Beginning an essay with a famous or eloquent quotation is a common practice and one that business school candidates can use to capture a reader’s attention. For example, an applicant might use a quotation as the very first line of his or her essay:
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt’s words are as true today as when he spoke them. The essence of a manager is…
Another option is to embed the quotation within the first line of the essay, as follows:
As Peter F. Drucker said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” I have found the distinction between management and leadership especially important…
There is really only one rule about using quotations: do not overdo it! One grand quotation per application (not per essay!) is plenty and is certainly not mandatory. When deciding whether to include a quotation in an essay, consider the following:
• Does the quotation fit the essay’s main theme?
• Does the quotation reflect who you are or what you believe?
• Does the quotation enhance the essay?
If the answers to these questions are all “yes,” then making the quotation a part of your narrative might be a good idea.
For more advice on how to write your essays, check out our Essay Writing Guide and Optional Essays Guide, which present clear and easy-to-understand instructions for creating time-saving (and stress-reducing) outlines and for crafting comprehensive, engaging and effective essays.
