When you meet someone new, you form an idea about them in your head within a few seconds. You don’t need to interact with them for a long time to form first impressions. Well, college application papers work the same way.
Through these essays, you introduce yourself to the admission committee. Now, the committee has to go through thousands of applications during the admission season. They’re not going to wait until they have read your entire essay to form an opinion. Imagine the stress of your entire academic fate depending on those first few lines. It’s no surprise that many students decide to hire academic writing service to craft the perfect introduction.
Tips to Craft a Memorable Admission Essay Introduction
Getting college application essay from MyAssignmenthelp.com or another similar website can certainly take the pressure off your shoulders. But if you plan to tackle this task alone, worry not! Just review the suggestions highlighted here.
- Open with a surprise
Usually, students begin the introduction to their admission essay by introducing themselves. They state their name, educational qualifications, skills, etc. This is an extremely generalized way to start your essay. In fact, the admissions officer will probably not even read the first sentence completely before discarding your application. That’s how harsh the selection process can be.
The first sentence is the key. Include some shocking information or a surprise that will immediately bring the officer out of their stupor. Suppose an admission essay begins with the sentence –
“It took me 10 years to write this essay.”
The admissions office will immediately be intrigued. The first question that will pop into their mind is – “How is it possible for someone to take ten years to write an essay?” The rest of the introduction might dive into details about how the applicant has been dreaming about studying in that particular college for ten years. But that’s something to be explored later. You’ve already cleared the first stage – grabbing the attention of the admissions committee.
- Avoid the trap of generalization
There are certain clichés that are easy to fall into, such as –
- Giving credit to your family/Highlighting the role of your family in shaping who you are as a person
- Focusing on the challenges you have faced throughout your life
- Beginning the essay with a quote from a renowned personality
Such openings are easily forgotten. The admissions officer has probably already seen a thousand variations of these openings before. If you want to stand out, the beginning of your essay should have a creative touch. Let’s check some examples.
Example 1:
My family has been the driving force behind my success. [Example of a bad opening]
Success never comes to those who wait for it – fortunately, I’m proactive! [Example of a good opening]
Example 2:
I had almost given up on my dream of higher studies because of financial challenges. [Example of a bad opening]
There was a point in my life where I had to choose between a meal and getting an education – I chose the latter. [Example of a good opening]
Example 3:
“The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance.” – Socrates [Example of a bad opening]
“Just keep swimming.” – Dory, Finding Nemo [Example of a good opening]
Notice how you can add a creative twist to a generalized sentence? The intention here is to subvert the admission officer’s expectations. In the third example, Socrates’ quote is too generalized. Hundreds of students will probably use something like that as their opening. But rarely will anyone think to include a quote from an animated movie character. Dory’s “Just keep swimming” might not seem as intellectually stimulating as Socrates’ quote. But her words are certainly a good morale booster when things get tough, and you feel like giving up. So, try practicing such techniques before you write your admission essay.
- Draw a vivid picture
If you can’t come up with a surprising opening or an interesting quote, try to paint a vivid picture of an experience. In order to draw the reader in, try to focus on one particular part of that experience instead of giving a general description. You can also start in medias res. In other words, drop the reader right into the middle of the narrative without any preamble.
For example,
I was filled with pride when my project won the first prize at the national competition. [Example of a bad opening]
The announcer came up to the stage. My heart was beating in my chest, my breathing ragged – all I needed was one chance. When my name was announced, my entire world shifted. [Example of a good opening]
In summary,
The opening of your admission essay must capture the reader’s attention within minutes. In order to do that, you can either use a surprising opener, quote something unconventional, or paint a vivid picture. Go through some sample essays to check how professional writers create an impact in just a few words.
