What are some effective ways to start a college essay introduction?

Starting your college essay in a way that grabs attention can feel intimidating, but there are a few strategies that work particularly well.

One effective way is to begin with a vivid, specific moment or scene. Instead of summarizing the fact that you moved schools, drop the reader into an experience you had your first day there. For example, you could open with, “I stared at my reflection in the scratched bathroom mirror, rehearsing how to introduce myself for the third time that morning.” This kind of start lets the admissions reader experience the moment alongside you and makes your story more relatable.

Another method is to use a compelling line of dialogue or internal thought. For instance: “Do you want to sit with us at lunch?” Those seven words from a stranger made my stomach twist with equal parts relief and terror. This gives us insight into your emotional state and immediately creates empathy.

In most cases, starting with a quote (especially from someone famous) isn’t as personal or effective unless it’s deeply tied to your own experience. Readers want to hear your voice first and foremost.

You want your intro to be specific, but not overdramatic. Describe a moment of vulnerability, confusion, or surprise that encapsulates how it felt to be new at your school. The key is to avoid giving away everything in the intro—set the scene, create some tension or curiosity, and make us want to keep reading.

For my own essay, I started with a description of the sound of my alarm clock on a morning that would end up changing how I looked at setbacks, focusing on the small, real details instead of grand announcements or clichés.

Try writing a few different intros and see which one feels most authentic, then ask a friend or family member which grabs them. Remember, a great intro doesn’t have to be shocking—it just needs to be true to who you are, invite the reader in, and set the stage for your story.