What’s the best way to begin a college essay?

You’re definitely not alone—starting the first draft is often the hardest part! The good news is there’s no single “right” way to start a college essay, but some approaches tend to work better than others at drawing in the reader and giving your essay a unique voice.

One popular and effective strategy is to begin with a very specific, vivid moment or scene from your life, one that plunges the reader right into your experience. Think of it as dropping them in the middle of the action—almost like a snapshot from a movie. Instead of broadly introducing who you are, show it through something you did or felt. For example, instead of starting with, “Moving to a new city taught me resilience,” you might begin with, “My hands trembled as I reached for the unfamiliar doorbell, my suitcase wheels squeaking behind me—a soundtrack for every new beginning.”

If you’re considering using a quote, it’s usually better to avoid famous lines from books or historical figures unless it’s incredibly personal to you. Admissions officers see a lot of essays that open with random quotes, and it often comes across as generic. However, a memorable line from your younger sibling or something you overheard at an important moment in your life might actually help showcase your personality and perspective.

Another approach is to start with a striking statement that makes the reader want to know more. Something like, “I’ve baked the same loaf of honey bread every Sunday since I was twelve—but last month, everything changed.” Admissions officers love it when you make them curious.

Personally, I found it helpful to write out a few different opening sentences or paragraphs—sometimes starting in the middle or the end of the story too. Once you have some material down, you can always move things around later. Getting started is often more important than worrying about perfection at this stage. You’ll refine your hook and opening as you go through revisions.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember: what’s most compelling isn’t an over-polished hook, but your authentic voice and a story that matters to you. The admissions readers want to understand how you think, feel, and see the world. Wherever you start, aim to make them feel like they’re right there with you.

If you’re looking for inspiration, reading a few sample essays from official college websites (for example, those highlighted by universities as strong writing) can help, but don’t try to copy an exact formula. Your story is unique because you are.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to write a not-perfect first draft—you’ll polish it later! Sometimes just describing the most vivid or emotionally charged memory related to your topic can help you get words flowing. Good luck, and remember that the hardest part—starting—means you’re already on your way.