When I first sat down to write my Common App essay, I felt so much pressure to start with a catchy hook. But honestly, that just made me freeze up. What really worked for me was just writing it as if I were chatting with a friend.
I let my ideas flow without worrying about making it sound perfect. I focused on telling my story first. After that, I went back and highlighted parts that felt lively and meaningful, and that's what I used to kick things off.
Remember, the focus should be on your voice and your experience, not just a flashy opening!