What makes a college essay title stand out to admissions officers?
I'm working on my college essays and I'm kind of stuck when it comes to coming up with a good title. I know some people say the title isn't super important, but if it can grab the reader's attention, then I want to get it right.
Should I try to be creative or clever with my titles? Or is it better to just be straightforward and descriptive? I'd love to hear examples of titles that have worked for people in the past, or any advice on what makes a title effective. Right now, all of mine just sound boring, like "Overcoming Obstacles" or "My Love for Science," and I feel like those won't make an impact.
Does the title influence how your essay is perceived, or do admissions readers just skim over it? I definitely want whatever I write to stand out and really reflect who I am.
Should I try to be creative or clever with my titles? Or is it better to just be straightforward and descriptive? I'd love to hear examples of titles that have worked for people in the past, or any advice on what makes a title effective. Right now, all of mine just sound boring, like "Overcoming Obstacles" or "My Love for Science," and I feel like those won't make an impact.
Does the title influence how your essay is perceived, or do admissions readers just skim over it? I definitely want whatever I write to stand out and really reflect who I am.
5 months ago
•
26 views
Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
A great college essay title can certainly help your application stand out by piquing curiosity and giving the admissions reader a quick glimpse into your personality and topic. But it’s true that the title is not as important as the content—plenty of essays are accepted without flashy titles. Still, a unique, well-crafted title can set a positive tone.
The strongest essay titles tend to be specific, creative, and reflective of both the essay’s content and the writer’s unique perspective. Rather than simply being descriptive or generic, a standout title hints at your story or style, prompting the reader to want to read more. For example, instead of “Overcoming Obstacles,” you might use a title that captures the specific moment or emotion at the heart of your essay, like "Sunrise Over the Empty Pool" (for an essay about early morning swim practices during hard times) or “The Smell of Burnt Toast and New Beginnings” (if you’re writing about family breakfasts during a transitional period).
Don’t be afraid to be playful or unexpected—if it suits your essay’s tone. I’ve seen successful candidates use titles like “The Silent Language of My Socks” (about adapting to a new culture) or “Failing Forward on Wheels” (about learning key lessons through a disastrous robotics competition). These titles create intrigue, so the reader wants to find out how that subject connects to the student’s journey.
On the other hand, if your essay is especially raw or personal, a direct but specific title can work well. For instance, rather than “My Love for Science,” you might use “How Broken Electronics Taught Me to Build” or “Wiring Curiosity Into My Childhood.”
Ultimately, if you’re struggling to find a title, don’t stress too much—a weak title won’t ruin a strong essay, and sometimes the perfect title emerges only after you've finished the main draft. Focus on conveying an authentic piece of yourself. Once your essay is nearly done, look for a line, image, or theme that stands out and use that for your title. Ask yourself: Would this make me curious to read more if I didn’t know the story yet?
So, aim for a title that’s specific, true to your story, and even a bit intriguing. Don’t settle for generic! If you feel ‘stuck,’ try pulling a meaningful phrase or image from a memorable moment in your essay—those often make the best titles.
The strongest essay titles tend to be specific, creative, and reflective of both the essay’s content and the writer’s unique perspective. Rather than simply being descriptive or generic, a standout title hints at your story or style, prompting the reader to want to read more. For example, instead of “Overcoming Obstacles,” you might use a title that captures the specific moment or emotion at the heart of your essay, like "Sunrise Over the Empty Pool" (for an essay about early morning swim practices during hard times) or “The Smell of Burnt Toast and New Beginnings” (if you’re writing about family breakfasts during a transitional period).
Don’t be afraid to be playful or unexpected—if it suits your essay’s tone. I’ve seen successful candidates use titles like “The Silent Language of My Socks” (about adapting to a new culture) or “Failing Forward on Wheels” (about learning key lessons through a disastrous robotics competition). These titles create intrigue, so the reader wants to find out how that subject connects to the student’s journey.
On the other hand, if your essay is especially raw or personal, a direct but specific title can work well. For instance, rather than “My Love for Science,” you might use “How Broken Electronics Taught Me to Build” or “Wiring Curiosity Into My Childhood.”
Ultimately, if you’re struggling to find a title, don’t stress too much—a weak title won’t ruin a strong essay, and sometimes the perfect title emerges only after you've finished the main draft. Focus on conveying an authentic piece of yourself. Once your essay is nearly done, look for a line, image, or theme that stands out and use that for your title. Ask yourself: Would this make me curious to read more if I didn’t know the story yet?
So, aim for a title that’s specific, true to your story, and even a bit intriguing. Don’t settle for generic! If you feel ‘stuck,’ try pulling a meaningful phrase or image from a memorable moment in your essay—those often make the best titles.
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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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