In a landscape dominated by personal statements, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores, St. John’s College is taking a different approach. The private liberal arts college, known for its Great Books curriculum and emphasis on intellectual dialogue, has introduced an admissions process that favors conversation over composition.
Rather than requiring the usual battery of essays and references, their discussion-based application invites prospective students to demonstrate their academic potential through two interviews and a seminar-style discussion. The shift signals a departure from the traditional markers of college readiness, placing greater emphasis on verbal expression, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

An application that feels like a classroom

At the heart of this alternative process is the belief that education is best measured through dialogue. Applicants opting for the discussion-based pathway begin with a streamlined form—no personal essay required—alongside a high school transcript and a graded essay from their junior or senior year.
From there, students engage in two interviews. The first, a conversation with an admissions counselor, focuses on their academic interests and motivations for applying. The second, a deeper discussion with a St. John’s tutor, offers a preview of the college’s signature seminar-style learning experience. Applicants are asked to reflect on big ideas, the books that have shaped them, and their ability to engage in thoughtful debate.
To complete the process, students must also participate in a Socratic seminar—either online or through the college’s Summer Academy. In these discussions, which mirror the classroom experience at St. John’s, admissions officers assess how students contribute to intellectual exchanges, balancing speaking with active listening.

Departure from the conventional admissions model

For decades, college admissions have been driven by written applications—personal statements designed to distill a student’s academic promise and personality into a few carefully crafted paragraphs. St. John’s, however, is betting that a conversation can reveal just as much, if not more, about an applicant’s ability to thrive in a rigorous academic setting.
The model is not without precedent. Some selective programs, particularly in graduate education, have long used interviews as a key part of admissions. But for undergraduate applicants, the shift is notable, raising questions about how universities assess merit and potential.

Faster decisions, less stress

Another distinguishing feature of the discussion-based process is its timeline. Unlike the months-long wait typical of traditional applications, St. John’s aims to notify students within one month of completing their requirements. The approach is designed to reduce uncertainty for students who are eager to secure their college plans early.

Who is this for?

While the discussion-based application offers an innovative, less conventional pathway, it is not for everyone. Students who prefer time to carefully articulate their thoughts in writing may still opt for St. John’s traditional application, which includes essays and recommendation letters.
But for those who thrive in conversation, who relish the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue, and who see learning as a process of exploration rather than recitation, St. John’s has offered a compelling new way in.