how should i end my college essay

Perhaps the most daunting part of writing a college essay is deciding where to begin, but just as important is crafting a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

Crafting a Memorable Conclusion for Your College Essay

When concluding your college essay, it’s crucial to ensure that your final paragraph resonates with the readers and encapsulates your message in a compelling way. The conclusion should serve as a summary of your main points and leave a lasting impact on the reader. Here are several strategies to help you craft an effective and memorable conclusion for your college essay:

1. Reinforce Your Thesis Statement

A strong conclusion often reiterates the thesis statement in a new light or context. This helps reinforce the argument you’ve made throughout your essay and provides closure to your thoughts. For instance, if your essay argues that education is essential for personal growth, your conclusion could reiterate this point by emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge.

2. Offer a Call to Action

Encouraging your audience to take a specific action can be a powerful way to conclude your essay. Whether it’s advocating for a particular policy change, urging readers to engage in a specific activity, or inspiring them to continue exploring a topic, a call to action can inspire your audience to think more deeply about your subject matter.

3. Provide a Thought-Provoking Insight

Adding a thought-provoking insight or a new perspective can elevate your conclusion and make it stand out. This might involve drawing a parallel between your essay’s topic and another area of interest, or proposing a solution to a problem you’ve discussed. For example, if your essay focuses on the importance of mental health awareness, you could conclude by suggesting that everyone should be encouraged to seek professional help when needed, thus promoting broader societal change.

4. Share Personal Reflections

Including personal reflections or anecdotes can make your conclusion feel more genuine and relatable. Sharing a personal story or reflecting on your own experiences can add depth and authenticity to your conclusion. This technique can help bridge the gap between your essay’s content and your audience, making your conclusion more engaging and memorable.

5. End with a Question

Using a rhetorical question can leave a lasting impression and encourage readers to ponder your ideas further. A well-crafted question can prompt reflection and discussion, inviting your audience to consider your arguments in new ways. For example, you could end your essay on climate change by asking, “What role do we each play in creating a sustainable future?”

6. Conclude with a Quotation or Proverb

Incorporating a relevant quote or proverb at the end of your essay can add a touch of elegance and provide additional weight to your arguments. This technique works well if you have found a powerful quote that encapsulates your main point or adds a layer of depth to your conclusion. Remember to choose a quote that is genuinely meaningful and not merely a cliché.

7. Summarize Key Points

Sometimes, simply summarizing the key points of your essay can effectively close the essay. This method ensures that your main ideas are reinforced and gives your readers a clear sense of what they have just read. However, it’s important to do so without repeating the same information word-for-word; instead, use concise phrases or paraphrases to highlight the essence of your argument.

8. Create a Sense of Closure

Ending your essay with a sense of closure can provide a satisfying conclusion to your writing. This might involve tying together loose ends or providing a final piece of advice related to your topic. By ensuring that your conclusion feels complete, you can leave your readers feeling both satisfied and motivated to continue thinking about your essay’s themes.

By following these strategies, you can create a compelling and impactful conclusion for your college essay. Remember, the goal of your conclusion is to reinforce your thesis, leave a lasting impression, and inspire your readers to reflect on your arguments. With careful planning and thoughtful consideration, you can craft a conclusion that truly stands out.