How do you start off a college essay?

You're right that the opening lines of your college essay play a big role in grabbing the reader’s attention, but there’s no single "correct" way to start. What matters most is that your opening feels authentic to you, sets the tone for your story, and leads naturally into the essay’s core message or theme.

While it's tempting to open with a famous quote or a dramatic statement, those approaches can sometimes feel forced or overused unless you have a personal connection to the quote or can subvert expectations in a unique way. More often, starting with a short, specific anecdote or a snapshot of a moment from your experience helps immediately immerse the reader in your story.

For example, rather than declaring, "Soccer has taught me perseverance," you could open with: “The sting of wet grass seeped through my jersey as I crouched, untying the double-knotted laces with trembling hands.” This kind of detailed, sensory description drops the reader straight into a scene. From there, you can expand out to reflect on why that moment mattered—connecting it to a larger aspect of your identity or growth.

Alternatively, some students successfully start with a bold statement or a quirky fact about themselves: “I make the world’s best chocolate chip pancakes. My little brother disagrees, but my track record speaks for itself.” An opening like this grabs attention and hints at your personality, setting up a narrative about family, hobbies, or even resilience (depending on where your story leads).

A few tips:
- Avoid clichés and vague generalities (e.g., “I've always wanted to help people,” or “Ever since I was young…”)
- Start in the middle of the action or with a surprising detail
- Make sure your first few sentences relate directly to the main point or theme you’ll explore,
- And always review your opening after you finish your draft; sometimes the perfect introduction becomes clear only once you know what your essay is really about.

One approach is to brainstorm a few different openings—scene, statement, question, or unique fact—and test them with friends or family. Seeing which one draws them in can help you decide. Above all, your opening should make the admissions officer want to keep reading to learn more about you. Good luck!