How Do You Start A College Application Essay Intro?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Opening Hook. It's important to draw your reader in from the very first sentence. …
  2. Summary of Your Topic, Ideas, or Argument. Your opening paragraph should introduce the subject matter and the points you intend to make. …
  3. Thesis Statement. Your thesis statement comes at the end of your introduction.

What is a good introduction for a college essay?

An effective college introduction should

“wow” admissions officers

. It should be creative, intriguing, and unique. Make sure you start with a strong “hook” or “grabber.” It's a good idea to follow this first sentence with a vivid anecdote, which you will then connect to the overall topic of your essay.

How do you start an application essay?

  1. Read the instructions carefully. They say starting the essay is the hardest part. …
  2. Start with a compelling introduction. …
  3. Use your inner voice. …
  4. Avoid clichés. …
  5. Give good examples to support your ideas. …
  6. Stick to a clear essay plan. …
  7. Ask someone to proofread your work.

How do you write a good introduction example?

  1. Use a Surprising Fact. You can capture the reader's attention with a surprising fact or statement. …
  2. Pose a Question. …
  3. Start With an Anecdote. …
  4. Set the Stage. …
  5. State Your Point Clearly. …
  6. Start With Something Shocking. …
  7. Use a Statistic. …
  8. Get Personal.

How do you start off an introduction?

  1. Attract the Reader's Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader's attention and introduces the general topic. …
  2. State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper. …
  3. State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.

How do I start a college essay about myself?

  1. Create a List of Questions. …
  2. Brainstorm and Outline. …
  3. Be Vulnerable. …
  4. Use Personal Examples. …
  5. Write in the First Person. …
  6. Don't Be Afraid to Show Off…But Stay on Topic! …
  7. Show Personality. …
  8. Know Your Audience.

How do you start an introduction paragraph?

The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start

with a sentence that piques the interest of your readers

. In a typical essay, that first sentence leads into two or three more sentences that provide details about your subject or your process. All of these sentences build up to your thesis statement.

What is an introduction in an essay example?

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

An opening hook to catch the reader's attention

. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

How do you start a college application?

  1. Start the College Application Process.
  2. Complete the FAFSA.
  3. Fill Out the Common App.
  4. Write a Standout College Essay.
  5. Ask for Recommendation Letters.
  6. Learn the Ins and Outs of Financial Aid.
  7. Decipher College Tuition Costs.
  8. Find Scholarships to Pay for College.

What should you not start a college essay with?

  • An introduction to your story. Imagine you were telling a friend a story about life as a pitcher on the baseball team. …
  • A famous quote. …
  • A definition. …
  • What the heck? …
  • Anything that would show up on Google.

What are the 3 parts of an introduction paragraph?

The 3 Main Parts of an Intro Paragraph

In general, an intro paragraph is going to have three main parts:

a hook, context, and a thesis statement

. Each of these pieces of the intro plays a key role in acquainting the reader with the topic and purpose of your essay.

What are some sentence starters for essays?

  • This essay will explore/examine/discuss….
  • In this essay, I will analyze….
  • Experts agree that….
  • There are many ways to….
  • Have you ever….
  • Would you believe that….
  • It's an accepted fact that….
  • It's may be difficult to believe that….

What is a good example of an introduction paragraph?

1st Sentence I lead with a quick factoid about comics. 2nd & 3rd These sentences define graphic novels and gives a brief history. This is also how the body of my paper starts. 4rd Sentence This sentence introduces the current issue. See how I gave the history first and now give the current issue? That's flow.

What do you say about yourself in a college essay?

  • Choose a topic that's meaningful to you. The foundation of a great essay is selecting a topic that has real meaning for you. …
  • Show your personality. …
  • Write in your own voice. …
  • Use specific examples. …
  • Don't be afraid to show off… …
  • 6. … …
  • Be vulnerable. …
  • Don't lie or hyperbolize.

Should you introduce yourself in a college essay?


A college essay is absolutely a way to introduce yourself to the college

, but it shouldn't be taken so literally. Rewriting your application in the form of an essay is a waste of valuable time, for both you and the college admissions officer. Instead, focus on a unique way to introduce yourself.

What should I write about in my college essay?

  1. Memorable meals. Everyone eats! …
  2. Outdoor activities. The first time I ever advised a student on their college application essay, I worked with a quiet student, a guy who disappeared into the back of his classes. …
  3. Challenges. …
  4. Failure. …
  5. Commitment.

How do you start an opening sentence?

Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like,

“This book will change your life.”

How do you get a head start for college applications?

  1. Get involved in extracurricular activities. Not only are extracurriculars fun, they look phenomenal on . …
  2. Study for the PSAT/SAT/ACT. …
  3. Look for scholarships. …
  4. Practice writing . …
  5. Schedule campus visits.

What should an introduction include?

  1. Provide some background information and context. …
  2. Limit the scope of your discussion. …
  3. State your position / contention. …
  4. Outline the structure or main supporting points of your essay.

What are the 4 parts of an introduction?

1. Introduces the topic 2. States why the topic is important 3. States that there is a difference of opinion about this topic 4. Describes how the assignment will be structured and clearly states the writer's main premise

What is usually on a college application?

You will most likely complete your college apps online, either through the Common Application or on a school's website. … You will be asked to list

basic information about yourself

, your school, and your family, as well as your GPA, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, and any awards you earned in high school.

What makes a strong college essay?

A great college essay is one

in which the student's voice and though process comes through clearly

. It should be consistent with the rest of the application and showcase an aspect of the student not highlighted in the rest of the application. It is also well written and grammatically correct.

Is it good to start a college application essay with a quote?

The Quote: While quoting famous people who have said something cool in the past may seem like an appealing way to start your essay, remember that colleges want to hear YOUR thoughts. Don't use the words of another person to stand in for your own opinions or insights.

Can you lie in your college essay?

While writing your essay, there's no need to stretch the truth. The essay is your chance to let your own voice come through your application: don't waste it on lies. … When it comes to the college essay, admissions committees have seen it all. The worst thing you can do is make up a story for your college essay.

What 2 things should be included in an opening paragraph?

  • Indicate the controlling idea of the essay.
  • Outline the controlling idea of each body paragraph of your essay.
  • Be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.
  • Be reviewed (and rewritten, if necessary)

What is a good hook sentence?

A strong statement hook is a sentence that makes

an assertive claim about your topic

. It connects to the thesis statement and shows the importance of your essay or paper. A strong statement is a great technique because it doesn't matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement.

What are the 6 sentence openers?

  • #1: Subject.
  • #2: Prepositional.
  • #3: -ly Adverb.
  • #4: -ing , (participial phrase opener)
  • #5: clausal , (www.asia.b)
  • #6: VSS (2-5 words) Very Short Sentence.

How do you write a good hook for an essay?

  1. Your title is your first hook. …
  2. Drop your readers into the middle of the action. …
  3. Form an emotional connection. …
  4. Make a surprising statement. …
  5. Leave your reader with questions. …
  6. Stay away from description. …
  7. Once you have your reader's attention, keep it.

What are the 7 sentence openers?

Used at the beginning of a sentence, these words signal to you that a sentence opener follows:

After, Although, As, Because, Before, If, Since, Unless, Until, When, While.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.