Hi all! I've been brainstorming ideas for my college essay, but I'm having trouble finding an interesting and unique way to start it. Can you guys give me some examples of college essay starters that have worked for you or that you've seen before? It'd really help, thanks a bunch!
Hello! It's essential to start your college essay with a strong opening to grab the reader's attention. A captivating beginning will draw them into your story and create a better chance of keeping them engaged throughout. Here are some examples of different types of essay starters:
1. Anecdote or short story: Begin your essay with a brief story or anecdote that relates to the overall theme or message of your essay. This approach grabs the reader's attention and allows you to transition into the main topic of the essay naturally.
Example: "As I stood on the creaking wooden stage, my heart pounded beneath the glaring stage lights. In front of me, eighth-graders with clipboards scribbled furiously, trying to keep up with my presentation on renewable energy."
2. Question: Engage your reader by asking a thought-provoking question, that prompts them to consider your essay from a unique perspective and creates curiosity about what you'll discuss.
Example: "What if you were told that a simple childhood toy could hold the key to unlocking the universe's mysteries?"
3. Bold statement or claim: Make a strong statement or claim that sparks interest and entices the reader to keep reading to learn more.
Example: "I fiercely believe that if everyone in the world learned to crochet, humankind would be more connected, empathetic, and happier."
4. Description or imagery: Utilize vivid descriptions and sensory details to establish the atmosphere or setting of your essay. Immerse the reader in the world of your essay, and set the stage for your story.
Example: "The smell of freshly baked bread and cinnamon wafted through the air as I entered my grandmother's cozy kitchen, a safe haven from the chaos of our bustling family get-togethers."
5. Interesting fact or statistic: Begin your essay with an interesting fact or statistic related to your topic, which can intrigue the reader and provide context for your discussion.
Example: "Over 500,000 pieces of space debris currently orbit our planet, and threaten the safety of satellites and astronauts alike."
These are just a few starting points to consider. Remember to choose a technique that best complements the topic of your essay and allows you to showcase your unique voice and perspective. If you want to see some strong introductions "in the wild," you can check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which contains numerous examples of successful personal statements written by real students: https://blog.collegevine.com/common-app-essay-examples. These samples will allow you to see not only how each student chose to start their essay, but also how they then transitioned into their main topic in their body paragraphs.
Good luck with your writing!
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