Application Process

You will submit one required essay within the online application; a second, optional essay is also in the online application.

• Essay 1: [in 175-225 words] Explain why you want to participate in Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs and what you hope to gain from the experience. 
• Essay 2: [in 100-125 words] (optional) Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 

First, ask a high school  or college math, science, engineering, robotics, or computer science teacher if they are willing to write a recommendation for you. Second, you will provide their name and email address through our online application. After you complete the recommendation section and confirm their contact information, your teacher will automatically receive an email from us detailing how to submit the recommendation on your behalf.

Note that only one recommendation is required, and we will not accept more than two.

Instead of completing the online form, the teacher may write a letter of recommendation that includes information about the student’s aptitude in science and/or math; motivation and maturity; ability to tackle new material independently; ability to collaborate with a team; and one area in which the student could use improvement. The letter should be emailed to [email protected]. 

All recommendations must be submitted in English.

Applicants will indicate in their application if they want to apply for scholarship or financial aid. The Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation team will contact applicants after they submit their application to complete a financial need application.

During this process, you will be asked questions about your family’s financial status, and supporting documents, such as a copy of the most recent U.S. tax form 1040 for your parent(s)/guardian(s), will typically be required. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities here.

A non-refundable application fee (see Cost & Aid for details) is required when you submit your application. You’ll pay online using a credit card or checking account. The application does not have to be completed in one sitting; this fee is collected when you submit.

Give this transcript request form to your guidance counselor or other school personnel. 

Ask them to send us your high school transcript, as well as interim grades for the classes that you are currently taking. Your school should send your transcripts by email to [email protected] (recommended) or by postal mail to: 

Johns Hopkins University
Whiting School of Engineering Dean’s Office
ATTN: Engineering Innovation
3500 San Martin Drive, First Floor
Baltimore, MD 21218 

If your school uses Parchment, Gradelink, PowerSchool SIS, National Student Clearinghouse, or similar platforms, transcripts can be sent through those systems. A cover sheet is not required. Use [email protected] as the recipient email; you do not need to search for an institutional name.

If the original transcript is not in English, an official translation must be provided.

Please note that we will not contact your school to request a copy of your transcript; this is the responsibility of the applicant.

We do accept transcripts from parents for homeschool students.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

All foreign national applicants (students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) must provide proof of English language proficiency.

✅ Quick Guide

• Applicants who attended 3+ years at a school where English is the main language: Ask your school to email [email protected] a letter, certificate, or other record confirming your attendance for at least 3 years and English as the language of instruction.
• Applicants who attended a school where English is not the main language: Send official test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, or ACT).
• Preferred scores: TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.0+, Duolingo 120+.
• How to send: See instructions below for sending official scores.

More details and instructions are below.

If English is the main language at your school
If you have attended a school where English was the main language of instruction for three or more years, ask your school to send documentation to [email protected]. This may be a letter, certificate, or other official record confirming that English is the language of instruction.

If English is not the main language at your school
If you have not studied in English for the past three years, you must submit official test scores to be considered for admission. You may choose TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, or ACT.

Accepted tests
We accept TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET), SAT, or ACT. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not attended an English-speaking school for the past three years, are strongly encouraged to submit one of these tests.

Though not required, applicants with SAT ERW scores below 690 or ACT Reading/English scores below 30 are encouraged to also submit TOEFL, IELTS, or DET results. These additional scores can give a stronger picture of English preparation.

SAT or ACT scores should be sent by a guidance counselor or teacher to [email protected].

Preferred scores

• TOEFL iBT: 100 total; sub-scores of 26 (Reading), 26 (Listening), 22 (Writing), 25 (Speaking).
• IELTS: 7.0 or higher in each band.
• Duolingo English Test: 120 overall; sub-scores of 105 (Production), 125 (Literacy), 135 (Comprehension), 120 (Conversation).

How to send test scores

• TOEFL: Send official ETS scores to code D622 (no department code required). Allow about two weeks for scores to appear. Please use the same email address as in your application; if different, it may take longer to match.
• Duolingo English Test: Share scores through your Duolingo account. Search for Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs to ensure they are sent correctly. Use the same email as your application.
• IELTS: Provide the following to your test center:
  • Account Name: Johns Hopkins University Engineering Pre-College
  • Address: Engineering Pre-College, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].