St. John’s College in Annapolis is internationally renowned for its distinctive "Great Books" curriculum, an intensely collaborative program where students forgo traditional majors to read and discuss the foundational texts of Western civilization. Rather than choosing specialized departments, all undergraduates pursue a single, rigorous Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts that spans mathematics, laboratory sciences, language, music, and philosophy using the Socratic method. The campus culture is deeply intellectual yet non-competitive, characterized by a unique grading policy where letter grades are kept private to foster a pure, collaborative love of learning. Situated on a historic waterfront, this tight-knit community is anchored by close relationships with faculty—who are called "tutors" to emphasize shared inquiry—and vibrant traditions like the annual croquet match against the neighboring U.S. Naval Academy.
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This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.