So, you did it. You poured your heart out, wrestled with every sentence, and crafted an essay you’re proud of. But now you’re at the end, and you’re wondering… how do I wrap this thing up? A great conclusion is your final handshake, your last chance to leave a real impression. Let’s talk about how to make it count.
Why Your Ending Matters So Much
Think of your conclusion as the last note of a song. It’s what lingers in the air after the music stops. This is your final opportunity to tie everything together and remind the admissions officer what you’re all about. A powerful ending can take a good essay and make it truly memorable.
For example, if you wrote about your passion for solving environmental problems, your ending isn’t just a summary. It’s a final, heartfelt plea—a call to action that shows you’re not just talking the talk.
So, How Do You Write a Great Conclusion?
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Bring it Full Circle. Think back to the idea you started with. Your conclusion is the perfect place to echo that main point, but with a new perspective. Show the reader how the journey of your essay has deepened your understanding. For instance, you could say, “I started this project thinking I was just building a robot, but in the end, I realized I was building a new version of myself.”
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Connect the Dots. Briefly touch on the main experiences or points you made. Don’t just list them; show how they all weave together to support your central theme. It’s like saying, “From that disastrous first batch of cookies to the award-winning recipe, I learned that the secret ingredient was always perseverance.”
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Look at the Bigger Picture. Leave your reader with something to think about. This is your chance to “zoom out” and connect your personal story to a bigger idea, a question, or a future aspiration. Something like, “If a simple conversation could change my mind, imagine what could happen if we all started listening to each other?”
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Tell One Last, Tiny Story. Sometimes, a brief, powerful anecdote or a meaningful quote can be the perfect way to sign off. If there’s a saying that has guided you or a tiny moment that captures everything, share it. As my grandmother always said, “The work is what matters.” That summer, I finally understood what she meant.
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Don’t Open a New Door. This is a big one. Your conclusion is for wrapping things up, not for introducing brand-new arguments or ideas. Stick to the story you’ve already told and give it the satisfying ending it deserves.
A Few Common Traps to Sidestep
- Sounding Like a Broken Record: It’s tempting to just copy and paste your thesis, but resist! Find a fresh, new way to say it. The reader just read your whole essay; trust that they remember your main point.
- Using the Cliché Wind-Up: Phrases like “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” or “In closing” are like verbal speed bumps. They’re unnecessary and a little clunky. Your conclusion should feel like a natural end, not a formal announcement.
- The Abrupt Stop: Don’t just drop the mic and walk away. A conclusion should feel like a gentle landing, not a sudden stop. Give your reader a sense of closure.
In the end, your conclusion is the last piece of you the reader gets. By tying your thoughts together and offering a final, reflective insight, you can leave them with a clear and compelling picture of who you are.
You’ve Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers.
What’s the real purpose of a conclusion in a college essay? It’s your final chance to reinforce your main message, provide a sense of closure, and leave a lasting, personal impression. It’s the bow on top.
How long should my conclusion be? A good rule of thumb is about 5-7% of your total word count. For a 500-word essay, that’s about 25-35 words, or a few strong sentences. It can be a little longer if your essay is more complex, but short and punchy is usually best.
How can I make my ending more engaging? Try asking a thought-provoking question or issuing a quiet call to action. A memorable, relevant quote or a final, brief anecdote can also make your conclusion really stand out from the pile.
Is it okay to use a quote in my conclusion? Absolutely! As long as it’s relevant and adds real value, a quote can be a powerful way to end. Just make sure it enhances your own voice, rather than replacing it.
What should I definitely avoid in my conclusion? Steer clear of introducing new ideas, being overly repetitive, leaning on clichés, and ending too suddenly. The goal is to reinforce your points in a way that feels fresh and final.