Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application
St. John's College (MD) supplemental essays.
All 2 essay questions St. John's College (MD) asks this year, word for word, with the word limits and how to approach each one.
Checked against sjc.edu and the Common App application on October 17, 2026
What you write: One required essay (at least 400 words) and one optional short answer, about 200 words.
St. John's calls the essay one of the most important parts of the application.
A great book
Discuss a book that you would call a "great book." We want to learn both about the ideas in the book and about you. What makes the book great in your view? What effect has it had on what you think or how you think?
At least 400 words; there is no maximum. Upload it with the Common App or later on the St. John's portal.
How to approach it
- Take the question seriously enough to play with it.
- Let your answer show how you think.
- Keep it honest under the fun.
Optional: why St. John's
What about St. John’s and the curriculum interest you most?
Optional but strongly encouraged; about 200 words. Enter "NA" if you skip it.
How to approach it
- Name things you could only find at this college: a class, a professor, a program, a tradition.
- Tie every detail to something true about you.
- Swap test: if another college’s name fits your sentence, it’s too general.
Want a mentor on your essays?
Clarity Prep members get a mentor who reads every draft with them, knows their whole application and checks in every week until it’s done.