What are some good hooks for college essays?

The first sentence of your college essay is important, but it doesn't need to be wildly shocking or dramatic—it just needs to invite the reader in. The best hooks are usually very personal and hint at what makes you unique. Here are some effective types of openings:

1. Start in the middle of a story or a moment of action. This technique, sometimes called "in medias res," immediately places the reader in your world. For example: "My hands shook as I balanced the beaker, hoping this homemade solution would finally change color."

2. Use a surprising statement or contradiction. Begin with something counterintuitive or intriguing—for instance, "I have spent my whole life learning to be quiet, but it was the day I yelled in the hallway that changed everything."

3. Ask a thoughtful question. A question can work if it's introspective and connects to the main theme of your essay, like "What do you do when your hero forgets your birthday?"

4. Offer a vivid detail or sensory image. This draws the reader in with something concrete, such as "The scent of cumin and sizzling onions drifted through the tiny kitchen, reminding me of home thousands of miles away."

5. Begin with a quote—but only if it is truly personal and not a cliché. Instead of using a famous quote, you could use a line from your grandmother or a teacher that shaped your outlook: "'Never trust a tomato with no smell,' my grandfather always said."

Think about a turning point, contradiction, or moment of self-discovery from your own life. For example, one student started her essay with, "When my robot caught fire at the regional competition, I didn't run—I reached for the extinguisher and thought, 'Okay, what's next?'" That hook immediately shows both the problem and her approach to challenges.

Ultimately, the hook should feel authentic to you and give the reader a reason to want to know more. After coming up with several options, try reading them out loud and see which captures your curiosity—you’ll usually know which one feels right.