What is the best way to begin a college personal essay?

Feeling the pressure to craft a strong opening is totally normal. Admissions readers do read a lot of essays, so setting the right tone and standing out from the beginning can help, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress. There isn’t one “correct” way to start a personal essay, but there are strategies that tend to be effective.

One of the most engaging techniques is to start with a vivid anecdote—a moment that drops the reader into the middle of a scene, using sensory details and action. This approach works because it immediately immerses the reader and makes them curious about the story behind that moment. For example, instead of saying, "I moved a lot as a kid," you could open with: "As I squeezed my goldfish's tank into the backseat next to three boxes labeled 'fragile,' I wondered if this time would be different."

You could also use a line of dialogue to pull the reader in or start with an intriguing question that reflects the theme of your essay. Be careful with famous quotes, though—they often feel impersonal and overdone. If a quote is truly meaningful and specific to your experience, it can work, but it’s stronger if it’s from a family member or your own life rather than a famous figure.

Some writers find success starting with a brief and honest statement that contrasts with what comes next, setting up tension. For instance: "I failed my first driving test. Not just by a little—I reversed over a cone and then drove into the wrong lane."

When in doubt, write out a few different openings and see which one feels most natural and representative of your voice. Don’t worry about writing a perfect introduction on the first try—sometimes the best intro comes after you’ve written the rest of your essay.

Focus on what moment or memory you want the reader to remember. Make it specific and authentic to you. The best introductions reflect something meaningful and unique about who you are, and that can be as simple as a memory, a detail, or even a gut-level honest admission.