful story about becoming ready for what’s next.
Read Ruoni’s Essay
In the Belly of the Ship
Ruoyu’s essay takes readers aboard a cargo ship, where discomfort, persistence, and authenticity lead to unexpected discovery. Follow her journey as a difficult experience at sea becomes a lesson in resilience and finding community in unlikely places.
Read Ruoyu’s EssayMore essays that worked
We share essays from previously admitted students—along with feedback from our admissions committee—so you can understand what made them effective and how to start crafting your own.
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