How should I start my 'Why This College?' essay?

Getting started on the 'Why This College?' essay can definitely feel intimidating, but you're right to steer away from both a generic opening and an overly forced anecdote.

The most effective intros are specific, sincere, and lead naturally into why you're a great fit for the school. It’s perfectly fine to get creative—as long as it feels authentic and ties into your reasons for applying. For instance, instead of starting with “I am excited to apply...,” you might open with a snapshot of a moment in your life that connects to the college’s resources or values.

For example, let's say you’re applying to a school known for its marine biology program. You could start with a memory of your first tide pooling experience:

"Kneeling on the jagged coast at low tide, I watched a sea star unfurl across a rock. Years later, I found myself reading about your university’s student-run marine lab, imagining days spent cataloging tide pools with like-minded explorers."

This approach hooks your reader and immediately signals what matters to you. Conversely, if you don't have a strong anecdote that fits, you can lead with a personal interest or question:

"How can a campus integrate centuries-old architecture with cutting-edge biotechnology research? I found the answer while exploring your university’s engineering quad virtually..."

Short, immersive details work well. Avoid starting with generic statements like "I've always dreamed of attending..." or "When I visited the campus, I knew it was the place for me." These don’t differentiate you from other applicants.

Ultimately, choose the approach that feels natural for you. If you’re not comfortable with a narrative intro, a crisp, straightforward beginning is perfectly acceptable as long as it’s packed with specifics that show you’ve done your research. Just be sure your opening transitions smoothly into what attracts you to the school, whether it’s a program, community, or opportunity unique to them.

Try drafting two or three different openings—even if they feel awkward at first—and see which one sets you up to share the strongest, most personal connection to the college.