Is it OK to use contractions in college essays?
I've been working on my common app essay and some of my supplemental essays, and I noticed that the writing sounds way more natural when I use contractions. But I'm a little worried it might come off as too informal or unprofessional. Some of my friends say it's totally fine, but others are telling me to avoid them at all costs.
I'm trying to strike the right balance between sounding like myself and still being respected by admissions officers. Would using contractions hurt my chances, or is it just a myth that essays have to be super formal? If anyone has advice or examples, that would be super helpful!
I'm trying to strike the right balance between sounding like myself and still being respected by admissions officers. Would using contractions hurt my chances, or is it just a myth that essays have to be super formal? If anyone has advice or examples, that would be super helpful!
4 weeks ago
•
18 views
Roger Lopez
• 4 weeks ago
Advisor
You don’t need to avoid contractions in your college essays. In fact, using them can actually make your writing sound more authentic and relatable to admissions officers. College application essays are one of the few academic contexts where you’re expected to let your voice shine through, which often means writing the way you actually speak (within reason).
Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they’re looking for essays that feel like a genuine conversation rather than something stiff or overly formal. If you naturally say “I’m motivated by…” or “I couldn’t believe…” then it makes sense to write it that way. For example, “I did not know what to expect on my first day” can sound robotic compared to “I didn’t know what to expect on my first day.” The second version feels warmer and more personal.
That being said, it’s important to keep your tone respectful and clear. Avoid slang, text lingo, or language that’s overly casual, but contractions like can’t, won’t, they’re, or I’ll are perfectly acceptable. It’s also helpful to read your essay out loud—if a sentence with a contraction sounds right and fits your overall tone, it’s probably fine to leave it in.
In short, contractions won’t hurt your chances at all! What’s most important is that your essay sounds like you—while still showing attention to grammar, clarity, and respect for your audience.
Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they’re looking for essays that feel like a genuine conversation rather than something stiff or overly formal. If you naturally say “I’m motivated by…” or “I couldn’t believe…” then it makes sense to write it that way. For example, “I did not know what to expect on my first day” can sound robotic compared to “I didn’t know what to expect on my first day.” The second version feels warmer and more personal.
That being said, it’s important to keep your tone respectful and clear. Avoid slang, text lingo, or language that’s overly casual, but contractions like can’t, won’t, they’re, or I’ll are perfectly acceptable. It’s also helpful to read your essay out loud—if a sentence with a contraction sounds right and fits your overall tone, it’s probably fine to leave it in.
In short, contractions won’t hurt your chances at all! What’s most important is that your essay sounds like you—while still showing attention to grammar, clarity, and respect for your audience.
Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years