How formal does my college essay actually need to be?

You're definitely not alone in feeling like nailing the tone of your college essay is a challenge! The short answer is: college essays should sound like you, not like a five-paragraph literary analysis or a formal school report. You want your personality, voice, and perspective to shine through.

It's absolutely okay to use contractions and write in a conversation style, just as long as you don't slip into language that's overly casual (like texting abbreviations, slang, or jokes that could be misunderstood). Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and what makes a piece memorable is usually an authentic, personable voice—not one that's stiff or pretentious.

For example, consider these two openings: “Throughout my entire academic career, I have displayed a steadfast devotion to community and learning.” versus “I’ve always been the type of person who can’t walk past a bulletin board without stopping to read every flyer, just in case.” The second sounds a lot more like a real person speaking; it’s friendly but still clear and appropriate.

Many successful applicants strike this balance by writing in a way that’s similar to how they’d describe something important to a teacher or mentor they respect. You can absolutely use "I," contractions, and humor (if it fits you), but you’d steer clear of things like "LOL" or run-on sentences loaded with asides.

One tip is to read your draft out loud. If it sounds like something you’d naturally say, you’re on the right track. If it feels like you’re playing a role, try loosening up your sentences or swapping out some formal words for ones you’d use in real conversation.

You can also ask a friend or teacher to read your essay and point out what sounds unnatural. Their outside perspective is sometimes the nudge you need. The best essays are polished, true to your story, and make the reader feel like they just met you in person. That’s what admissions officers remember.