Should I put a title on my college essay?
I'm working on the first draft of my Common App essay right now and I'm not sure if I should include a title at the top or not. Some sample essays I've read have titles, but others just jump right in. Is there an advantage either way?
My essay is kind of a story, and I feel like a title might make it feel more complete, but I don't want to break any unspoken rules. Anyone have experience with this or know what admissions officers prefer? I don't want to do anything weird and mess up a first impression.
My essay is kind of a story, and I feel like a title might make it feel more complete, but I don't want to break any unspoken rules. Anyone have experience with this or know what admissions officers prefer? I don't want to do anything weird and mess up a first impression.
5 months ago
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54 views
Anonymous
5 months ago
This is a really common question, so you're not alone in wondering about it! The short answer is: you aren't required to put a title on your Common App essay, and there won't be any penalty for leaving it off. In fact, most students don't use a title—it's totally fine to just jump in with the first line of your story.
That said, a title can add a nice touch if you feel it genuinely enhances your essay. Some students use a title to set the tone, create intrigue, or convey the themes of their story in a clever or concise way. For example, if your essay revolves around how learning to make sourdough changed your outlook on mistakes, you might include a title like "Rising With the Dough," which hints at personal growth in a playful way. But the main essay itself is always what matters most.
Keep in mind, if you do include a title, it should be short and relevant—not something generic like “My Personal Statement.” Also, make sure it doesn’t detract from your opening line or feel forced. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so a clever or unique title might stand out, but a plain or awkward one won’t help (and could distract).
Overall: don’t stress about it! You’ll be judged on your story, writing, and self-reflection, not on whether you have a title. Consider trying it both ways when you draft, and see what feels strongest to you. If the title adds to your narrative—great! If not, go without it and start with your hook. Either approach is perfectly acceptable.
That said, a title can add a nice touch if you feel it genuinely enhances your essay. Some students use a title to set the tone, create intrigue, or convey the themes of their story in a clever or concise way. For example, if your essay revolves around how learning to make sourdough changed your outlook on mistakes, you might include a title like "Rising With the Dough," which hints at personal growth in a playful way. But the main essay itself is always what matters most.
Keep in mind, if you do include a title, it should be short and relevant—not something generic like “My Personal Statement.” Also, make sure it doesn’t detract from your opening line or feel forced. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so a clever or unique title might stand out, but a plain or awkward one won’t help (and could distract).
Overall: don’t stress about it! You’ll be judged on your story, writing, and self-reflection, not on whether you have a title. Consider trying it both ways when you draft, and see what feels strongest to you. If the title adds to your narrative—great! If not, go without it and start with your hook. Either approach is perfectly acceptable.
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