The Johnnies Blog

7 Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid: Fund Your Education in 2025
Scholarships are an essential way to help fund your education, but with many students competing for the same opportunities, even small mistakes can hurt your chances of success. Whether you’re applying for the first time or you’ve already navigated the process, knowing what common mistakes to avoid can significantly improve the quality of your application and increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
In this guide, we identify common mistakes in scholarship applications and provide expert advice from the undergraduate admission leadership at St. John’s University to help you submit the strongest application possible.

How to Write a Personal Essay that Moves Admissions
Learn how to write a compelling personal essay with guidance from St. John’s University, Queens, NY. Discover tips, examples, and ideas to make your college application stand out.

Test-Optional: What This Means for College Admissions
Discover the reasons behind the shift to test-optional admissions from the experts at St. John's, and see how this change is influencing the college application process for all students.

What I Wish I Knew before Attending College out of State: Tips for a Smooth Transition
Explore essential tips for a smooth transition to out-of-state college life, from managing costs to building friendships and overcoming homesickness.
LGBTQIA+ Student Support: How St. John’s University Leads the Way
As an LGBTQIA+ student, choosing a college or university that truly supports and celebrates you can transform your experience. St. John’s University is committed to creating a campus where you feel safe, valued, and empowered. Here, you find a community that genuinely embraces diversity with a strong dedication to fostering personal growth and academic success.
In this blog, you explore the resources and initiatives at St. John’s that make it a leader in LGBTQIA+ support. Plus, you hear directly from students and faculty involved in making campus life inclusive and supportive.

Letters of Recommendation: Do They Make a Difference?
In the ever-evolving landscape of college admission, students often wonder which components of their application hold the most weight. Essays, test scores, and interviews are common focal points, but what about letters of recommendation? Once considered a pivotal aspect of the admission process, do they still carry the same influence?
In this post, we explore the true impact of letters of recommendation in the undergraduate and graduate application process and provide insights on making the most of this critical piece of your application.

Graduate School: The Career Path You Might Overlook
Deciding to pursue graduate school is a pivotal choice that can profoundly shape your future. As more students turn to advanced education to gain a competitive edge, the question arises: Is it the right path for you? This guide explores the lasting impact graduate school can have on your career and personal growth, helping you weigh the benefits and key factors before making this life-changing decision.

Importance of Voting in 2024: Why It Should Top Your College To-Do List
Navigating elections as a young adult can feel overwhelming. From staying informed about candidates and policies to managing election-related stress, it can be a lot to handle.
In this guide, we explore the importance of voting and how your voice can shape the future. We discuss the significant challenges students encounter during the election season and provide practical tips to help you stay informed, calm, and prepared when it’s time to vote.

How Early Action Applications Can Help You Get into College: What You Need to Know
Does applying early to college really help? Discover how Early Action can give you an edge in the admission process and help you make college plans sooner.