<p>Hey guys, So I'm really stuck on the hook of my college essay. I wanna talk about how my grandmother has made me who I am today...but I don't how to begin it. Should I use a quote, should I use one of my grandmother famous quotes... I really don't know what to write. Please help me . </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Quotes are overrated (as are dictionary definitions and rhetorical questions). Just tell a story, and make sure the essay is about you and not another person.</p>
<p>Is this for the Common App essay? Have you seen the new prompts? Which one are you trying to answer?</p>
<p>You could start with a personal flashback from your childhood or something.</p>
<p>Also, post this to the essay forum. You’ll get better replies there.</p>
<p>I agree about a personal anecdote about you and your grandmother. It’s definitely a lot more interesting to have a story than to have a quote.</p>
<p>I think its for #1. I would start with a description of ur grandmother, but thats just me.</p>
<p>I’m struggling with my essay too… and since I haven’t been admitted anywhere my advice may not have much value.</p>
<p>I’d be careful when talking about someone else… I would design it so that it somehow ties to who you are. I had one essay about my Grandfather and have since rejected it since it made my Grandpa sound awesome and I came across as an observer watching someone great. From the way I wrote it, If I was the University I would have admitted my Grandfather. I hope you have better luck than I did.</p>
<p>Grandmothers are a frequent theme for essays so beware. If you go ahead with the idea, don’t forget the essay has to give the reader an idea about YOU not your grandma.</p>
<p>In any case, how you write the essay, what it reveals about you, how sincere you are, and although this is not really expressed widely, how entertaining your essay is are more important than the subject matter. I underline entertaining because admissions officers read so many essays, I think they like the writer more if they take pleasure in reading your essay. </p>
<p>All this is totally personal opinion though. I have no proof at all. On an anecdotal note, my daughter wrote about her grandmother (started with a quote from her) and got into most of the colleges she applied to, including UChicago, Cornell, JHU, and Stanford.</p>
<p>Of course, maybe she got in despite her essay not thanks to it 
You never know.</p>
<p>Agree with onemoreparent - inspiring grandparents are a college essay cliche. Unless it’s a unique, compelling story, I’d recommend another topic. Otherwise your essay probably won’t make you stand out.</p>