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Contraction in personal statement??

elisajelleyelisajelley Alum Member
in Law School Admissions 89 karma

Hey @"David.Busis" and @"micah.bateman" , what's the word on contractions in personal statements? I've noticed that many of the sample PS's in the essay bank contain them, but I can't decide if they're right for my essay?

Thanks!

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  • Cant Get RightCant Get Right Yearly + Live Member Sage ⭐ 🍌 7Sage Tutor
    27822 karma

    PS's aren't so formal as to need to avoid contractions. Then again, I'm at a complete loss as to when and why they're ever considered improper in the first place, lol. For what it's worth, I used them freely in my own admissions essays and everything turned out fine.

  • David BusisDavid Busis Member Moderator
    7285 karma

    Yes—contractions are totally fine! In fact, they're encouraged.

    Speak like a human!

    When we edit personal statements, we see people tying themselves into formal knots in their first drafts. Then we ask some questions and tell people to respond casually, and at least half the time, the casual responses are more vivid, forthcoming, and direct—that is, better—than the essay's original prose.

  • elisajelleyelisajelley Alum Member
    89 karma

    Thank you @"Cant Get Right" and @"David.Busis" ---- exactly the info I needed!

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