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Can I use abbreviations in my college essays?

Hey everyone! I was wondering if it's acceptable to use abbreviations in my college essay, like 'US' for 'United States' or 'NBA' for 'National Basketball Association'. Are abbreviations okay, or should I write everything out completely? Thanks for your advice!

11 months ago

Hi there! It's great that you're paying attention to the details in your college essay. In general, it's best to avoid using abbreviations and write out the full term instead, especially when mentioning it for the first time in your essay. This ensures that your reader clearly understands what you're referring to.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For well-known abbreviations like 'US' or 'NBA', it's usually fine to use them, as most people will easily recognize their meaning. But, it's still a good idea to write out the full term initially and then use the abbreviation afterward (e.g., 'National Basketball Association (NBA)').

Remember, clarity and readability are important in your college essay, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and avoid any potential confusion. Good luck with your essay!

11 months ago

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