How do I write an attention-grabbing hook for my college essay?
I'm working on my college essay drafts, but I feel like my introductions are super boring. Everyone says a strong hook makes the admissions officer want to keep reading, but I'm stuck trying to figure out what actually works. Should it be a quote, a random fact about me, a question, or like, a super vivid moment?
Has anyone found a specific strategy that helped them come up with a good hook? I don't have any dramatic life events, so I'm not sure what to focus on to make the first line interesting. Any advice—or examples—would be awesome!
Has anyone found a specific strategy that helped them come up with a good hook? I don't have any dramatic life events, so I'm not sure what to focus on to make the first line interesting. Any advice—or examples—would be awesome!
5 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
Starting your essay with a compelling hook is all about drawing readers instantly into your world—no dramatic life event required. The most effective hooks tend to be specific, a little unexpected, and personal. Here are a few strategies that really work:
1. Start in the middle of an action or scene. This doesn't have to be something "epic"—even an everyday moment can grab attention if you zoom in on sensory details or unique thoughts. For example, "A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead as I stared at the half-solved Rubik's Cube, wondering if I’d ever crack its code." This shows your personality and sets a tone right away.
2. Use a quirky or intriguing personal fact. Something that makes the reader want to know more. Example: "I can recite the periodic table backwards, but I still freeze when asked to introduce myself." This immediately hints at your interests and adds a touch of humor or personality.
3. Pose a thought-provoking question. As long as it's not too generic, a question can engage your reader in your thought process: "What defines a home? For me, it’s not the walls, but the scent of cinnamon rolls every Sunday morning."
4. Vivid description or sensory detail. Painting a picture helps admissions officers feel immersed. For instance: "My hands trembled as I pressed the dough, the kitchen fragrant with cardamom and memories of my grandmother."
Quotes and dictionary definitions tend to feel overused unless they’re truly personal and unique. Try brainstorming strong images, quirky facts, or intense emotions tied to your topic, even if the moment itself is small. What’s a small thing only you could write about? Maybe you have a habit, a favorite pillow, or a family tradition you can describe in a strange or poetic way.
Take ten minutes and free-write the first line of three different memories or quirky traits—no editing. You'll likely find one that feels fresh and true to you. Remember, the goal is to invite your reader into a very specific moment or idea only you could write about. Good luck—you've got this!
1. Start in the middle of an action or scene. This doesn't have to be something "epic"—even an everyday moment can grab attention if you zoom in on sensory details or unique thoughts. For example, "A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead as I stared at the half-solved Rubik's Cube, wondering if I’d ever crack its code." This shows your personality and sets a tone right away.
2. Use a quirky or intriguing personal fact. Something that makes the reader want to know more. Example: "I can recite the periodic table backwards, but I still freeze when asked to introduce myself." This immediately hints at your interests and adds a touch of humor or personality.
3. Pose a thought-provoking question. As long as it's not too generic, a question can engage your reader in your thought process: "What defines a home? For me, it’s not the walls, but the scent of cinnamon rolls every Sunday morning."
4. Vivid description or sensory detail. Painting a picture helps admissions officers feel immersed. For instance: "My hands trembled as I pressed the dough, the kitchen fragrant with cardamom and memories of my grandmother."
Quotes and dictionary definitions tend to feel overused unless they’re truly personal and unique. Try brainstorming strong images, quirky facts, or intense emotions tied to your topic, even if the moment itself is small. What’s a small thing only you could write about? Maybe you have a habit, a favorite pillow, or a family tradition you can describe in a strange or poetic way.
Take ten minutes and free-write the first line of three different memories or quirky traits—no editing. You'll likely find one that feels fresh and true to you. Remember, the goal is to invite your reader into a very specific moment or idea only you could write about. Good luck—you've got this!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)