Let’s be honest: the college application process can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to writing that perfect personal essay. But fear not, fellow students! Reddit, our beloved discussion platform, has our back. They recently hosted a thread where users shared the first sentences of their Common App essays. So, buckle up and join us as we dive into 15 of the most upvoted comments, showcasing the amazing creativity and talent of these students.
✅ AI Essay Writer ✅ AI Detector ✅ Plagchecker ✅ Paraphraser
✅ Summarizer ✅ Citation Generator
“As a child, I was convinced my parents were secret agents.”
Whoa! This opener grabs our attention right away, making us want to learn more about the writer’s background and how this belief shaped their life.
“I was born in the dead of winter, but I dream of tropical beaches.”
Love this contrast! It sets the stage for a compelling personal narrative, juxtaposing the writer’s birth with their aspirations.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with the number 27.”
Talk about unique! This personal detail sparks our curiosity and helps us connect with the writer on a deeper level.
“I’ve never met a baked potato I didn’t like.”
Risky humor? You bet! This lighthearted sentence delivers a delightful twist and sets the tone for an enjoyable read.
“In the sixth grade, I sold my first business.”
Impressive, right? This accomplishment shows the writer’s drive and entrepreneurship, making us eager to learn more about their journey.
“Growing up, my favorite place to read was a windowsill in my bedroom.”
This vivid, relatable image quickly draws us into the writer’s world. Can’t you just picture it?
“My first memory is of my grandfather teaching me to tie my shoes.”
Sweet and nostalgic, this sentence reveals the writer’s values and important relationships in their life.
“I’ve been trying to solve the riddle of my identity for as long as I can remember.”
Deep stuff! This thought-provoking opener highlights the writer’s introspective nature and sets the stage for a powerful exploration of self-discovery.
“The universe was created 13.8 billion years ago, but I only learned this at age 17.”
Clever and curious, this sentence showcases the writer’s intellectual curiosity and willingness to question the world around them.
“I have a secret weapon for winning at Monopoly – I always choose the thimble.”
This fun, quirky detail gives us insight into the writer’s personality and makes for an engaging read..
“I am the culmination of centuries of dreams, hopes, and aspirations.”
Bold and poetic, this sentence demonstrates the writer’s sense of identity and connection to their family history.
“For as long as I can remember, I have been determined to prove that unicorns are real.”
Whimsical and imaginative, this sentence sets the stage for a unique and memorable essay.
“My parents always told me I was born with a book in my hand.”
This vivid image conveys the writer’s passion for reading and learning from a young age.
“When I was seven, I decided I would be a pirate when I grew up.”
By revealing an unusual childhood ambition, this sentence piques our interest and invites us to learn more about the writer’s personal journey.
“I come from a long line of storytellers, and I am determined to carry on the tradition.”
This statement effectively showcases the writer’s love of storytelling and their commitment to honoring their family’s legacy.
The Bottom Line
The first sentence of a personal essay can make or break the reader’s interest. As these 15 examples from Reddit users demonstrate, a captivating opener can set the stage for a powerful, memorable, and engaging narrative. Whether using humor, personal anecdotes, or thought-provoking statements, these students have shown that the key to a successful essay lies in capturing the reader’s attention from the very beginning. As an English professor, I encourage students to learn from these examples and embrace their own unique stories, which will enable them to craft essays that leave a lasting impression on admission committees. So, as you embark on your own college application journey, remember to be creative, be true to yourself, and let your first sentence shine. After all, you’ve got this! Let’s make those college dreams come true with unforgettable personal essays.
Related stories:
How to Write a Great Introduction
Online Learning Debated: 15 Crucial Reddit College Insights
The Reddit Chronicles: Bizarre and Memeish College Essays that Actually Worked
Follow us on Reddit for more insights and updates.
More from Academic Writing Tips
Comments (0)
Welcome to A*Help comments!
We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.
We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.