Article-at-a-Glance
A strong conclusion ties together your essay and leaves a lasting impression.
Do reinforce your main argument and personal growth.
Do end with a vision for the future that connects to your goals.
Don’t introduce new ideas or use clichés in your conclusion.
Keep your conclusion concise, unique, and reflective of your readiness for college.
Sealing the Deal: Perfecting Your Admission Essay’s Final Note
As you sit down to write the conclusion of your college admission essay, remember that this is your final chance to impress the admissions committee. It’s not just about ending your essay, it’s about concluding your story in a way that resonates with the reader and firmly cements your place in their memory. Let’s dive into how you can accomplish this crucial step.
The Purpose of a Strong Conclusion
Your conclusion is not just a summary of what you’ve already said. It’s the crescendo of your narrative, the last act where everything comes together. Most importantly, it’s your opportunity to reinforce why you are a perfect fit for the college. It’s about leaving the admissions officer with a clear image of who you are, how you think, and what you aspire to achieve.
Captivating Last Sentences to Keep in Mind
The final sentence of your essay should be like the final note of a symphony—resonant and memorable. Whether it echoes the opening line, offers a snapshot of your future dreams, or underscores the theme of your essay, it should feel like a satisfying conclusion to the journey you’ve taken the reader on.
Essential Do’s for Your Admission Essay Conclusion
Reinforce Your Main Argument
Your essay has been building a case for why you belong at this college. Your conclusion should seal that deal. Restate the core of your argument or the essence of your story in a way that’s fresh and powerful. This doesn’t mean repeating your thesis statement; rather, it’s about summarizing your unique value proposition as a future student.
Weave in Personal Growth
Show the admissions committee that you are self-aware and capable of growth. Reflect on the journey you’ve described in your essay and highlight how it has prepared you for the next chapter in your life. This could be a realization, a lesson learned, or an experience that has shaped you.
For example, understanding the college admission process is crucial for high school students looking to apply to their dream schools.
“Through my volunteer work, I’ve learned that leadership is less about commanding others and more about empowering them—a lesson I plan to carry into my college years.”
End with a Vision for the Future
Colleges want to invest in students who have a vision for their future. Use your conclusion to briefly outline how you see yourself contributing to the college community and beyond. This shows that you’re not just looking for a degree but an educational experience that will propel you towards your life goals.
Connect your past experiences to your future ambitions.
Illustrate how the college’s resources align with your interests.
Express enthusiasm for the opportunities that await you.
Remember, your conclusion should resonate with the themes of your essay and leave the reader with a clear, compelling image of who you are and what you aim to achieve. Stay tuned for more detailed guidance on what to avoid in your conclusion and how to make your final words truly count.
Top Don’ts to Avoid in Your Conclusion
Just as there are strategies to ensure a stellar ending to your college essay, there are pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. These missteps can detract from the strength of your essay and leave a less-than-ideal impression on the admissions committee.
Let’s explore the most common traps students fall into when crafting their essay conclusions, so you can steer clear and finish strong.
Remember, the goal is to reinforce the message of your essay, not muddle it with last-minute additions or worn-out phrases. Your conclusion is your final word to the admissions committee—it should reflect the best of your thinking and writing.
Avoid introducing new information that wasn’t discussed in the body of your essay.
Resist the urge to use overused quotes or trite statements.
Keep your conclusion focused on synthesis, not summary.
Don’t plead or sound desperate for admission.
Never Introduce New Ideas
One common mistake is introducing new concepts or anecdotes that weren’t previously discussed. Your conclusion isn’t the place to surprise the reader with new information. Instead, it should be a place of reflection and reinforcement of your essay’s main points.
Steer Clear of Generic Statements
Generic statements can deflate an otherwise impactful conclusion. Phrases like “In conclusion,” “In summary,” or “As previously stated” signal to the reader that you’re unsure how to effectively close your essay. Be confident and end with a sentence that encapsulates the essence of your story or argument in your own words.
Resist Summarizing the Entire Essay
While it might be tempting to recap everything you’ve said, your conclusion should not be a repeat of your essay. The admissions committee has already read your story; use this opportunity to highlight the overarching message or insight you want them to remember.
Don’t Beg or Appear Desperate
Your conclusion should exude confidence, not desperation. Phrases like “I hope you will consider my application” or “I would be honored to be admitted” can come off as pleading. Instead, demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the opportunities that the college offers.
Transitioning from Conclusion to College: The Real-World Impact
The way you conclude your essay does more than just finish a writing task—it sets the tone for how the admissions committee views your readiness for college life and academics. A well-crafted conclusion can be the deciding factor in a close admissions decision.
How a Conclusion Can Influence Admission Decisions
Admissions officers read thousands of essays. A compelling conclusion can make your essay stand out from the pack. It’s your last chance to make a strong, positive impression, and it can tip the scales in your favor if the decision is a close call.
Moreover, a conclusion that resonates with the reader on an emotional level can elevate your entire essay. It’s about leaving the admissions officer with a sense of who you are and how you would fit into their college community.
Reflecting Your Preparedness for College
A conclusion that effectively ties your experiences to the skills and qualities needed for college success can demonstrate your preparedness. It shows that you’re not just ready for the academic challenges but also eager to contribute to the campus community.
Your Last Impression: Crafting a Conclusion That Sticks
Think of your conclusion as the bow on a gift—it should be neatly tied and enhance the presentation. It’s the last thing the reader experiences, so it needs to resonate.
Your essay is a reflection of your personality, ambitions, and values. Make sure your conclusion aligns with the rest of your essay and echoes the authentic voice you’ve maintained throughout.
Make It Personal and Unique
End your essay on a note that’s uniquely you. Reflect on your personal journey, your aspirations, and what you’ve learned along the way. Your conclusion should be as distinctive as your fingerprint, unmistakably yours, and reflective of your individuality.
For example, understanding the dos and don’ts of writing your college admission essay can greatly impact the final product, potentially swaying the admissions committee in your favor.
“As I turn the page to this next chapter, I carry with me not just the knowledge from my textbooks, but the lessons from the heart that have shaped my vision for a future in community service.”
Let your conclusion be a window into your potential and a teaser of the contributions you’re poised to make to the college community and the world at large. In the next section, we’ll explore the subtle power of tone in your conclusion and how it can leave a lasting impression.
The Tone and Its Subtle Power
The tone of your conclusion can speak volumes. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. A confident, hopeful tone can inspire the admissions committee and make them feel excited about offering you a place at their institution. Conversely, a doubtful or apologetic tone might leave them questioning your fit for their school. Choose your words carefully to reflect the positive spirit with which you intend to embark on your college journey.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward with Confidence
As you finalize your admission essay, remember that the conclusion is your parting message. It should encapsulate the essence of your narrative and leave the admissions committee with no doubts about your potential. You’ve shared your story, highlighted your achievements, and now it’s time to confidently conclude with a clear statement of your desire and readiness to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in college.
Revise, Reflect, and Rejuvenate Your Essay
Before you consider your essay complete, take the time to revise and reflect. Read your conclusion out loud. Does it sound like you? Does it leave you with a feeling of completion? Does it tie back to the core message of your essay? If not, rejuvenate it with the insights and wisdom you’ve gained through the writing process. Your conclusion is not just a summary; it’s your final argument for why you and the college are a perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As you wrap up your essay, you might still have some questions about crafting an effective conclusion. Let’s address some common queries to ensure you’re fully equipped to finish your essay with confidence.
How Long Should My Admission Essay Conclusion Be?
Your conclusion should be concise—typically no more than five to seven sentences. It’s enough space to restate your main point, reflect on your journey, and look to the future without repeating the entire essay. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity.
Is It Okay to Use Humor in My Conclusion?
Humor can be a delightful touch if it’s consistent with the tone of your essay and your personality. However, use it sparingly and ensure it’s appropriate for the context. The goal is to leave a positive impression, not to undermine the sincerity of your application.
Can I End with a Quote?
While a well-chosen quote can be powerful, it’s often more impactful to end with your own words. If you do choose to use a quote, make sure it’s deeply relevant to your story and enhances your conclusion, rather than detracting from your personal voice.
How Do I Know if My Conclusion is Effective?
An effective conclusion will leave the reader with a clear understanding of who you are, how you’ve grown, and what you aim to achieve in college. It should feel like a natural end to your essay and resonate with the themes you’ve presented throughout.
Understanding the college accreditation process is crucial when selecting the right institution for your higher education. Accreditation ensures that the colleges and universities meet certain standards of quality and rigor, which can affect credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and even post-graduate employment opportunities. Therefore, it’s important to check the accreditation status of any institution you are considering.
