Using quotes to start an essay

Applying to College
1

I started off my Common App essay with a quote and sent it off, but now I’m reading so many articles that say using a quote at the beginning of an essay is so cliche that it will land you in the reject pile.
Is this a serious mistake that will turn admissions officers off instantly?

If needed, I can PM anyone the essay to see if the quote really detracts from the essay?

2

My kid started her Common App essay with a quote, and got in everyplace she applied – including UChicago, Swarthmore, and Harvey Mudd. It isn’t automatically a kiss of death – it depends on the quote and the rest of the essay. And it is too late now anyway. Go study for an AP exam or bake cookies or work out – worrying now does no good at all.

3

Few things

  1. It’s out of your hands now.
  2. Having a quote doesn’t instantly throw you in the reject pile, however if it is very cliche it may hurt.
  3. Why will you PM to anyone, but not post it here? If I wanted to steal your essay I could just say PM me, and then I could steal it. I suggest not sharing your essay unless you are okay with plagiarism.
  4. Despite being cliche, there can be ways to do it effectively. It is just the majority of people who try that, have their essays sound the same in the end.
  5. Good luck!
4

It is fine to start with a quote. And your applications are in so stop torturing yourself.

5

@intparent That is very reassuring. Thanks everyone!

6

Think of it as an epigraph (which it is), and you’ll see that it is one of the most revered literary traditions.

7

@profparent That doesn’t mean it’s not cliche.

8

It depends entirely on what you do with it.

9

@CollegeMan91 I don’t think OP is concerned about essay theft (after all, it’s already been turned in). However, it’s possible that college admissions offices run plagiarism checkers, in which case the essay would show up as plagiarized if it’s posted openly online.

10

“it will land you in the reject pile” Unless the antecedent is on the level of a felony, this is where you know not to trust the source.