Writing a Strong Conclusion

The Final Conversation

By the time someone reaches the end of your essay, they've already read your story. Your conclusion isn't about starting something new—it's about bringing everything together.

Think of it as the final conversation you have with the reader before they move on to the next application.

What do you want them to remember?

1. Show How You've Grown

One of the biggest mistakes students make is simply repeating what they've already written. Your conclusion shouldn't copy your introduction—instead, show the reader how you've grown since the story began.

What do you understand now that you didn't understand then? How has that experience shaped the person you're becoming?

Growth is often the strongest ending you can write.

2. Look Toward the Future

It's okay to look toward the future. Scholarship committees aren't only investing in who you are today—they're investing in who you'll become.

If your story connects naturally to your goals, share that connection. Help the reader see how your experiences continue to shape where you're headed.

3. Skip the Clichés

Avoid ending with clichés like:

• "Never give up."
• "Dreams really do come true."
• "Anything is possible if you work hard enough."

These aren't necessarily wrong—they're just so common that they rarely leave a lasting impression.

Instead, end with your own thoughts. No one else can tell your story the way you can.

4. Leave Them with Something Real

You don't need a dramatic ending. You don't need a famous quote. You don't need one final attempt to impress the reader.

Sometimes the strongest conclusion is simply an honest one—one that leaves the committee with a clear understanding of who you are, what you've learned, and where you're headed.

A memorable conclusion doesn't echo because it's loud. It echoes because it's genuine.

✏️ Finishing Strong

Use these questions to plan a conclusion that reflects your growth and leaves the reader with a clear final impression.

• What has changed since the beginning of your story?
• What do you understand now that you didn't understand then?
• How has this experience shaped the person you're becoming?
• How does this story connect to where you're headed?
• What final thought do you want the reader to remember?

Your Next Step

Your essay now has a beginning, a middle, and an ending.

Next, you'll learn how to revise your first draft—strengthening your story, improving clarity, and making every sentence work harder.