The Application Process

Is it OK to mention quotes from famous people in the admission essays?

I think having a quote from someone you know personally might be better. It'll weave into your essays better. But if the famous quote echoes the theme of your essay, then make sure it doesn't stand out like a sore thumb (first line of the essay)

Using quotes is fine, but make sure you are not trying to make the quote do work for you. For example, don't use a quote to explain or illustrate something you could simply explain yourself. Furthermore, I worry that applicants use quotes in their essays to give more credibility to what they are talking about. You don't need to add credibility to your essays. They are your personal opinion, which makes them absolutely right (as long as they are the truth).

Like GKumar, I am not a big fan of putting quotes at the beginning of essays. I only let my clients keep those in if it is a really outstanding quote that sets the tone for the entire essay. Otherwise, it just comes off as, well, corny.

Good luck!
Kaneisha