Should I use dialogue in my college essay?

Question

I'm starting to draft my main Common App essay and I'm considering whether or not to include dialogue. I feel like some conversations really capture how I interact with people or show my personality, but I'm worried it might come off as too casual or like I'm trying too hard to be creative.

Have admissions officers ever commented on whether dialogue is good or bad? Is it something that could make my essay stand out in a good way, or is it risky? I'd love to hear if anyone used dialogue in theirs and if it helped or hurt their application.

I'm just a little stressed because I want my essay to show my voice, but also want to make sure I follow the conventions they expect. Any advice would be helpful!

Accepted Answer

Including dialogue in your college essay can be a powerful way to show your unique voice and help admissions officers get a sense of your personality. Dialogue can bring an essay to life by illustrating relationships, key moments, or turning points in a vivid, memorable way. However, like any writing tool, it works best when used with purpose and moderation.

Admissions officers don’t have a rule against dialogue; they care most about authenticity and substance. What matters is that any conversation you include feels natural, relevant, and reveals something important about you. If dialogue helps you show growth, capture your humor, or highlight how you approach challenges, it can absolutely strengthen your essay.

For example, let’s say you want to show the moment you stood up for your beliefs in a student council meeting. Including a quick back-and-forth—

"Are you sure we can pull this off?" Sarah whispered.
"We need to try. Otherwise, nothing changes," I replied.

—can anchor your reader in the moment and make your determination clearer than just describing it.

But avoid writing entire paragraphs in dialogue or making it sound like a script. Too much conversation can take away from your reflection and deeper analysis, which are just as important as storytelling. Also, forced or exaggerated dialogue can feel inauthentic, which you want to avoid.

Lots of successful essays have used snippets of conversation, blending them with insightful narration. If you’re concerned about sounding too casual, aim for dialogue that’s concise and feels true to your real-life voice—not overly formal or too stylized.

To sum up, dialogue can definitely make your essay stand out in a good way if it feels genuine and supports your main message. Read your draft out loud to make sure it sounds natural, and consider sharing it with someone who knows you well—they can tell you if the voice really sounds like you. If so, you’re on the right track!