What are some good ways to start your college essay?
I've been brainstorming for my college essay, but I keep getting stuck on the opening. I know the first few sentences are supposed to grab the reader's attention, but I'm not sure how personal or creative I should be. For example, should I start with an anecdote, a quote, or just directly get into my topic?
If anyone has suggestions or examples that worked for them, I would love to hear how you kicked off your essay. I want it to feel like me, but I'm nervous about sounding forced or cliché. Anyone have tips for making the beginning feel natural?
If anyone has suggestions or examples that worked for them, I would love to hear how you kicked off your essay. I want it to feel like me, but I'm nervous about sounding forced or cliché. Anyone have tips for making the beginning feel natural?
7 months ago
•
45 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 7 months ago
Advisor
Opening your college essay is one of the most challenging steps, but also an area where you can really make your application stand out. The best introductions are authentic, engaging, and set the tone for the rest of your essay.
A very effective way to start is with a brief, vivid anecdote that drops the reader into a moment of your life. This can be a specific snapshot (like a sight, sound, or feeling) that reflects who you are or hints at the bigger story you want to tell. For example, one student started, "My hands trembled as I adjusted the wires of my homemade radio, static buzzing in the air." This immediately pulled the reader into a unique personal experience.
If an anecdote doesn't feel right, you might try a striking statement or realization. For instance, "I’ve never lived more than two years in the same place," sets the stage for an essay about growing up in a military family.
Quotes can be tricky; unless a quote deeply reflects your story or is used in a surprising way, it risks feeling impersonal. If you do use a quote, make sure it isn’t generic and that you quickly tie it to your personal journey. For most people, starting with your own voice feels more genuine.
The most important thing is that your introduction sounds like you, not like you're trying to imitate someone else’s style. A useful exercise is to tell your story out loud to a friend and notice how you begin. That natural beginning, even if it’s messy at first, can often lead to a genuine and compelling opening for your essay.
As you revise, look out for openings that "announce" your topic too bluntly ("I learned perseverance from..."), as those can feel formulaic unless you put a creative spin on them. Instead, show your personality and let the theme emerge organically as the essay continues.
Remember, your first draft doesn’t need a perfect hook. Write a few different beginnings and come back later to see which one truly fits. If you're struggling with the opening, dive into the essay and circle back later. Often, the best opening comes after you’ve written the full draft and better understand the story you’re telling.
A very effective way to start is with a brief, vivid anecdote that drops the reader into a moment of your life. This can be a specific snapshot (like a sight, sound, or feeling) that reflects who you are or hints at the bigger story you want to tell. For example, one student started, "My hands trembled as I adjusted the wires of my homemade radio, static buzzing in the air." This immediately pulled the reader into a unique personal experience.
If an anecdote doesn't feel right, you might try a striking statement or realization. For instance, "I’ve never lived more than two years in the same place," sets the stage for an essay about growing up in a military family.
Quotes can be tricky; unless a quote deeply reflects your story or is used in a surprising way, it risks feeling impersonal. If you do use a quote, make sure it isn’t generic and that you quickly tie it to your personal journey. For most people, starting with your own voice feels more genuine.
The most important thing is that your introduction sounds like you, not like you're trying to imitate someone else’s style. A useful exercise is to tell your story out loud to a friend and notice how you begin. That natural beginning, even if it’s messy at first, can often lead to a genuine and compelling opening for your essay.
As you revise, look out for openings that "announce" your topic too bluntly ("I learned perseverance from..."), as those can feel formulaic unless you put a creative spin on them. Instead, show your personality and let the theme emerge organically as the essay continues.
Remember, your first draft doesn’t need a perfect hook. Write a few different beginnings and come back later to see which one truly fits. If you're struggling with the opening, dive into the essay and circle back later. Often, the best opening comes after you’ve written the full draft and better understand the story you’re telling.
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Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years