What are some effective ways to begin a personal statement for college applications?

Starting a personal statement can feel intimidating, but a compelling introduction doesn’t have to be complex or flashy—it needs to be authentic, memorable, and give a sense of your voice.

Often, starting with a specific moment or anecdote is effective. This pulls the reader in and paints a picture of who you are before you explain it. For example, instead of telling the reader that you love chemistry, you might begin: “The smell of burnt sugar wafted through our kitchen as my experimental caramel hardened into an inedible brick. But failure just made me more determined to learn.” This approach shows your curiosity and willingness to experiment, rather than just saying it.

Some students have success opening with a question or a unique observation, especially if it connects to a defining part of their personality or background. For example: “Why do elevators always make me nervous?” Then, you could talk about how this led to a fascination with engineering or self-improvement.

Quotes can work, but use caution. Only use a quote if it has genuine personal significance, not just because it’s famous or sounds impressive. It’s also easy for quotes to seem cliché or generic.

Jumping right into ‘what you want to study’ can be effective if your passion is truly the centerpiece of your story and you can immediately tie it to a particular moment or feeling. For example: “I first glimpsed the world in pixels and code while building a website with my uncle at age seven. That afternoon set me on a path I’m still walking.” This tells the reader not just what you want to study, but why.

Here are a few types of opening lines that can make your essay stand out:
- A vivid scene: “My pinky finger still bends at a weird angle from the potholder I tried (and failed) to knit in third grade.”
- An unexpected fact: “I’ve eaten lunch alone for almost every school day since sixth grade—by choice.”
- Immediate action: “My shoes squelched with every step as I waded through the flooded library, desperate to rescue the chess sets from the rising tide."

Take some time to brainstorm one or two stories or experiences that have shaped you, then think about starting your first paragraph in the middle of the action. Don’t worry about making it perfect on the first try—often, your introduction gets better once you’ve written more of the essay and know what story you want to tell.

Try writing a few different openings and see which one feels the most personal and true to your experience. The best intros make the reader want to keep reading and get to know YOU.