Does the title of my college essay matter?
I’m in the early stages of writing my Common App essay, and I’m a little stuck on whether I need to have a really good title for it. I’ve read a few sample essays online, and some have creative titles while others don’t have a title at all.
Is adding a title important? Would admissions officers judge my essay differently if I had a witty or clever title? Or is it better to just focus on the essay content itself? I’m not sure if a title would make my essay stand out, or if it’s more likely to feel forced and distract from what I’m actually saying. Would love to hear any thoughts or experiences from people who have already submitted their applications!
Is adding a title important? Would admissions officers judge my essay differently if I had a witty or clever title? Or is it better to just focus on the essay content itself? I’m not sure if a title would make my essay stand out, or if it’s more likely to feel forced and distract from what I’m actually saying. Would love to hear any thoughts or experiences from people who have already submitted their applications!
5 months ago
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31 views
Anonymous
5 months ago
You don’t have to include a title for your Common App essay, and in most cases, it’s totally optional. Admissions officers are much more focused on the story you’re telling and how well you tell it, rather than whether you’ve got a catchy or clever title at the top. Most applicants actually submit their essays without a title—so if you’re worried that not having one will hurt you, it won’t.
That said, there are a few scenarios where a title makes sense. If you naturally come up with a phrase that captures the essence of your essay, or if your essay centers on a metaphor and the title adds to the impact, you can definitely include it. A good title can provide context or add a unique touch, especially if it illuminates something about your story. But it’s not a requirement, and forced or overly quirky titles can seem distracting or inauthentic.
If you do want to use a title, keep it short—one line, ideally. It should relate to your essay and invite curiosity without giving everything away. For example, if your essay is about starting a bee-keeping club at your school, a title like “The Buzz Begins” is light and relevant. On the other hand, if you just can’t find anything that feels right, it’s better to skip the title rather than let it stress you out or slow you down.
Ultimately, the content is what matters. Focus your attention on crafting a compelling narrative and being authentic in your writing. Admissions officers won’t penalize you for not having a title, so put your energy into the body of your essay. If something creative comes up later in your writing process and feels natural, you can always add it in then.
That said, there are a few scenarios where a title makes sense. If you naturally come up with a phrase that captures the essence of your essay, or if your essay centers on a metaphor and the title adds to the impact, you can definitely include it. A good title can provide context or add a unique touch, especially if it illuminates something about your story. But it’s not a requirement, and forced or overly quirky titles can seem distracting or inauthentic.
If you do want to use a title, keep it short—one line, ideally. It should relate to your essay and invite curiosity without giving everything away. For example, if your essay is about starting a bee-keeping club at your school, a title like “The Buzz Begins” is light and relevant. On the other hand, if you just can’t find anything that feels right, it’s better to skip the title rather than let it stress you out or slow you down.
Ultimately, the content is what matters. Focus your attention on crafting a compelling narrative and being authentic in your writing. Admissions officers won’t penalize you for not having a title, so put your energy into the body of your essay. If something creative comes up later in your writing process and feels natural, you can always add it in then.
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