I need to settle this once and for all. My English teacher marked up my practice essay and circled every "don't," "can't," and "I'm." She wrote "no contractions" in the margin. But when I read sample essays online, half of them use contractions. They sound more like a real person talking.
Who's right?
I asked my older cousin who's already in college. She said her admissions counselor told her workshop that contractions are fine as long as they fit your voice. The goal is to sound like yourself, not like a robot trying to impress people with formality.
But then my teacher has been teaching for 20 years. She must know something, right?
I did more digging (because I'm me and I overthink everything). Here's what I found:
The case against contractions: Some traditionalists argue that college essays are formal writing. Contractions can seem too casual, even lazy. If you're unsure about your audience, it's safer to avoid them.
The case for contractions: Admissions officers read thousands of essays. They get tired of formal, stiff language. Contractions can make your writing flow better and sound more natural. The key is to use them intentionally, not because you didn't proofread.
The middle ground: Most experts seem to say: use contractions if they fit your voice, but don't overdo it. An essay full of contractions can feel too casual. An essay with none can feel rigid.
What I've decided:
I'm going to write my first draft naturally, using whatever words come. Then I'll read it aloud and see where contractions feel right. If I'm saying "do not" and it sounds like I'm giving a speech, I'll change it to "don't."
For super formal moments? Maybe keep it full. For personal stories? Contractions probably work better.
Examples from my draft:
"I could not believe what I was seeing" sounds dramatic, but also a little stiff.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing" sounds like something I'd actually say.
I think I'm leaning toward using some contractions. But now I'm scared my teacher will be right and admissions officers will judge me.
Has anyone actually asked an admissions officer about this? What did they say? I need real answers from real people, not just conflicting advice!
Who's right?
I asked my older cousin who's already in college. She said her admissions counselor told her workshop that contractions are fine as long as they fit your voice. The goal is to sound like yourself, not like a robot trying to impress people with formality.
But then my teacher has been teaching for 20 years. She must know something, right?
I did more digging (because I'm me and I overthink everything). Here's what I found:
The case against contractions: Some traditionalists argue that college essays are formal writing. Contractions can seem too casual, even lazy. If you're unsure about your audience, it's safer to avoid them.
The case for contractions: Admissions officers read thousands of essays. They get tired of formal, stiff language. Contractions can make your writing flow better and sound more natural. The key is to use them intentionally, not because you didn't proofread.
The middle ground: Most experts seem to say: use contractions if they fit your voice, but don't overdo it. An essay full of contractions can feel too casual. An essay with none can feel rigid.
What I've decided:
I'm going to write my first draft naturally, using whatever words come. Then I'll read it aloud and see where contractions feel right. If I'm saying "do not" and it sounds like I'm giving a speech, I'll change it to "don't."
For super formal moments? Maybe keep it full. For personal stories? Contractions probably work better.
Examples from my draft:
"I could not believe what I was seeing" sounds dramatic, but also a little stiff.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing" sounds like something I'd actually say.
I think I'm leaning toward using some contractions. But now I'm scared my teacher will be right and admissions officers will judge me.
Has anyone actually asked an admissions officer about this? What did they say? I need real answers from real people, not just conflicting advice!
