How should I write the conclusion for my college essay?
I'm feeling a little unsure about how to end my main college essay. I keep hearing that the conclusion is the last thing admissions officers read, so it should be memorable, but I can’t figure out what that actually means. Should I try to summarize everything I wrote, or is it better to end with a big statement about who I am?
My essay is about my experience growing up between two cultures, and I want the ending to tie everything together. I just don’t want it to sound cheesy or make it seem like I’m bragging. If anyone has examples or advice, I’d appreciate it, especially if you’ve already written your own essay and felt good about the ending.
Is it better to reference my opening paragraph or leave the reader with a new thought? Would love to know what worked for you all.
My essay is about my experience growing up between two cultures, and I want the ending to tie everything together. I just don’t want it to sound cheesy or make it seem like I’m bragging. If anyone has examples or advice, I’d appreciate it, especially if you’ve already written your own essay and felt good about the ending.
Is it better to reference my opening paragraph or leave the reader with a new thought? Would love to know what worked for you all.
4 months ago
•
22 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
The ending of your college essay should do two main things: leave the reader with a strong impression of who you are and why your story matters, and give a sense that your journey is ongoing. It doesn’t necessarily mean summarizing everything—you want your conclusion to have forward momentum, rather than feel like just a recap.
One effective approach is to circle back to a detail or image from your opening paragraph, but now with new meaning. This technique, called a “full-circle ending,” helps tie your essay together. For example, if you opened with a moment where you were confused by a cultural tradition, you might end by showing how you’ve come to embrace—or even redefine—that tradition in your own life.
Alternately, you could use your conclusion to briefly connect your personal growth to something you hope to explore in college or in the future. For instance, if your essay discusses balancing two cultures, you might close with how this experience has inspired you to bring people together from different backgrounds—maybe through a specific campus activity you’re excited about, or by describing your curiosity about global issues.
It’s key to avoid generic statements like, “These experiences have shaped me into who I am today” or “Now I know I can succeed at anything I try.” Instead, aim for something specific to you. Here’s an example:
"Now, when I set the table for dinner, I reach for both chopsticks and forks, thinking about how I’ve learned to blend two worlds. The table isn’t always balanced and neither am I, but that’s become my favorite part. I can’t wait to find new combinations at college."
This ties in a detail (the table/utensils), shows growth, and looks ahead to the future—without bragging or sounding cliché.
In the end, focus on a concrete image or thought that feels uniquely yours, and let your voice come through. Think less about writing a 'big statement' and more about leaving the reader with a final glimpse into your perspective and personality.
One effective approach is to circle back to a detail or image from your opening paragraph, but now with new meaning. This technique, called a “full-circle ending,” helps tie your essay together. For example, if you opened with a moment where you were confused by a cultural tradition, you might end by showing how you’ve come to embrace—or even redefine—that tradition in your own life.
Alternately, you could use your conclusion to briefly connect your personal growth to something you hope to explore in college or in the future. For instance, if your essay discusses balancing two cultures, you might close with how this experience has inspired you to bring people together from different backgrounds—maybe through a specific campus activity you’re excited about, or by describing your curiosity about global issues.
It’s key to avoid generic statements like, “These experiences have shaped me into who I am today” or “Now I know I can succeed at anything I try.” Instead, aim for something specific to you. Here’s an example:
"Now, when I set the table for dinner, I reach for both chopsticks and forks, thinking about how I’ve learned to blend two worlds. The table isn’t always balanced and neither am I, but that’s become my favorite part. I can’t wait to find new combinations at college."
This ties in a detail (the table/utensils), shows growth, and looks ahead to the future—without bragging or sounding cliché.
In the end, focus on a concrete image or thought that feels uniquely yours, and let your voice come through. Think less about writing a 'big statement' and more about leaving the reader with a final glimpse into your perspective and personality.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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