How to End a Personal Statement

The personal statement should be pristine from top to bottom. Figuring out how to end a personal statement is equally as important as starting it. It will provide a roundup of all the statements. Also, skills, accomplishments, and motivations enable the student to enter the university.

In 2024, UCAS reported that 36.4% of UK 18-year-olds entered higher education, marking a 0.7 percentage point increase from 2023 and the first year-on-year rise since 2021. Despite this growth, a significant number of applicants do not advance beyond the initial stages of the admissions process. The personal statement remains a critical component of the UCAS application, serving as a unique opportunity to impress college admission staff. It is the one and only chance to impress the college admission staff. Here is how to write a personal statement the right way.

Meaningful Tips on How to End a Personal Statement

A great personal statement conclusion leaves no place for doubt among readers. Students who perfect it end up creating a remarkable piece. The finishing section can pull together all the valuable points in the piece and offer the student a noteworthy opportunity. The conclusion is a single paragraph that reinforces whatever the students tried to persuade. For example:

Critical skills the student developed
Reasons for selecting the course
Background interest in a specific subject
Achievements
Career goals
Relevant hobbies or interests

The problem is, not everyone knows how to finish a personal statement properly. There are many mistakes and misconceptions when writing one. That’s why the tips here on how to end a personal statement can solve these issues.

1. Crafting a Memorable Personal Statement Conclusion

A memorable personal statement conclusion is crucial in leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It should be well-crafted, concise, and relevant to the rest of the statement. A great conclusion can make a significant impact and influence the decision-making process in your favor. Here are some tips to help you craft a memorable personal statement conclusion:

Summarize Your Key Points: Begin your conclusion by summarizing the key points you have discussed in your personal statement. This reinforces the main themes and provides a concise overview for the reader.
Highlight Your Motivation: Express your enthusiasm and motivation for the opportunity you are seeking. Let the reader know why you are passionate about this field or position.
Reflect on Your Journey: Reflecting on your journey can add a personal touch to your conclusion. Mention how your past experiences have prepared you for this new opportunity.
Articulate Your Goals: Clearly state your future goals and how this opportunity aligns with them. This demonstrates your long-term vision and commitment.
End with Confidence: Conclude with a confident and assertive statement. Avoid sounding uncertain or overly modest.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling personal statement conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

1. Pay Attention to Details

Being specific is the key to success. Especially when drafting a personal statement conclusion. Countless candidates make the mistake of categorical listing. But, these are what experts call clichés.

For example, “I wish to improve my knowledge” or “I look forward to gaining exposure to various settings.”

The candidate might genuinely believe in these statements. But, they are not specific enough. To alter that, students should cover detailed skills they wish to acquire. Or certain settings that will benefit their potential career. The conclusion should convey clarity and intention to the admissions committee member, maintaining the focus established throughout the personal statement.

2. Revisit the Key Points

Every student should tie their closing paragraph to the rest of the content. The body of the conclusion should re-emphasize the important bits and pieces of the main section. Here, they can form a written argument that has structure and delivers a lasting impression. The student can reiterate their achievements to give the statement a sense of closure. But with a very positive and inspiring connotation.

3. Look Ahead to Your Future Career

Those who don’t know how to conclude a personal statement should focus on their career path and goals. Indicating the ideas for the future proves that the writer has admirable qualities. That doesn’t mean they have to plan the next ten years of their life. Rather, they should show what they would like to pursue.

There are two types of goals the committee wants to see:

Medium-term goals – such as applying for a cardiology fellowship after finishing residency.
Long-term goals – such as demonstrating a clear vision for further development in that career.

Discussing these goals provides a clear picture of what the committee can expect of a student like this. It conveys potential, desire for intentional growth, and success.

4. Take Notes On-the-Go

Inspiration can appear in the blink of an eye. That’s why it is a good idea to record it. Making notes, writing impactful phrases and ideas can be useful. People use note-taking even when ending a personal statement.

5. Provide a Stand-Alone Sentence

An expert personal statement writer knows when to stop talking. When a writer wraps it up, they usually offer a stand-alone sentence, capable of leaving a remarkable impression. But there is a big difference between an expert and a novice writer.

For example, “To sum up, I think my drive and passion for nursing will make me an excellent candidate for this course.” This could be true, but it is not unique. It doesn’t create that extra dimension. Rather, it uses something with a bit more insight into specific skills and interests.

Someone who is experienced knows exactly how to end a personal statement for the university without ruining the entire piece. The best way to achieve that is to provide a substantiated claim. Not longer than 150-200 words. This is about a third of the complete paper.

6. Hook Them Through to the End

A strong conclusion is crucial in a personal statement to leave a lasting impression on program directors and admission committees. The conclusion may be the first or last thing read by the admission committee. A good conclusion delivers the expected points, while a great conclusion enhances the applicant’s image. A strong conclusion can make up for a weak introduction.

Here are some tips to help you hook the reader through to the end:

Start with a Vision for Your Future Career: The key to a great conclusion is starting with a clear vision for the future. The vision should be a single sentence stating where you see yourself 5-10 years from now.
State Precisely What You Seek to Accomplish in the Program: After establishing the vision, work backward to determine what needs to be accomplished in the program. Be specific about what you need to accomplish next to achieve your career vision.
State the Specific Aspects You Are Seeking in a Program: State which aspects of the program will equip you to achieve your next step. Consider the program’s curriculum, faculty, and resources. Be specific about what you are looking for in a program.
State What You Offer to the Program: After establishing your vision, next step, and specific aspects, state what you offer to the program. Identify the themes in your personal statement and list them as what you offer to the program.

By following these steps, you can create a strong conclusion that hooks the reader and leaves a lasting impression.

Strategies for a Strong Personal Statement Conclusion

– The Bookend Strategy

The bookend strategy involves referring to something you’ve set up earlier in the essay and using it to create a sense of closure and completion. This approach can be effective for creating a sense of continuity and highlighting the author’s growth and development.

Here’s an example of how to use the bookend strategy:

Start Your Personal Statement with a Story or Anecdote: Begin with a story or anecdote that sets up a theme or idea.
Develop and Explore This Theme Throughout the Essay: Use the body paragraphs to delve deeper into this theme or idea.
Refer Back to the Story in the Conclusion: In the conclusion, refer back to the story or anecdote and use it to create a sense of closure and completion.

– Formula for Success

The formula for a great conclusion includes starting with a vision for the future, stating what needs to be accomplished in the program, and specifying the aspects that will equip the applicant to achieve their goals. Here’s an example of how to use this formula:

Start with a Vision for Your Future Career: “I see myself working as a computer science professional in a leading tech company, developing innovative solutions to real-world problems.”
State Precisely What You Seek to Accomplish in the Program: “To achieve this goal, I need to gain a deeper understanding of computer science principles and develop my programming skills.”
State the Specific Aspects You Are Seeking in a Program: “I am looking for a program that offers a strong curriculum in computer science, with particular courses in machine learning and data science.”
State What You Offer to the Program: “I bring a strong passion for computer science and a proven track record of academic excellence. I am excited to contribute to the program and learn from the faculty and my peers.”

By using these strategies, you can craft a strong personal statement conclusion that effectively summarizes your key points and leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Things to Avoid When Doing a Conclusion for a Personal Statement

Many people make their personal statements in a single sitting. Since this is a huge chunk of work, it can take a while to tackle some of the issues. But, crafting a memorable conclusion often remains a pressing issue. Here are the most typical mistakes students make. To finish a personal statement ending, it is crucial to avoid them. Such as:

Waffling – Countless students like to draw their own conclusions. To learn how to close a personal statement, they need to avoid listing rhetorical questions, unreliable quotes, or clichés. The finishing sentence should be on point, concise, and short.
Submitting without double-checking – It is good to be confident. But not at the cost of failing the personal statement. Students should ask other people to read their closing sentences. They should then check the content multiple times.
Listing personal values that don’t align with the university – universities are strict with applicants. They don’t settle for the status quo. Rather, they choose those who stand out. That’s why the students should show they understand the values of that university. This is one of the most overlooked tips for a personal statement.
Feeling overwhelmed – It is not uncommon for students to feel stressed or overwhelmed. But, letting that emotional instability get in the way of concluding a personal statement can set them for failure. Taking it slow is more valuable than rushing through it.

Great Points of Personal Statement Conclusion Examples

Sometimes, people need an idea of how to do it right. That’s where personal statement conclusion examples can help. Here are a few that could prove useful.

✔ Accounting example: “My current primary ambition is to build up my accountancy skills and develop those I have yet to perfect. I believe that studying at your university can assist me in achieving these goals and provide me with a competitive advantage. I can assure you that I am a committed student and can contribute greatly to your university.” This particular conclusion for the personal statement conveys dedication, ambition, and commitment. It is concise yet interesting. It doesn’t stray off-topic and still delivers the message.

✔ Civil engineering example: “I possess a powerful aspiration to change our surroundings and improve everyday life. I am eager to be involved in projects through every stage. From design and sustainability to implementation. I firmly believe that my skills, dedication, and qualification to this subject make me a suitable candidate for your course.” This concluding statement is equally concise. It is ambitious and sticks to what the committee expects in an aspiring civil engineer.

✔ Law school example: “My long-term goal is to practice law and make a significant impact in the legal field. Participating in mock trials and other relevant activities during law school will help me develop the necessary skills and experience. I am confident that your program will provide the foundation I need to achieve my aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the legal community.” This conclusion highlights specific goals and relevant activities, demonstrating a clear path and commitment to the field of law.

Conclusion

Writing a personal statement is both an art and a science, requiring careful thought, authenticity, and attention to detail. A strong personal statement showcases your unique qualities, aligns your goals with the program’s offerings, and leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee. By following the strategies outlined—crafting a memorable introduction, demonstrating your passion, avoiding common pitfalls, and closing with a clear and confident conclusion—you can create a statement that sets you apart from other applicants. Take your time, revise diligently, and ensure every word contributes to telling your story effectively. Remember, this is your chance to shine—make it count.