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How do you start your college essays?
How do you start and what prompt do you use?
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4 answers
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
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Alan’s Answer
I'm sure you've already gotten advice and read about "the way" to start a college essay. You've probably been told that the "proper" way to start is by rephrasing the question. How boring! As a writer and former college instructor my advice would be to ignore advice about "the proper way." I always told my students that I already knew what I had asked, I wanted to know what they thought, how they interpreted it, who they were. I don't believe in formulas. I hated rubrics. I don't think there are "right ways" in life, although there most definitely are wrong ways.
So, my answer would be to start in a way that draws the reader in and that expresses something that might be personally meaningful. It could be your ultimate answer to the question, leaving the rest of the essay to build up to it. Or it could be a teaser, a first step in constructing your ultimate answer. It could be a relevant personal reflection, or your reaction to having been asked the question, or your thought process in approaching the subject.
What it should be is yours, something that expresses your style and process. There are two purposes to an essay, only one of which is to demonstrate your knowledge. The other is, or at least should be, helping students learn to write, to think and to express themselves. Writing is being destroyed these days, by texting and by schools. Be creative. Find your voice. Don't worry about pleasing the teacher; any good teacher will be pleased by having a unique individual as a student. Unless you are given rigid rules, make your own. If you are, bend them.
So, my answer would be to start in a way that draws the reader in and that expresses something that might be personally meaningful. It could be your ultimate answer to the question, leaving the rest of the essay to build up to it. Or it could be a teaser, a first step in constructing your ultimate answer. It could be a relevant personal reflection, or your reaction to having been asked the question, or your thought process in approaching the subject.
What it should be is yours, something that expresses your style and process. There are two purposes to an essay, only one of which is to demonstrate your knowledge. The other is, or at least should be, helping students learn to write, to think and to express themselves. Writing is being destroyed these days, by texting and by schools. Be creative. Find your voice. Don't worry about pleasing the teacher; any good teacher will be pleased by having a unique individual as a student. Unless you are given rigid rules, make your own. If you are, bend them.
Updated
DaSabria’s Answer
As a fellow college student, I've found that the most effective way to excel in essay writing begins with crafting an engaging first sentence that captivates your reader's interest, compelling them to read on. Paint a vibrant picture of your main idea, but be mindful not to overuse common tactics. Offer a concise, intriguing preview of what's to come in your paper without sounding dull. Above all, never underestimate the power of proofreading. I trust these tips will aid you in your academic journey. Best of luck!
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Writing college essays can be a challenging but rewarding process. These essays offer you an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and motivations to college admissions officers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach writing college essays effectively:
1. **Understand the Essay Prompts**:
- Carefully read and understand the essay prompts provided by the colleges you're applying to. Make note of any specific questions or topics you need to address.
2. **Brainstorm Ideas**:
- Start by brainstorming ideas. Reflect on your life experiences, challenges you've overcome, achievements, values, and personal growth. Think about what makes you unique and what you can offer to the college community.
3. **Choose a Topic**:
- Select a topic that aligns with the essay prompt and allows you to tell a compelling story or share meaningful insights. Choose a topic that reflects your genuine interests and passions.
4. **Create an Outline**:
- Organize your thoughts and create an outline for your essay. Decide on the main points you want to cover, the order in which you'll present them, and the key messages you want to convey.
5. **Start with a Strong Hook**:
- Begin your essay with a captivating introduction. You can use a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, a quote, or a vivid description to grab the reader's attention.
6. **Tell Your Story**:
- Use the body of your essay to tell your story or provide specific examples. Be descriptive and paint a clear picture of your experiences and emotions. Show, don't just tell, by using vivid details.
7. **Be Authentic and Personal**:
- Your essay should reflect your authentic voice and perspective. Avoid writing what you think admissions officers want to hear and instead focus on your own experiences and beliefs.
8. **Address the Prompt**:
- Ensure that your essay directly addresses the prompt. Answer any specific questions and stay on topic throughout the essay.
9. **Show Self-Reflection**:
- Reflect on the significance of your experiences and how they have shaped you. Discuss what you've learned, how you've grown, and the impact these experiences have had on your life and future goals.
10. **Highlight Your Values and Character**:
- Use your essay to showcase your values, character, and the qualities that make you a strong fit for the college community. Discuss your passions, integrity, resilience, and commitment to personal and academic growth.
11. **Demonstrate Contribution**:
- Explain how you can contribute to the college community. Discuss how your presence and unique perspective can enrich the campus environment.
12. **Edit and Revise**:
- After drafting your essay, take the time to edit and revise it. Check for grammar and spelling errors, clarity, and coherence. Ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.
13. **Seek Feedback**:
- Share your essay with trusted individuals, such as teachers, counselors, mentors, or family members, and ask for their feedback. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your essay.
14. **Proofread Thoroughly**:
- Carefully proofread your final draft to catch any remaining errors or typos. It's important to submit a polished and error-free essay.
15. **Stay Within Word Limits**:
- Adhere to any word or character limits specified by the college. Keep your essay concise and focused on the most important points.
16. **Submit Early**:
- Aim to complete your essays well before the application deadline. This allows you to review them with fresh eyes and make any final improvements.
17. **Keep a Positive Tone**:
- Maintain a positive and optimistic tone in your essay. Avoid dwelling on negative experiences or challenges unless they are central to your story of personal growth and resilience.
18. **Final Review**:
- Before submitting, review the essay one last time to ensure it meets all the requirements and effectively conveys your message.
Remember that your college essays are a chance to present yourself as a well-rounded individual with unique experiences and perspectives. Be honest, thoughtful, and reflective in your writing, and use your essays to make a compelling case for why you'd be a valuable addition to the college community.
1. **Understand the Essay Prompts**:
- Carefully read and understand the essay prompts provided by the colleges you're applying to. Make note of any specific questions or topics you need to address.
2. **Brainstorm Ideas**:
- Start by brainstorming ideas. Reflect on your life experiences, challenges you've overcome, achievements, values, and personal growth. Think about what makes you unique and what you can offer to the college community.
3. **Choose a Topic**:
- Select a topic that aligns with the essay prompt and allows you to tell a compelling story or share meaningful insights. Choose a topic that reflects your genuine interests and passions.
4. **Create an Outline**:
- Organize your thoughts and create an outline for your essay. Decide on the main points you want to cover, the order in which you'll present them, and the key messages you want to convey.
5. **Start with a Strong Hook**:
- Begin your essay with a captivating introduction. You can use a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, a quote, or a vivid description to grab the reader's attention.
6. **Tell Your Story**:
- Use the body of your essay to tell your story or provide specific examples. Be descriptive and paint a clear picture of your experiences and emotions. Show, don't just tell, by using vivid details.
7. **Be Authentic and Personal**:
- Your essay should reflect your authentic voice and perspective. Avoid writing what you think admissions officers want to hear and instead focus on your own experiences and beliefs.
8. **Address the Prompt**:
- Ensure that your essay directly addresses the prompt. Answer any specific questions and stay on topic throughout the essay.
9. **Show Self-Reflection**:
- Reflect on the significance of your experiences and how they have shaped you. Discuss what you've learned, how you've grown, and the impact these experiences have had on your life and future goals.
10. **Highlight Your Values and Character**:
- Use your essay to showcase your values, character, and the qualities that make you a strong fit for the college community. Discuss your passions, integrity, resilience, and commitment to personal and academic growth.
11. **Demonstrate Contribution**:
- Explain how you can contribute to the college community. Discuss how your presence and unique perspective can enrich the campus environment.
12. **Edit and Revise**:
- After drafting your essay, take the time to edit and revise it. Check for grammar and spelling errors, clarity, and coherence. Ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.
13. **Seek Feedback**:
- Share your essay with trusted individuals, such as teachers, counselors, mentors, or family members, and ask for their feedback. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your essay.
14. **Proofread Thoroughly**:
- Carefully proofread your final draft to catch any remaining errors or typos. It's important to submit a polished and error-free essay.
15. **Stay Within Word Limits**:
- Adhere to any word or character limits specified by the college. Keep your essay concise and focused on the most important points.
16. **Submit Early**:
- Aim to complete your essays well before the application deadline. This allows you to review them with fresh eyes and make any final improvements.
17. **Keep a Positive Tone**:
- Maintain a positive and optimistic tone in your essay. Avoid dwelling on negative experiences or challenges unless they are central to your story of personal growth and resilience.
18. **Final Review**:
- Before submitting, review the essay one last time to ensure it meets all the requirements and effectively conveys your message.
Remember that your college essays are a chance to present yourself as a well-rounded individual with unique experiences and perspectives. Be honest, thoughtful, and reflective in your writing, and use your essays to make a compelling case for why you'd be a valuable addition to the college community.
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
There are many many ways to start a college essay, but what you have to develop is flow. The beginning of a college essay is about as important as the beginning of a novel, but it is even more important to support and carry on after the beginning. You want to ask yourself, "What is this paper about?" And, "What are the points I'm trying to make?" This way you can get the reader to understand your paper and points of view. It is important to note that at the beginning of a paper you want to know people, places, things, and ideas. Then you want to write about what, where, when, how, and why. This advice should help you tremendously.