How do you begin a personal essay for college applications?

I’m a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. I’ve worked with thousands of students on crafting openings that immediately capture admissions officers’ attention, so I can share proven strategies for starting your personal essay in a way that feels authentic and engaging.

The best introductions are specific, vivid, and make the reader want to know more about you. Instead of starting with a generic statement like “I’ve always loved science” or a famous quote, draw the reader right into a moment from your life. Choose a detail that’s unique to you and reveals something meaningful about who you are.

For example, if your essay is about growing up in a multilingual household, you might open with: “I wake up to the scent of cardamom and the sound of my grandmother humming an old Hindi song — it’s how I know I’m home.” This sensory detail pulls the reader into your world immediately.

Anecdotes or short scenes are especially effective because they show, rather than tell, something important about you. The moment you choose doesn’t have to be dramatic — sometimes a small, everyday event can be the most revealing. You might start with the day you taught your younger sibling to ride a bike and use it as a lens to explore patience, resilience, or leadership.

When brainstorming, make a list of specific memories, unusual family rituals, or challenges you’ve faced, and see which ones you can picture vividly. Ask yourself: which moment feels most alive on the page or best reveals a deeper part of me?

Don’t feel pressured to get the perfect opening on your first try. Many students write the introduction last, after discovering the core message of their essay. Often the best hook comes once you know exactly what your essay is saying.

Most importantly, prioritize honesty and specificity over what you think sounds “impressive” or similar to what others are doing. Admissions officers read thousands of essays — it’s your unique perspective and voice that will make them remember yours.

Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft essays and applications that stand out at the most selective schools, including the Ivy League and Stanford. To give each student the highest level of attention, I keep my caseload small — booking early guarantees a place. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families where we’ll review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book directly through my profile.

I know this process can feel overwhelming at times, but you are fully capable of navigating it successfully. I’m always here to help guide you through it.