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The Sentence That Starts It All

Alia Mojibian '29 Features Assistant Editor and Clarissa Castilho '29 Features Assistant Editor
The personal essay—especially the first sentence—is the first impression you leave universities with in college applications. With their last school days at Hopkins arriving soon, the Razor asked the Class of 2026 to share their personal essay hooks and why they chose them. Without further ado, here are some real college essay hooks!
When I was five, I changed my name to Ashole. - Consuelo Bowman

Why did you start it that way?
“It was about how I changed my name and out of context it seems strange so it hooks people, and once they read it they'll understand it's a story of acceptance of my true self.” - Bowman

As I rose en pointe for my classical variation, I knew immediately that I hadn’t yet found the right pair of pointe shoes. - Sydney Laganza

I tried not to cringe in disgust as I saw the pool of vomit on the ground. - Maggie Alford

The batter splashed across the counter as if thrown.  - Aiden Chan

Why did you start it that way?
“I wanted a visual that would draw the readers in.” - Chan

The kindest eyes I have met belonged to a woman who spat in my face the first time she met me.  - Anonymous

Why did you start it that way?
“It felt fitting for the moment.” - Anonymous

It’s a strange irony that I treat the extraction of espresso with meticulous fervor, considering I never actually drink a single cup. - Michael Illuzi

Why did you start it that way?
“It’s a hook for them to read on and helped parallel later points I made in the essay where I connected the process to different aspects of my life.”  - Illuzi

My spoon glided across the plate, taking advantage of the seemingly frictionless strawberry puree. - Brennen Catino

Why did you start it that way?
“I wanted to take the reader on a journey and immerse them in the setting I experienced so thoroughly.” - Catino

They’re banned on campus for safety reasons, and had been for years before the club was even founded. - Anonymous

As a toddler, my favorite toy was a jar of plastic Oreos. - Emilia Adams

Why did you start it that way?
“It was the most startling/unique way I could start my anecdote/set my stage, and I think it's kind of funny.” - Adams

English words, foreign and unknown, flooded my ears. - Anonymous

Why did you start it that way?
“The feeling of foreignness and loneliness has been a strong theme in my life…I also think [the hook] set up the idea of growth through community; from loneliness to a group, I grew as a person with every person around me shaping a part of who I am and I tapped into that theme throughout the essay.“ - Anonymous

Four years ago, I accidentally signed up for my junior school cross country team after being misled by my friend into thinking that cross country meant obstacle courses. - Mikoto Araki-Siegenfeld

Why did you start it that way?
“I wanted a hook that wasn't too dramatic but also got the person interested into where my essay was going but like in a fun way, kind of foreshadowing.” - Araki-Siegenfeld

“There are over 4,000 pieces on display in this museum, so spend your time wisely,” the art curator cautioned our English class. - Anonymous 
 

Going to Vermont, I was very nervous. - Aurora Chevalier

Why did you start it that way?
“It reflected my emotions and I thought it would hook readers emotionally?” - Chevalier

We were trekking through the woods when we heard faint beeping like a submarine's sonar – the call of a young pygmy owl.  -  Ripley Chance

Why did you start it that way?
“To me, it set the scene well and it covered an unexpected subject.” - Chance

"That looks absolutely nauseating" - Anonymous

“There are two types of counselors: the loud ones and the good ones.” - Gabe Ciminiello

Why did you start it that way?
“I thought the quote gave both an exciting opening and connected very clearly to my idea (the true meaning of leadership, empathy, and self-confidence).” - Ciminiello

My friend taught me how to transport ants when I was four. - Moupriya Mukherjee

Why did you start it that way?
“I like insects a lot and it was a momentous occasion.“ - Mukherjee


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The Razor's Edge reflects the opinion of 4/5 of the editorial board and will not be signed. The Razor welcomes letters to the editor but reserves the right to decide which letters to publish, and to edit letters for space reasons. Unsigned letters will not be published, but names may be withheld on request. Letters are subject to the same libel laws as articles. The views expressed in letters are not necessarily those of the editorial board.
     
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