How to End a College Admissions Essay 

The conclusion of your college admissions essay is just as important as the introduction. It’s your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee and demonstrate your unique perspective and writing skills. Let’s explore four winning strategies for ending your essay and examples to illustrate each approach.

Endings to avoid

Before we dive into the effective strategies, let’s discuss a couple of endings to avoid:

Summarizing

Don’t simply restate the main points of your essay in the conclusion. This approach feels redundant and lacks impact. Instead, aim to provide a fresh perspective or insight that ties your essay together.

Stating the obvious

Avoid ending with a generic statement like “In conclusion, I believe I would be a great fit for your college.” This adds nothing new to your essay and wastes an opportunity to leave a memorable final impression.

Option 1: Return to the beginning

One effective way to end your essay is to circle back to the beginning, connecting your conclusion to your introduction. This creates a sense of coherence and wholeness, demonstrating how your experiences have come full circle.

Example 

Introduction: As I stood atop the podium, clutching my gold medal, I realized that my journey to this moment had been about more than just swimming. It was about embracing challenges, persevering through setbacks, and discovering my inner strength.

Conclusion: As I prepare to dive into the next chapter of my life, I carry the lessons I learned in the pool. Just as I once dared to dream of Olympic gold, I now set my sights on new challenges and opportunities, knowing that anything is possible with hard work, resilience, and a positive attitude.

In this example, the writer connects their conclusion to the opening anecdote about winning a gold medal, showing how the lessons learned through swimming have prepared them for future challenges.

Option 2: Look forward

Another strategy is to end your essay by looking towards the future, describing your goals, aspirations, or excitement about the opportunities ahead.

Bad example: Cliché

As I embark on this new journey, I know college will be full of challenges and opportunities. I am excited to learn, grow, and make a difference. With the knowledge and skills I gain, I am confident I will succeed in whatever path I choose.

This example is generic and could apply to any student. It relies on clichés like “challenges and opportunities,” “learn and grow,” and “make a difference,” without providing any specific, personal insights.

Good example: Original

Studying marine biology has been my dream since I first saw a coral reef. As I prepare for the next step in my academic journey, I am excited to dive deeper into this fascinating field. I look forward to researching the effects of climate change on delicate marine ecosystems, collaborating with experts in the field, and ultimately contributing to the conservation of our oceans. With the knowledge and skills I gain in college, I want to make a tangible impact on the future of our planet.

In this example, the writer looks forward to the opportunities and experiences they hope to have in college, connecting their passion for marine biology to their future goals and aspirations. The writer creates a more engaging and memorable conclusion by providing concrete details and a clear sense of purpose.

Option 3: Reveal your main point

A third strategy is to use your conclusion to reveal your essay’s main point or theme, offering a new perspective or insight that ties everything together.

Example 

As I reflect on my experiences volunteering at the local homeless shelter, I realize that the most important lesson I learned was not about the challenges of homelessness or the importance of community service. It was about empathy – the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes, understand their struggles and hopes and treat them with dignity and respect. This lesson has transformed how I approach community service and my relationships with others, reminding me that everyone has a story worth hearing and a humanity worth honoring.

In this example, the writer uses the conclusion to reveal the central insight gained from their volunteering experience – the power of empathy. By connecting this theme to their personal growth and relationships, the writer demonstrates the broader significance of their experience.

Option 4: End on an action

Finally, you can end your essay by describing an action or decision demonstrating your personal growth, commitment, or values.

Example 

Staring at the acceptance letter, I knew I had a choice to make. I could take the safe path and attend the prestigious university my parents had always dreamed of, or I could take a risk and follow my passions. I knew what to do as I thought about my countless hours volunteering at the local animal shelter, the joy I felt in caring for abandoned and injured animals, and the sense of purpose I had discovered. I made my decision with a deep breath and a sense of clarity. I would pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, dedicating my life to the care and protection of animals.

In this example, the writer ends with a decisive action – the decision to pursue their true passion for veterinary medicine, even if it means going against expectations. This conclusion demonstrates the writer’s personal growth, self-awareness, and commitment to their values.