Are quotes a good idea to include in college essays?

Using a quote in your college essay can be effective in rare cases, but it’s tricky territory. Many admissions officers mention that essays starting with a generic quote, especially from someone famous (like Gandhi, Einstein, or MLK), tend to blend together. These quotes often feel impersonal, as they don’t give the reader insight into your personality or experiences.

The exceptions are when a quote is deeply personal, specific, and closely connected to your story. For example, if your grandmother always said something unique that shaped your outlook (“Don’t let the rain tell you how to dance,” for instance), opening with that could reveal your relationship and what you learned from her. Or, maybe you wrote a note to yourself before your first debate: quoting yourself is original and directly relevant. This approach helps admissions officers get a sense of your individuality and background, rather than presenting someone else’s wisdom.

If you still want to use a quote, make sure it acts as a launching point for your story. Don’t just use it and move on—instead, dig deep into why it’s meaningful to you specifically. For example, let’s say you’re inspired by your coach’s advice in a huddle: “Trust the work you’ve put in.” Instead of just quoting your coach, use it to introduce a story that reveals how that advice influenced your actions in a surprising or personal way (maybe off the field, like when you overcame stage fright in band because you remembered their words).

Overall, admission officers read thousands of essays, and originality stands out. Most students are better off starting with a vivid personal moment, question, or observation that draws the reader in quickly. Try writing a few different openers: one with a quote, and one that dives straight into an experience of your own, then compare which feels more authentic.

Lastly, if you do use a quote, keep it short and make sure your voice quickly takes center stage. The essay should reveal who you are, not just who inspires you or whose words you admire.

You’re not alone in feeling stressed about this! The opening matters, but don’t let it paralyze you—you can always revise once you’ve got a first draft. Focus on making your introduction sound like you, and not like every other applicant quoting a famous figure.