’ve read more college essays than I can count, and let me tell you—those first few sentences? They matter. Imagine sitting in a room with stacks of essays, each one starting with something like “Ever since I was a child” or “Webster’s Dictionary defines.” You start craving something different—something that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. That’s what a great college essay opener does. It doesn’t have to be flashy, but it should make the reader lean in and think, Okay, I want to hear more.

The Power of a Good Hook

The best openings usually have one thing in common: they tell a story. People love stories. Start with a moment that’s vivid, unexpected, or deeply personal. Maybe it’s the split second before you stepped onto a stage or the sound of rain tapping on your window as you made a life-changing decision. Just don’t overthink it—sometimes a small, specific moment carries more weight than a grand declaration.

Humor can work, too—if it fits your personality. I once read an essay that began, “I have an irrational fear of grocery store rotisserie chickens.” Strange? Absolutely. Bu