A well-crafted conclusion has the transformative power to elevate an average personal statement, leaving a lasting impression on the reader’s mind. However, despite its significance, the conclusion is the most overlooked section in personal statements and is accorded the least attention. The detrimental effect it can have on an otherwise meticulously written personal statement is unknown to many. Curious about learning how to end a personal statement like a pro? In this article, our expert essay writers delve deep into tips for writing a compelling personal statement conclusion. They also help students with their personal statements.
The Purpose of a Conclusion
A conclusion in a personal statement serves as a wrap-up of the main points or arguments, creates a sense of closure, and leaves the reader with food for thought. It emphasizes the significance of your piece of writing and offers a final thought or call to action.
How to Write an Impactful Conclusion
Every personal statement conclusion is unique but follows general guidelines. Here are helpful tips on how to end a personal statement with finesse.
Start With Your Vision
The opening sentence defines the effectiveness of a great conclusion. Start with your long-term career vision, projecting your vision and aspirations in 5 to 10 years. Think of your visions as the conclusion’s thesis statement. Be as intentional as possible to make it stand out.
Be Specific About What You Wish to Accomplish
Being specific with the end of your personal statement as it helps the reader remember your story better. Mention any significant achievements and relate them to your unique experiences or qualities. Perform a self-assessment and reflect on what you want to accomplish in the program. Think of a specific skill you wish to acquire or a specific research you plan to undertake.
Add a Unique Insight
Offer a fresh perspective or a unique insight instead of restating key points. This could be a compelling anecdote or a thought-provoking idea.
Maintain a Positive Tone
Leave the reader hopeful and in high spirits, even if you’re writing about a serious topic. The conclusion should offer a sense of optimism and a potential course of action.
Address the “So What” Question
Reflect on the significance of your personal statement. Why should the reader care about your values and experiences? Do they align with the requirements? Answering the “so what” question is an opportunity to highlight the importance and relevance of your personal statement.
Keep it Concise
Wrap up your points in 200 words maximum. Aim for clarity and brevity rather than length.
Revise and Edit
Revise and edit the end of a personal statement, ensuring a smooth flow and coherence with other parts. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to ensure you’re submitting an excellent paper. Alternatively, seek advanced editing and proofreading services from experienced essay writers. Such professionals know what the readers are looking for in a personal statement based on the topic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at the End of a Personal Statement
Here are the common mistakes many people make when writing a personal statement conclusion and why you should avoid them if you want to stand out.
- Summarizing: A conclusion is not the same as a summary. A summary is repetitive and boring. Avoid treating the conclusion as a summary of the key points in the personal statement.
- Repeating the Introduction Verbatim: Introductions are brief summaries of the main points to be discussed. Copy-pasting or restructuring the introduction as the conclusion sounds repetitive.
- Introducing New Information: New information or ideas at the conclusion can confuse readers. It’s boring and portrays a lack of organizational skills.
- Using Famous Quotes: A quote at the end of a personal statement is a widely misunderstood concept. A famous quote at the end of your statement can shift attention away from you, making the entire piece less authentic. When writing other essays, a famous quote may be used in the introduction to capture the reader’s attention.
- Writing Long and Unwieldy Endings: Long and unwieldy conclusions undermine an impactful conclusion’s concise and memorable essence.
- Using ‘In Summary” Or “In Conclusion” Phrases: These phrases sound cliched and lack originality, making your conclusion less engaging.
How Long Should the End of a Personal Statement Be?
A compelling personal statement captures all essential details within a concise, thought-provoking, and impactful narrative. Typically, a strong conclusion is between 150 and 200 words.
Get Help on How to End a Personal Statement
Writing conclusions are never as easy as they appear to be. Like any part of a personal statement, crafting a compelling conclusion is a challenging task that requires brevity and finesse. Contact our expert essay writers for help on how to end a personal statement that leaves a lasting mark on the readers’ minds. They also help students with their essay assignments.
