How do you choose a good title for your college essay?
I’m currently writing my Common App essay and I’m stuck on what to use as a title, or if I even need one. Some of my friends told me it’s not really necessary, while others say it can make your essay stand out more. My essay is kind of a narrative about a volunteer experience, so I feel like a good title could set the mood.
Should you try to make it catchy, simple, or just go without a title altogether? For anyone who already submitted apps, did you use a title, and if so, how did you come up with it? I want to make sure my essay looks thoughtful but not forced.
Just want to hear how others handled this!
Should you try to make it catchy, simple, or just go without a title altogether? For anyone who already submitted apps, did you use a title, and if so, how did you come up with it? I want to make sure my essay looks thoughtful but not forced.
Just want to hear how others handled this!
7 months ago
•
69 views
Joana Lepuri
• 7 months ago
Advisor
You’re right that there’s a lot of mixed advice about essay titles. The truth is, most admissions officers say that a title is totally optional for your Common App essay. A strong, well-written essay stands on its own, and many successful essays have no title at all. If you feel a title doesn’t add anything, it’s absolutely fine to leave it off.
That said, a good title can set the mood, give a hint about the story, or draw in the reader, especially if it’s clever or insightful without being forced. The key is to keep it natural and relevant. For a narrative about a volunteer experience, consider picking a title that reflects either a single striking moment, an object or phrase central to your story, or a feeling that runs throughout. For example, if your essay centers around working at a food pantry, something like “Dinner Plates and Second Chances” could work if it connects to your story. If there was a moment you were deeply moved by someone’s story, you might craft a title around a line of dialogue or a nickname that stuck with you.
Ultimately, if a title comes naturally, use it! If nothing feels right, it’s better to skip it than force something in. Reviewers care most about your story and voice, so focus your energy there first.
That said, a good title can set the mood, give a hint about the story, or draw in the reader, especially if it’s clever or insightful without being forced. The key is to keep it natural and relevant. For a narrative about a volunteer experience, consider picking a title that reflects either a single striking moment, an object or phrase central to your story, or a feeling that runs throughout. For example, if your essay centers around working at a food pantry, something like “Dinner Plates and Second Chances” could work if it connects to your story. If there was a moment you were deeply moved by someone’s story, you might craft a title around a line of dialogue or a nickname that stuck with you.
Ultimately, if a title comes naturally, use it! If nothing feels right, it’s better to skip it than force something in. Reviewers care most about your story and voice, so focus your energy there first.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Joana Lepuri
Chicago, IL
University of Chicago B.A. in Political Science, Public Policy, 2021 | Loyola University Chicago School of Law J.D., 2027
Experience
7 years