In judging applications, greatest weight is given to the two essay prompts. We do not have a set minimum or maximum word count for these essays, but typically they will be three to eight pages in total and demonstrate the applicant’s ability to express themselves in a thoughtful and articulate manner. Essay questions can be found below.

• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your formal education and any relevant experience outside of an academic setting. How do you hope to benefit from the curriculum and the mode of teaching at St. John’s?
• Books and the questions they raise are the centerpiece of a St. John’s education. The greatest books pose challenging questions and, in their invitations to work out answers to those questions in both conversation and writing, are sources of wisdom and transformation. Please describe an encounter you have had with such a book and the questions it caused you to confront. The book need not be one studied at St John’s but should be one that has provided occasion for thought and reflection about the deepest human questions.

Transcripts are required from every institution where applicants have earned college credit. These can be mailed directly from the registrar’s office in a sealed envelope or can be sent electronically.

The two letters of reference are also carefully weighed. It is preferred the letters be from academic sources, and, when possible, written specifically for the Graduate Institute. However, we understand many of our applicants are mid-career professions or retirees who have been out of college for many years. In that case letters from supervisors or work colleagues will suffice. Please feel free to call the graduate admissions office on either campus if you have questions about this.

Download a PDF of the Reference Letter form