Starting my Common App essay felt like an insurmountable mountain at first. I used to think I needed this super creative opening line or profound statement to hook the reader. But honestly, that just added pressure.
What really changed the game for me was shifting my focus. Instead of stressing about a perfect first sentence, I jotted down my thoughts like I was chatting with a buddy. Just laid it all out there, no edits, no perfectionism. Once I got the main story down, I went back and found the bits that sparked the most interest and energy, and moved those to the start.
It made the whole process feel way less daunting. So if you're stuck on where to begin, try this approach—get your thoughts out first, then shape them later. You might surprise yourself!