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Are admissions officers okay with humor in college essays?

Hey everyone, I've been working on my college essays and I naturally gravitate towards using humor in my writing. I'm not sure if this is appropriate or if it might hurt my chances. Have any of you successfully used humor in your essays, or should I stick to a more serious tone? Thanks for any advice!

a year ago

Hey there! Using humor in college essays can definitely work if done appropriately and in moderation. Remember, the essay should still focus on showcasing your personality and highlighting your strengths. The key is to make sure you're being authentic to who you are, and if humor is a part of that, then it's totally fine to include it!

My own child used humor in their essay and got accepted into their top choice. However, they were careful not to let the humor overshadow the main message. Maintain a balance between lightheartedness and a sense of purpose, ensuring that your essay still answers the prompt and tells your story well.

Just be cautious that your humor isn't offensive, too obscure, or relies solely on inside jokes. It's always helpful to have others read over your essay and provide feedback about whether the humor works. Best of luck with your essay writing!

a year ago

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