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That very first sentence isn’t just an introduction. It’s your first impression, your opening line, your chance to stand out before the reader even knows your name. Many admissions officers read hundreds of essays every week, and a dull or generic beginning could mean your essay gets skimmed—or worse, forgotten. So, how do you craft an opening that makes them want to keep reading? To help students, we’ve carefully curated five unconventional essay opening techniques, complete with practical examples, to inspire and guide your writing.
The “3 Don’ts + 3 Dos” of Essay Openings
❌ Three Things You Should NOT Do:
1. Don’t start with famous quotes
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Sound familiar? That’s because countless students have used it in their essays. Starting with a well-known quote is overdone and doesn’t reveal anything personal about you to the reader.
2. Don’t use vague generalizations
“Since I was a child, I have always loved helping people.” This doesn’t say much. It’s too broad and feels like it could apply to anyone.
3. Don’t write about yourself in the third person
“Jessica has always been a hard-working student.” That sounds like a biography, not a personal statement. Use the first person (“I”) to convey directness and sincerity.
✅ Three Things You SHOULD Do:
1. Begin with something intriguing or unexpected
Whether it’s a question, a shocking fact, or a vivid image, say something that pulls the reader in right away.
2. Write in your own voice
Don’t try to sound like a professor or a poet. Aim to sound like yourself—a bright, thoughtful high school student with something meaningful to share.
3. Skip the intro (at first)
If you’re stuck, it’s okay to write the body of your essay first and come back to the introduction later. Sometimes, the best opening reveals itself after you’ve written the rest.
5 Unconventional but Effective Ways to Start Your Personal Statement
Now that we’ve covered the dos and don’ts let’s dive into five creative techniques for starting your essay—plus real examples for each.
1. Ask a Personal and Thought-Provoking Question
Questions can spark curiosity and prompt the reader to pause and think.
Example: “Why do I remember the smell of hospital antiseptic more than my grandmother’s perfume?”
This question is specific, emotional, and surprising. It immediately makes us wonder: What happened? Why does this matter?
Why it works: It’s personal and mysterious. It invites the reader into a deeper story.
2. Start in the Middle of the Action
Think of it like the beginning of a movie—you’re dropped into a moment, and you want to know what’s going on.
Example: “I was sprinting down the hallway, carrying a laptop with a cracked screen and a heart full of panic.”
This opening is cinematic. It puts the reader directly in the scene.
Why it works: It’s active, vivid, and makes the reader feel like they’re there with you.
3. Use Contrast to Show Growth or Change
Compare who you were with who you are now. The gap between those two versions of yourself creates a compelling story.
Example: “I used to think I hated math. Then I built a robot.”
There’s explicit change and a journey hinted at in just two sentences.
Why it works: It promises a story of transformation, which admissions officers love.
4. Begin with a Small and Relatable Detail
Sometimes, the most ordinary moments can reveal something powerful.
Example: “The sound of my mom’s rice cooker always meant one thing: another night of SAT practice.”
This image is simple yet conveys the writer’s background, culture, and work ethic.
Why it works: Small details can create emotional depth and relatability without trying too hard.
5. Use a Quote—But Make It Original and Personal
If you do use a quote, avoid famous ones unless you tie them directly to your story in a meaningful way.
Example: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.’ For me, that meant starting with the recycling bins at my high school.”
Here, the quote leads directly into personal action and specific impact.
Why it works: It shows initiative and values and makes the quote relevant to you.
Your personal statement is your story. And just like any great story, how you begin can make all the difference. By avoiding common mistakes, using your authentic voice, and trying one of these creative opening techniques, you’ll be on your way to writing a compelling essay that helps admissions officers see the real you.
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🧭 Aralia’s Lead Instructors
- Guided hundreds of students to admission at top U.S. universities, including Princeton, Yale, University of Chicago, and Williams College
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This program is perfect for students aiming for admission to top universities who want to make their personal statements stand out. It’s designed for students who are ready to strengthen their essay-writing skills through drafting, feedback, and revision.
