The Art of the College Essay Conclusion: Don’t Just End It, End It With a Bang!
You’ve poured your heart and soul into your Common App essay. You’ve crafted a narrative that showcases your personality, your passions, and your potential. Now, you’re staring at the blank page, wondering how to end it all. Fear not, fellow applicant, because the conclusion of your essay is your final chance to shine!
Think of it this way: Your essay is like a delicious meal. You’ve already served the appetizer (your introduction), the main course (the body paragraphs), and now it’s time for dessert. You wouldn’t want to end with a bland, boring bowl of plain yogurt, would you? No, you want to leave your reader wanting more, savoring the sweet and satisfying finale.
So how do you craft a conclusion that’s as memorable as your essay itself? Let’s break down some tried-and-true methods:
1. The “Full Circle” Finale:
Remember that clever hook you used in your introduction? Cue the dramatic music! Bring it back! This technique is like a satisfying loop, tying your ending back to your beginning. It gives the reader a sense of completion and makes your essay feel cohesive.
Example: You started your essay with a childhood memory of building a treehouse. In your conclusion, you can revisit that memory, reflecting on how that experience shaped your love for problem-solving and teamwork, qualities you hope to bring to the college community.
2. The “Aha!” Moment:
Here’s where you reveal the main point or insight of your essay. Think of it as the “aha” moment you had while writing it. This conclusion should leave your reader with a takeaway, a key understanding about who you are and what motivates you.
Example: You wrote about a time you faced a challenging situation, and how you learned to persevere. In your conclusion, you can state the ultimate point of that experience, how it taught you resilience and adaptability, qualities that you believe will help you thrive in college.
3. The “Future Focus”:
This approach looks ahead, highlighting your hopes, dreams, and aspirations. You can touch upon what you’re excited about learning, exploring, or contributing to in the college environment.
Example: You wrote about your passion for environmental activism. In your conclusion, you can express your excitement about studying sustainable development at the college and how you hope to be part of the solution to climate change.
4. The “Call to Action”:
This is a powerful technique that encourages the reader to think further or take action. It could be a call for change, a call for collaboration, or a call for exploration.
Example: You wrote about the importance of diversity and inclusion. In your conclusion, you can urge the reader to actively be a voice for change and promote a more inclusive and equitable community.
5. The “Mission Statement” Conclusion:
Think of this as your one-sentence summary of who you are and what you bring to the table. It’s your elevator pitch, your “mission statement” in 25 words or less.
Example: “I am a passionate learner, a dedicated volunteer, and a lifelong advocate for social justice, and I am eager to contribute to the vibrant community at [College Name].”
Remember, a good conclusion doesn’t need to be a novel. It’s all about leaving a lasting impression. Keep it concise, impactful, and authentically you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now, let’s talk about some pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t just summarize! We’re not writing a high school textbook here. Avoid rehashing everything you’ve already said.
- Don’t tell the reader what to think or feel. Your essay should speak for itself. Let your story do the talking, and let the reader draw their own conclusions.
- Don’t use clichés or overused phrases. “In conclusion,” “To sum it up,” or “This essay has shown…” – yawn. Be original!
- Don’t be afraid to be funny! A little humor can go a long way in making your essay memorable.
The Takeaway
Your Common App essay conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impression. It’s your opportunity to make the admissions committee say, “Wow, that was something special!” So, put your heart into it, and don’t be afraid to show your true self. Remember, you’ve got this!
If you’re still feeling lost or need more guidance on how to conclude your Common App essay, don’t hesitate to connect with the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate this process and craft an essay that will truly stand out.