What's the best way to include quotes in a college essay?

Including a quote in your college essay can work well if it's deeply personal and directly relevant to your story—not just because the author is famous or because you think it sounds profound. Admissions officers read a lot of essays that start with overused quotes, so make sure the quote genuinely reflects who you are or what you're talking about. Think about whether the quote is so important to you that it’s a thread that runs through your story, rather than something you added because it sounded good.

If you decide to use a quote, avoid opening the essay with it. Instead, weave it in at a meaningful moment, perhaps to highlight a turning point or illustrate a mindset. For example, if Maya Angelou’s words "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty" have influenced the way you approach challenges, you could describe a personal experience first and then reference the quote: "During those restless nights rehearsing my debate speech, I remembered Maya Angelou’s perspective on transformation, which helped me embrace the struggle more than the outcome."

Keep the quote short and specific, and always follow it with why it matters to you. Your response to the quote is much more important than the quote itself. This shows your personal insight and lets your own voice stay in control of the essay.

When it comes to formatting, introduce the quote smoothly in your own words, avoid block quotes (which take up valuable space), and use quotation marks. For example: According to my favorite author, Toni Morrison, “Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.” This gave me the courage to...

Above all, ensure the essay is still mostly your own words. Use the quote as a springboard for your thoughts, not as a substitute for original content. If you do this well, you’ll show authenticity and give the admissions reader a glimpse of what truly inspires you.