What are some effective ways to end a college application essay?

You’re right that a strong ending is crucial—it’s your last chance to make an impression on the admissions reader. There are several ways to end a Common App essay effectively without falling into clichés or abruptness.

One reliable strategy is to echo an image, phrase, or theme from your introduction, but reveal how your perspective has changed. For example, if your intro describes you nervously stepping onto a stage for a spelling bee, your conclusion might show how you now seek out challenges or embrace the unknown. Circling back can feel powerful if the connection is subtle and earned, not forced.

Another approach is to end with a brief, meaningful reflection. After telling your story, step back and share the single most important thing you realized or how the experience continues to affect you. Think about what you’d want the admissions officer to remember if they only recalled your last paragraph. For example, “As I returned the repaired radio to my neighbor, I didn’t just bring back sound—I delivered the spark of curiosity that started with my first screwdriver set.”

You might also look to the future, but ground it in your essay’s story—avoid broad generalities like “That’s why I want to make the world a better place.” Instead, be specific. If you wrote about struggling with a personal setback, maybe you end with, “The next time I encounter failure, I know I’ll approach it not with fear, but with a toolbox full of new strategies… and a bit more patience.”

Some endings even use a short, impactful sentence or image. For instance, if your essay is about learning to make your grandmother’s dumplings, your final sentence might be: “Now, as the scent of ginger fills my kitchen each Sunday, I know I’m finally home.”

In summary, effective endings:
- Reflect on your growth or realization
- Connect back to the opening, showing change
- Project forward rooted in your story
- Use vivid detail or sensory language for memorability

Avoid summarizing your essay or restating your thesis. Instead, aim for a conclusion that feels like a satisfying close to your unique journey. Before finalizing, read your ending aloud. Does it feel honest to you? If so, it’s much more likely to resonate with the reader.