How to Start Off an Essay on Why I Should Be Accepted to a College | Synonym (2024)

Writing a college admission essay is like writing a high school English essay but with a great deal more pressure. The function of your college essay is to offer a personal view of your unique life experience and worldview, and to help the college get to know you better. Strategies for successfully starting off an admission essay include relating an anecdote, describing a hardship, staying true to your voice and sticking to just the essential information.

Explore this article

  • An Experience
  • A Hardship
  • Your True Voice
  • Getting To The Point

1 An Experience

Admissions staff have to read hundreds of essays from high school applicants, so making your essay engaging and interesting should be a priority. One attention-getting way to pique the interest of the reader is to employ an anecdote at the start of the essay. For example, if the experience you wish to share involves the year you volunteered at an after-school program for struggling elementary school students, select a distinct memory from that experience and tell that memory as if writing a story.

2 A Hardship

From the start, your essay should show that you are a determined, ambitious and conscientious student. One strategy for starting off an essay is to describe a hardship you have overcome. This gives you the opportunity to share a personal experience that has shaped your values and your worldview. You can share the psychological and emotional impact of a difficult experience, the lessons you learned from it and the strengths and weaknesses you confronted.

3 Your True Voice

The college essay is meant to share what makes you an individual, and writing in your own voice can help the essay stand out. For example, narrating a sequence of thoughts you may have had about a particular issue or experience gives the reader an opportunity to see how you think. Sticking to your own voice makes the essay unique from the start, which is a valuable asset in a pool of hundreds of applications.

4 Getting To The Point

Getting straight to the point shows the reader that you know how to prioritize important information. For example, if you are writing about your experience as an immigrant in the U.S., instead of spending time explaining the political and social history, you can go directly to how the change impacted you personally. Outlining your essay beforehand is a helpful tool for writing a strong and clear introduction, allowing you to know ahead of time the specific points you wish to make.

About the Author

Soheila Battaglia is a published and award-winning author and filmmaker. She holds an MA in literary cultures from New York University and a BA in ethnic studies from UC Berkeley. She is a college professor of literature and composition.

How to Start Off an Essay on Why I Should Be Accepted to a College | Synonym (2024)

FAQs

How do you start a college acceptance essay? ›

The introduction has to reveal to the reader what your essay is about and catch their attention. You could open with an anecdote or an interesting story that will show some of the best parts of your personality and character, offering an insight that will help the admission officers get to know who you are.

How do you answer why a college should accept you? ›

Don't talk about how amazing you are. Instead, talk about how are you going to make the other students amazing. Lean on who you are, your experiences, your skills, and your talents.

How to write an essay on why you want to attend a college? ›

5 Tips for Writing a Great "Why This College" Essay
  1. Treat Each "Why Us" Essay Individually. ...
  2. Spend Time Researching Your Schools. ...
  3. Focus on Your Fit With the School. ...
  4. Provide Specific Details and Examples. ...
  5. Demonstrate a Sense of Enthusiasm.

What is a good sentence starter for an essay? ›

This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included … In this essay ….. … is explained … … are identified …

What is a good first sentence for an introduction? ›

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 write a good hook for a college essay? ›

5 Tips to Write a College Essay that Hooks Your Reader
  1. Tip 1: Narrow Your Lens. Think small. ...
  2. Tip 2: Start with a First-Person Story. Try starting your essay with a story written in first-person narrative. ...
  3. Tip 3: Use your Senses. Nothing grabs a reader like details. ...
  4. Tip 4: Add Adjectives. ...
  5. Tip 5: Emotionally Connect.
Sep 6, 2019

How do you start off an essay example? ›

Take a look at these common ways to start an essay:
  1. Share a shocking or amusing fact.
  2. Ask a question.
  3. Dramatize a scene.
  4. Kick it off with a quote.
  5. State your thesis directly.
  6. Pick the right tone for your essay.
  7. When you're stuck, work backwards.
Apr 14, 2023

What do you say to a college acceptance? ›

I am pleased to accept this offer, and I am excited to begin taking classes here in the fall. Thank you for this opportunity. I have attached the required documents, including my high school transcripts and health forms. Thank you again for your time in reviewing this letter.

How do you answer why should we accept your application? ›

As such, your answer can focus on several different components:
  1. Your work experience and achievements. You can talk about a specific accomplishment at a previous, relevant position and show the interviewer how you can achieve similar results for them.
  2. Your skills and qualifications. ...
  3. Your passion and motivation.
Mar 15, 2023

Can you convince a college to accept you? ›

Applying to colleges can be a challenging but rewarding process, and sometimes you won't initially get admitted into a university you want to attend. Many colleges have an appeals process for admissions, where students can appeal decisions and provide additional information for consideration by the school.

Why should I be accepted into this program? ›

Include information about your skills and natural talents in your answer. Consider mentioning how your skills align with the subject matter. Focus on your unique strengths that could contribute to your success in the course. Discuss the skills you hope to further develop through the course.

What makes you stand out college essay? ›

Frequently asked questions about college application essays

A standout college essay has several key ingredients: A unique, personally meaningful topic. A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook. Specific stories and language that show instead of telling.

What is the reason on why you should go to college? ›

College is important for many reasons, including increased career stability and satisfaction, and the ability to make an impact on your community. With more and more careers requiring advanced education, a college degree can be critical to your success in today's workforce.

What do colleges want to see in my essay? ›

Colleges look for three things in your admission essay: a unique perspective, strong writing, and an authentic voice. People in admissions often say that a great essay is one where it feels like the student is right there in the room, talking authentically to the admissions committee!

What are the 7 sentence openers? ›

Again, look at this list of common subordinating words. 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.

What are the 6 sentence openers? ›

There are six 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.
Mar 26, 2019

What are 7 ways to start a sentence? ›

Seven Effective Ways to Start a Sentence
  • Adjective (a word that modifies a noun) ...
  • Adverb (a word that modifies a verb) ...
  • Prepositional phrase (a phrase that starts with a preposition) ...
  • Infinitive phrase. ...
  • Gerund phrase. ...
  • Participle phrase. ...
  • Adverb clause.

What are the 3 sentences that go in an introduction? ›

The three parts of an introduction are typically the hook, the background information or topical sentence, and the thesis statement. Learn these parts and understand how they're different from each other, how you may place them, and how you can structure your sentences in each.

What is an attention grabbing sentence for an essay? ›

The attention grabber, also known as a “hook”, is the first sentence that the reader will see, and its purpose is to grab the reader's attention. A few common attention grabbers are: - A short, meaningful quote that relates to your topic. - Think of a quote that interested you during your research.

Can you start your college essay with a quote? ›

In most cases, quoting other people isn't a good way to start your college essay. Admissions officers want to hear your thoughts about yourself, and quotes often don't achieve that. Unless a quote truly adds something important to your essay that it otherwise wouldn't have, you probably shouldn't include it.

How do you write a good one sentence hook? ›

Tips for writing an effective hook
  1. Start with an interesting fact. ...
  2. Use a compelling anecdote. ...
  3. Begin your writing with a quote. ...
  4. Explain a common misconception. ...
  5. Use data to inform your thesis. ...
  6. Tell a joke. ...
  7. Ask a question. ...
  8. Use a contradictory statement.
Feb 27, 2023

How do you write an acceptance message? ›

Here are a few key points to consider while writing the acceptance letter.
  1. Review the offer letter. ...
  2. Mention the date. ...
  3. Include name and address. ...
  4. Write a clear subject line. ...
  5. Add a salutation. ...
  6. Express gratitude. ...
  7. Accept the terms of employment. ...
  8. Sign the job acceptance letter.
Aug 8, 2022

How do I express my acceptance? ›

Express gratitude: Begin your email by expressing your sincere appreciation for the offer. Let the employer know that you are grateful for the opportunity and excited to accept the position. 2. Be concise and professional: Keep your email brief, focused, and professional.

How do you start an acceptance letter? ›

Dear [Recipient name], Thank you for reviewing my application and considering me for the [job title] position at [company name]. I am delighted to accept the employment offer for the position of [job title] starting [date].

How do you say please accept my application? ›

For example, “Please accept my cover letter and resume as my application for the Administrative Assistant position.” Also, you can include where you heard of the job opening and the name of a person you know in the company who may have referred you or would speak highly of your abilities.

What makes you stand out from other candidates? ›

These can be professional skills, areas of expertise, personal qualities, or any relevant experience. Also, consider any impressive accomplishments from your past or career goals that speak to your commitment to the field. Think of ways to out-do the other candidates.

How do you tell a college you are interested? ›

How to Demonstrate Interest in Colleges
  1. Follow and interact with the college or university on social media(s). Seriously. ...
  2. Open and read emails. ...
  3. Attend informational sessions and webinars. ...
  4. Visit the school. ...
  5. Use your essays. ...
  6. Apply Early Decision. ...
  7. Email an admissions officer.

What makes colleges more likely to accept you? ›

ACT / SAT Test scores

No matter which you take (colleges don't actually prefer SAT or ACT scores over the other) higher test scores will increase your acceptance odds. Not only that, but ACT / SAT scores can also qualify you for scholarships and certain forms of financial aid.

How do you get accepted into the college you want? ›

Below, we introduce our top nine tips to help you increase your chances of getting accepted to your dream college.
  1. Earn Good Grades in Challenging Courses. ...
  2. Get a High SAT/ACT Score. ...
  3. Write a Compelling Personal Statement. ...
  4. Demonstrate Interest. ...
  5. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation. ...
  6. Apply to a Diverse Selection of Colleges.

Why should they accept me? ›

Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. You never know what other candidates offer to the company. But you know you: emphasize your key skills, strengths, talents, work experience, and professional achievements that are fundamental to getting great things done on this position.

What makes you a good fit for the role you are applying for *? ›

My skill set matches all the requirements laid out in the job description. In particular, my ability to work to tight deadlines and manage my time effectively make me a good fit for the role.

Which is most important when when being accepted into college? ›

Courses and Grades

A student's grades in college-preparatory classes remain the most significant factor in college admission decisions.

What is a strong college essay? ›

What Makes a Great College Essay? These application essays show many sides of a person. The key to many of these essays is that they describe a story or an aspect of the student's life in a way that is dynamic: It reflects many of their values, strengths, interests, volunteer work, and life experiences.

How do you write a perfect essay? ›

Six top tips for writing a great essay
  1. Analyse the question.
  2. Define your argument.
  3. Use evidence, reasoning and scholarship.
  4. Organise a coherent essay.
  5. Write clearly.
  6. Cite sources and evidence.

What are at least 3 reasons why you may choose to go to college? ›

Top Reasons to Go to College
  • Create Job Security. Having a degree or certification means you've gained specialized knowledge in your field. ...
  • Develop Skills. ...
  • Build a Professional Network. ...
  • Gain a Competitive Edge. ...
  • Potentially Earn a Higher Income. ...
  • Achieve Independence. ...
  • Discover Your Passion. ...
  • Broaden Your Perspective.
Jun 9, 2022

What are 3 reasons to choose a college? ›

Top 10 Factors for Choosing a College
  • Safety.
  • Academic Support and Career Services. ...
  • Campus Life. ...
  • Athletics and Extracurricular Activities. ...
  • Majors and Minors. ...
  • Class Size. ...
  • Cost and Fees. ...
  • Location and Distance From Home. ...

What are the 5 most important things to consider when choosing a college? ›

Before making your choice, consider these factors: cost, location, size, your interests, campus life, graduation rates, and the potential return on your investment. Once you make your decision, be sure to commit to the college by the deadline.

How do you start off a college essay? ›

Start with an attention grabber. The very first sentence of your essay should be the “hook” or “grabber.” This sentence “hooks” readers or “grabs” their attention, making them want to read more. This first sentence should provide rich details, engage a reader's curiosity, or otherwise stand out from the rest.

How do you start a college application essay? ›

The introduction has to reveal to the reader what your essay is about and catch their attention. You could open with an anecdote or an interesting story that will show some of the best parts of your personality and character, offering an insight that will help the admission officers get to know who you are.

How do I write a college entrance essay about myself? ›

10 Tips for Writing an Essay About Yourself
  1. Choose a topic that's meaningful to you. The foundation of a great essay is selecting a topic that has real meaning for you. ...
  2. Show your personality. ...
  3. Write in your own voice. ...
  4. Use specific examples. ...
  5. Don't be afraid to show off… ...
  6. 6. … ...
  7. Be vulnerable. ...
  8. Don't lie or hyperbolize.
May 6, 2021

What is a good introduction 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 good hook sentences? ›

63 lovely hook sentences.
  • I lost my arm on my last trip home. ...
  • A screaming comes across the sky. ...
  • It began the usual way, in the bathroom of the Lassimo Hotel. ...
  • Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress. ...
  • We slept in what once had been the gymnasium. ...
  • It was love at first sight.
May 20, 2019

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