Abbreviations in college essays: are they okay to use?

I've noticed I used some abbreviations in my college essay draft and I'm not sure if that's considered acceptable or if it looks unprofessional. Should I rephrase my writing to avoid abbreviations, or will colleges understand? Thanks in advance!

It's great that you're paying attention to the details in your college essay. When it comes to abbreviations, it depends on the context and type of abbreviation. Commonly used and easily understandable abbreviations like 'USA', 'UCLA', 'Dr.', or 'Prof.' are generally accepted, as they are easily recognizable and not too informal.

However, for abbreviations that might not be as clear or could make your essay harder to read, it would be best to spell out the terms. Additionally, avoid using text message abbreviations or informal abbreviations (like 'bc' instead of 'because'), as they can make your essay seem unprofessional. (Unless, of course, your essay involves actual text messages as part of setting the scene, in which case you can use common text abbreviations; even then, you should make sure the messages are comprehensible to someone not necessarily familiar with Gen Z slang).

Ultimately, your goal is to communicate your thoughts as clearly as possible, so if you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of caution and spell out the term in question. Good luck with your essay and the college application process!