Next Gen Scholars: Pathways to Personal and College Success

1 Credit.

This course invites students to explore and express their personal stories through the creation of a compelling personal statement—an essential component of the college admissions process. Centered around the prompt, "How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives, or skills—and what do you hope to pursue at Hopkins?," students will learn how to craft a successful, authentic college admissions essay that reflects their unique voice and purpose. Blending introspective writing with collaborative exploration, the course is designed to help students become more self-aware of their values, strengths, and goals. Participants will engage in daily reflections, analyze meaningful texts, map formative experiences, and complete a strengths assessment to gain deeper insight into who they are and how to effectively tell their story. The course also features interactive sessions on wellness, the college application process, student life, and financial aid—each aimed at fostering self-discovery and preparing students for the transition to college. Panels with current Johns Hopkins University students will provide firsthand perspectives on aligning personal purpose with academic and career aspirations. With an emphasis on holistic wellness, students will be guided to set personal goals across emotional, physical, and social dimensions—promoting a balanced, intentional approach to both personal growth and college readiness. By the end of the course, students will have a draft of their personal statement, a clearer sense of self, and the confidence and tools to navigate their future with purpose.