Hey everyone! I'm working on my college essay, and I'm stuck with the introduction. Can anyone share some examples or suggestions on how to start a college essay? I'm really trying to make a good first impression. Thanks!
Hello! I understand that starting a college essay can feel like the most daunting part of the writing process. The introduction is crucial because it's your opportunity to hook the reader and encourage them to keep reading. Here are some suggestions for starting your essay:
1. Start with a quote or dialogue: Choose a relevant quote from a book, a movie, or even a famous person that resonates with your essay's theme or personal experience. Alternatively, you can recount a conversation or dialogue that sets the context for your story or topic.
2. Use a bold statement or question: Starting with a strong statement or a thought-provoking question can immediately engage your reader and make them curious to know more.
3. Begin with an anecdote: Sharing a personal, unique, or captivating story from your life can quickly draw in your reader and help them connect with you on a deeper level.
4. Set the scene: Vividly describing a place, a person, or an event can establish the mood and atmosphere of your essay, providing an engaging backdrop for the story you will tell.
5. Use a creative metaphor or simile: Comparing two unrelated things through metaphors or similes can help you introduce your essay's theme or message in a unique way.
Remember that the goal is to grab the reader's attention and showcase your personality, values, or goals in an authentic way. Whichever approach you choose, make sure it is relevant to the essay's theme and reflects your genuine voice. And if you want to see some examples of strong introductions written by real students, as well as how they transitioned from their introduction to the rest of the essay, CollegeVine has collected many samples of excellent Common App essays, as well as provided analysis of what each one did well, in the introduction and throughout the essay: https://blog.collegevine.com/common-app-essay-examples.
Finally, if you're wondering how effective your introduction is, CollegeVine also offers both a free peer essay review tool and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors. Either of these resources can give you a better sense of how strong your current opening is, and provide suggestions for how to make it even more compelling.
Good luck with your essay!
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