How To Write A Conclusion For Scholarship Essay: Crafting a Winning Finish
Writing a scholarship essay is a significant undertaking. You’re not just stringing words together; you’re crafting a narrative that showcases your personality, your achievements, and your aspirations. While the introduction sets the stage and the body paragraphs provide the evidence, the conclusion is the final, crucial piece of the puzzle. It’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression on the selection committee. This guide will walk you through the art of writing a compelling conclusion that elevates your scholarship essay from good to exceptional.
The Importance of a Strong Conclusion
Before diving into the “how,” let’s establish the “why.” Why is the conclusion so important? Think of it this way: it’s the last thing the reader will see, and it’s what they’ll remember most. A well-crafted conclusion can solidify your strengths, reiterate your key points, and leave the committee feeling confident in their decision to award you the scholarship. A weak conclusion, on the other hand, can undermine all the hard work you’ve put in.
Rephrasing Your Thesis: The Cornerstone of Your Conclusion
The foundation of a strong conclusion is a clear and concise restatement of your thesis statement. Avoid simply copying and pasting your original thesis. Instead, rephrase it in a new and engaging way, demonstrating your understanding of the topic and how your experiences support your claim. This is not merely repeating; it’s reinforcing your central argument with fresh perspective.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Rephrasing
- Don’t introduce new information. The conclusion is for summarizing and synthesizing, not for presenting new ideas.
- Avoid being too generic. Your conclusion should be specific to your essay and the scholarship you are applying for.
- Steer clear of clichés. Phrases like “In conclusion” or “In summary” can feel stale. Aim for originality.
Summarizing Key Supporting Points: A Concise Recap
After restating your thesis, briefly summarize the main points you discussed in your body paragraphs. This serves as a helpful reminder to the reader of the evidence you presented to support your claims. Keep this summary concise and focused, highlighting the most impactful examples and experiences you shared. Think of it as a highlight reel of your essay.
Prioritizing Impactful Examples
When summarizing your supporting points, focus on the most compelling and relevant examples. Don’t simply list everything you wrote. Choose the anecdotes, experiences, and achievements that best illustrate your character, potential, and suitability for the scholarship.
Connecting Your Essay to the Scholarship’s Purpose: Demonstrating Alignment
A crucial element of a winning conclusion is demonstrating a clear connection between your aspirations, experiences, and the scholarship’s purpose. This shows the selection committee that you understand the scholarship’s goals and that you are a good fit. Articulate how receiving the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals, and how your contributions will benefit the wider community.
Tailoring Your Conclusion to the Scholarship’s Values
Research the scholarship thoroughly and identify its core values. Does the scholarship emphasize leadership, community involvement, academic excellence, or a specific field of study? Tailor your conclusion to reflect these values, highlighting how your goals and experiences align with the scholarship’s mission.
Looking Towards the Future: A Vision of Success
The conclusion is your opportunity to paint a picture of your future. Share your vision for how you will use the scholarship to achieve your goals. This shows the selection committee that you have a clear plan and that you are committed to making a difference. Be specific about your ambitions and how the scholarship will help you get there.
Show, Don’t Just Tell: Illustrating Your Future Impact
Rather than simply stating your ambitions, illustrate them with concrete examples. Describe specific projects you plan to undertake, contributions you hope to make, or the impact you aspire to have on your chosen field. This will make your vision more tangible and compelling.
The Importance of Tone and Voice in Your Conclusion
The tone of your conclusion should be consistent with the tone you established throughout the essay. Maintain a positive, confident, and enthusiastic voice. Avoid sounding arrogant or entitled. Instead, project a sense of humility and genuine gratitude.
Balancing Confidence and Humility
It’s important to project confidence in your abilities and potential, but it’s equally important to remain humble and appreciative. Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship and for the consideration of the selection committee.
Avoiding Common Conclusion Pitfalls
Several common mistakes can weaken your conclusion. Here’s what to avoid:
- Introducing new information. As mentioned earlier, stick to summarizing and synthesizing.
- Apologizing for your weaknesses. Don’t dwell on your shortcomings. Focus on your strengths.
- Being too vague or generic. Be specific about your goals and how the scholarship will help you.
- Ending abruptly. Your conclusion should flow smoothly and leave the reader with a sense of closure.
- Repeating the essay prompt. This signals a lack of depth.
Editing and Proofreading: The Final Polish
Before submitting your essay, thoroughly edit and proofread your conclusion (and the entire essay). Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and awkward phrasing. A polished conclusion demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. Consider having a trusted friend, family member, or mentor review your essay to provide feedback.
Checking for Clarity and Flow
Ensure that your conclusion is clear, concise, and flows logically. Make sure your ideas are well-connected and that your writing is easy to follow.
FAQs About Scholarship Essay Conclusions
Here are some frequently asked questions about crafting a compelling conclusion for a scholarship essay:
- How much time should I dedicate to writing the conclusion? Allocate ample time to crafting your conclusion. It is as important as your introduction and body paragraphs. While it may not take as long to write as the body, it requires careful thought and planning.
- Can I use a quote in my conclusion? Yes, you can. If a quote resonates with your experiences or aspirations, it can be a powerful addition. However, make sure it’s relevant and that you explain its significance. Don’t just drop it in.
- What if I don’t have a clear career goal? It’s okay if you’re still exploring your options. Focus on your academic goals, passions, and how the scholarship will help you develop as a person and as a learner. Highlight your intellectual curiosity.
- How long should my conclusion be? The length of your conclusion will depend on the overall length of your essay. As a general guideline, aim for a conclusion that is roughly 5-10% of the total word count. The most important thing is that the conclusion is concise, impactful, and effectively summarizes your key points.
- Should I thank the selection committee in my conclusion? Yes, it’s a good idea to express your gratitude to the selection committee for their consideration. Keep it concise and sincere.
Conclusion: Sealing the Deal with a Powerful Finish
Writing a winning scholarship essay conclusion is about more than just summarizing what you’ve already written. It’s about crafting a lasting impression that leaves the selection committee feeling confident in their decision. By rephrasing your thesis, summarizing key points, connecting your essay to the scholarship’s purpose, and painting a vision of your future, you can create a conclusion that truly shines. Remember to proofread carefully, maintain a positive and confident tone, and showcase your unique qualities. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to writing a conclusion that helps you secure the scholarship and achieve your academic goals.