How to Start a Common App Essay: Tips and Strategies

Introduction

The Common App essay is an important part of the college application process. It provides applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate who they are beyond their academic achievements and standardized test scores. The essay should showcase an applicant’s personality, interests, and goals. To ensure you craft an effective and compelling essay, it’s important to understand the different topics covered in the essay and how to start a Common App essay.

Begin with a Thought-Provoking Quote

Beginning your essay with a thought-provoking quote can be a great way to capture the reader’s attention. You can use a quote that relates to the essay topic or one that speaks to your personality and experiences. For example, if you’re writing about overcoming an obstacle, you might begin with this quote from Richard Bach: “The bridge between despair and hope is a strong belief in yourself.” Here are some other examples of quotes you could use to start your Common App essay:

• “The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost
• “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” – Unknown

When selecting a quote, make sure it’s relevant to the essay topic and appropriate for a college admissions essay. Consider how the quote relates to the rest of your essay and how it will set the tone for what follows. Additionally, make sure the quote is properly attributed so that you avoid any issues with plagiarism.

Introduce Yourself and Your Story

After you’ve chosen an attention-grabbing quote, you should take a few sentences to introduce yourself and provide some background information. You don’t need to include a comprehensive list of your qualifications and accomplishments; instead, focus on a few key points that make you unique. This could include where you’re from, any special talents or interests you have, or any challenges you’ve faced. Be sure to keep your introduction brief and to the point. Here are a few tips for crafting an engaging introduction:

• Be specific. Instead of general statements, opt for details that will help the reader get to know you better.
• Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or embellish the facts. Just tell your story honestly and clearly.
• Be creative. Think outside the box and come up with a unique angle to introduce yourself.

Describe an Obstacle You Have Overcome

Many colleges ask applicants to write about an obstacle they have overcome. This can be a great opportunity to show how you have grown as a person and how you have managed to stay resilient even in difficult situations. When writing about an obstacle you’ve faced, it’s important to focus on how you overcame the challenge and what you learned from the experience. Here are a few strategies for writing about difficult experiences:

• Be honest. Don’t be afraid to share the truth about your struggles and how you overcame them.
• Be positive. Don’t dwell on the negative aspects of the situation; instead, focus on how you grew as a result of the experience.
• Be specific. Provide concrete details about the situation and the steps you took to overcome it.

Additionally, when writing about an obstacle, be sure to showcase your resiliency by focusing on the positive outcomes of the situation. Explain how you persevered despite the challenge and what you gained from the experience. This will demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are capable of handling adversity and that you are ready to take on the challenges of college life.

Share an Experience That Shaped You

Another common essay prompt is to discuss an experience that has shaped you. This could be anything from a travel experience to a meaningful conversation with a mentor. When writing about an experience that has impacted you, it’s important to focus on the impact the experience had on you rather than simply describing the event itself. Here are a few ideas for identifying significant experiences:

• Think back to a moment that has stayed with you over the years.
• Reflect on a time when you faced an ethical dilemma.
• Recall a moment when you experienced failure and what you learned from it.

Once you’ve identified an experience to write about, it’s important to capture the impact the experience had on you. Be sure to explain why the experience was meaningful and how it has helped shape who you are today. This will help the admissions committee gain insight into your values and beliefs.

Focus on a Specific Moment in Time

When writing about an experience, it can be tempting to write about the entire event from start to finish. However, it’s often more effective to focus on a specific moment in time. This will allow you to go into greater depth and provide more detail about the experience. To narrow your focus, consider these techniques:

• Choose a moment that stands out in your memory.
• Identify a moment when you made a decision that changed the course of events.
• Focus on a moment when you felt particularly proud or accomplished.

By focusing on a particular moment, you can provide more detail and create a more vivid picture of the experience for the reader. Additionally, this will help you avoid rambling and ensure that your essay stays focused and organized.

Consider Using a Metaphor or Simile

Using a metaphor or simile can be a great way to add color and interest to your essay. A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things in which one thing is said to be the other. For example, you might say that “life is like a roller coaster” to convey the idea that life is full of ups and downs. A simile is similar to a metaphor, but it uses the words “like” or “as” to make the comparison. For example, you might say that “life is like a marathon” to convey the idea that life requires strength and perseverance.

When using a metaphor or simile, make sure it’s relevant to the essay topic and that it enhances your message. Here are a few examples of metaphors and similes you could use to start your essay:

• “Life is like a game of chess; every move matters.”
• “Education is like a garden; it takes hard work and dedication to cultivate.”
• “Success is like a ladder; you must climb each rung to reach the top.”

Paint a Vivid Picture of the Setting

When writing about an experience, it’s important to provide enough detail to paint a picture of the setting. Describing the location, weather, people, and other elements of the scene can help the reader feel like they are right there with you. Here are a few examples of descriptive writing:

• “I stepped onto the beach, feeling the soft sand between my toes and smelling the salty ocean air.”
• “The room was filled with laughter and the smell of freshly baked cookies.”
• “The sun was setting, casting a pink glow across the sky.”

When incorporating descriptive language into your essay, focus on the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell). This will help bring the setting to life for the reader. Additionally, be sure to choose words that evoke emotion and draw the reader into the experience.

Conclusion

Writing a successful Common App essay requires careful consideration of the topics covered in the essay and how to start a Common App essay. Beginning with a thought-provoking quote can be a great way to capture the reader’s attention, while introducing yourself and providing background information will give the reader an understanding of who you are. When writing about an obstacle you’ve faced, focus on how you overcame the challenge and what you learned from the experience. Additionally, when writing about an experience that has shaped you, make sure to capture the impact the experience had on you. Finally, consider using a metaphor or simile and painting a vivid picture of the setting to add color and interest to your essay.

By following these tips and strategies, you can craft an effective and engaging Common App essay. With a bit of practice and effort, you can write an essay that will help you stand out from the competition.