Is it okay to use quotes in your college essay?
I'm working on my Common App essay right now and I've been thinking about starting it with a quote that really means a lot to me. It's from a book that shaped my perspective, and I feel like it sets the tone I want to go for. But then I read somewhere online that colleges prefer you not to use quotes since they want to hear your own voice and not someone else's.
I'm not sure if including a quote in my introduction would take away from my story or if it could actually help make my essay stronger by giving some context. Did anyone else use quotes in their college essays and get good results? Is it a red flag or actually acceptable if I use the quote in a way that connects to my personal experience?
I'm not sure if including a quote in my introduction would take away from my story or if it could actually help make my essay stronger by giving some context. Did anyone else use quotes in their college essays and get good results? Is it a red flag or actually acceptable if I use the quote in a way that connects to my personal experience?
4 months ago
•
56 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Using a quote in your college essay isn't inherently bad, but how you use it really matters. Admissions officers care most about your authentic voice and personal story. If a quote from a book truly shaped your worldview and inspires your essay, you can absolutely include it, but you should be careful not to let the quote overshadow your own narrative.
For instance, don't open your essay with a generic line just to sound profound (like a cliché Shakespeare quote or a popular phrase from Dr. Seuss). Instead, if the quote is deeply meaningful to you and seamlessly connects to your own journey, it's fine to use—but keep it brief and make it clear why it matters.
The key is to quickly pivot the focus back to your voice. For example, you might write: "'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly...' That line from The Little Prince echoed in my mind during the weeks I spent volunteering at our local animal shelter. I realized that real compassion wasn't about grand gestures, but paying attention to the small things others overlook."
In this approach, the quote acts as a springboard—you immediately tie it to your unique experience, demonstrating personal growth and insight. The rest of the essay should focus on your story, using the quote as context rather than the main event.
Some students who did this well found that admissions officers appreciated the depth and personal connection, especially when the chosen quote wasn’t widely known and clearly resonated with their story. Just remember: if you use a quote, it should add value, not fill space or replace your own perspective. Always prioritize your personal reflection and originality.
If you're on the fence, consider whether the essay would be just as powerful without the quote. If yes, you might not need it. If no, and that quote is a powerful entry into your specific story, go for it—just make sure your voice shines through.
For instance, don't open your essay with a generic line just to sound profound (like a cliché Shakespeare quote or a popular phrase from Dr. Seuss). Instead, if the quote is deeply meaningful to you and seamlessly connects to your own journey, it's fine to use—but keep it brief and make it clear why it matters.
The key is to quickly pivot the focus back to your voice. For example, you might write: "'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly...' That line from The Little Prince echoed in my mind during the weeks I spent volunteering at our local animal shelter. I realized that real compassion wasn't about grand gestures, but paying attention to the small things others overlook."
In this approach, the quote acts as a springboard—you immediately tie it to your unique experience, demonstrating personal growth and insight. The rest of the essay should focus on your story, using the quote as context rather than the main event.
Some students who did this well found that admissions officers appreciated the depth and personal connection, especially when the chosen quote wasn’t widely known and clearly resonated with their story. Just remember: if you use a quote, it should add value, not fill space or replace your own perspective. Always prioritize your personal reflection and originality.
If you're on the fence, consider whether the essay would be just as powerful without the quote. If yes, you might not need it. If no, and that quote is a powerful entry into your specific story, go for it—just make sure your voice shines through.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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