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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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.
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?”
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.
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.
