Is it okay to start my college essay with a quote?
I’ve read a lot of advice online about college essays, and some people say starting with a quote is a bad idea, while others say it can work if it’s original. I’ve got a quote from my favorite author that really sums up my approach to life, and I feel like it connects to the story I want to share. But I’m worried it might sound cliché or impersonal.
Would it look like I’m not creative enough if I open my essay with a quote, even if I explain why it matters to me? Has anyone here tried it and gotten good feedback from colleges or counselors? I’m a bit stuck trying to figure out if this will help my essay stand out or if it’s too risky. Would love to hear some opinions or experiences!
Would it look like I’m not creative enough if I open my essay with a quote, even if I explain why it matters to me? Has anyone here tried it and gotten good feedback from colleges or counselors? I’m a bit stuck trying to figure out if this will help my essay stand out or if it’s too risky. Would love to hear some opinions or experiences!
4 months ago
•
85 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Starting a college essay with a quote can work, but it comes with definite risks. Admissions readers see a lot of essays that begin with famous quotes from authors, historical figures, or celebrities. Often, these openings can make your essay seem less personal because the first words on the page aren’t your own, and it may even seem like you’re relying on someone else’s wisdom to make your point. Especially if the quote is very well-known or commonly used (think Maya Angelou or Steve Jobs), it can come across as cliché rather than original.
That said, there are exceptions. If the quote is truly meaningful to you, relatively uncommon, and ties directly to a unique story or perspective that only you could share, it can be effective—especially if you immediately make it personal. For example, if you opened with a line from your favorite author but, in the next sentence, described a specific moment when those words resonated with you and spurred you to act, it could help establish your voice and the essay’s central theme.
An example: Instead of starting with just “'Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans'—John Lennon,” you could be more creative and personal. Try something like: “I scribbled John Lennon’s words onto the corner of my math homework after missing yet another robotics meeting for a family emergency. That line became my mantra, reminding me... [then explain how this shaped your growth].”
If you choose to use a quote, make sure it serves your story, not the other way around. Don’t just include it because you like how it sounds or because you think it will impress the reader. Also, keep the introduction focused on you as quickly as possible. Admissions officers want to get a sense of your voice, thoughts, and experiences—those are what make your essay memorable and unique.
Several students have gotten positive feedback from admissions counselors when their use of a quote was sparing, original, and very tightly connected to a personal narrative. On the other hand, some counselors have reported that most quote openings they see are immediately forgettable or even skimmed over.
If you’re stuck, you could write two versions: one with the quote and one jumping right into your own story or voice. Share them with a few honest reviewers to get feedback on which feels stronger. Ultimately, your goal should be to make your personality and perspective shine from the first sentence—whether or not it involves a quote.
That said, there are exceptions. If the quote is truly meaningful to you, relatively uncommon, and ties directly to a unique story or perspective that only you could share, it can be effective—especially if you immediately make it personal. For example, if you opened with a line from your favorite author but, in the next sentence, described a specific moment when those words resonated with you and spurred you to act, it could help establish your voice and the essay’s central theme.
An example: Instead of starting with just “'Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans'—John Lennon,” you could be more creative and personal. Try something like: “I scribbled John Lennon’s words onto the corner of my math homework after missing yet another robotics meeting for a family emergency. That line became my mantra, reminding me... [then explain how this shaped your growth].”
If you choose to use a quote, make sure it serves your story, not the other way around. Don’t just include it because you like how it sounds or because you think it will impress the reader. Also, keep the introduction focused on you as quickly as possible. Admissions officers want to get a sense of your voice, thoughts, and experiences—those are what make your essay memorable and unique.
Several students have gotten positive feedback from admissions counselors when their use of a quote was sparing, original, and very tightly connected to a personal narrative. On the other hand, some counselors have reported that most quote openings they see are immediately forgettable or even skimmed over.
If you’re stuck, you could write two versions: one with the quote and one jumping right into your own story or voice. Share them with a few honest reviewers to get feedback on which feels stronger. Ultimately, your goal should be to make your personality and perspective shine from the first sentence—whether or not it involves a quote.
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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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