Hey everyone, quick question: can I use contractions in my college essay or is it too informal? I want my essay to sound natural but I don't want to come off as unprofessional.
Hey there! That's a great question and I'm glad you're considering the tone of your essay carefully. It's actually quite common to use contractions in college essays. The key is to maintain a balance that best represents your voice. Using contractions can help your writing sound more natural and conversational, which is what admissions officers are looking for—they want to hear your authentic voice. However, you don't want to go overboard or slip into overly casual language. Consider your usage and if the contraction feels right in the context of the sentence, go for it! For instance, saying 'I'm passionate about environmental science' sounds friendly and genuine while 'I am passionate about environmental science' might come off as a bit stiff. Just make sure you read your essay aloud to yourself; if it sounds like the way you'd speak in an interview, you're on the right track. Best of luck with your essay!
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