Personal Statement Grammar?

[SeminoleFan3]

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When writing the personal statement, should one use contractions or spell out the entire phrase. For example, could I use "I'd" or should I spell out "I would"? Thanks

 

[MollyMalone]

The lack of contractions will offend no one's delicate grammar sensibilities. The presence of contractions might bother a very picky reader.

I would avoid if possible.

That said, I don't think it's the world's hugest deal. I used one contraction in my PS (yes, I did just go back and check because I am the world's biggest dork).

 

[Apparition]

Contractions are fine, gives the PS more realness and style.

 

[Depakote]

Keep everything crystal clear. You don't want your message to be garbled when quickly skimmed.

^this happened to me and I had a rougher interview because of it.

So no contractions, and don't go with the stupid artsy sounding intro like I did. 😡



(yes, I did edit this like 3 times)

 

[nmnrraven]

When writing the personal statement, should one use contractions or spell out the entire phrase. For example, could I use "I'd" or should I spell out "I would"? Thanks

I wrote my personal statement as formal as possible grammatically.

 

[Trail Boss]

Mine was absolutly formal. It was no doubt the finest paper I have ever written, because I correctly thought would be the most important paper that I ever wrote. There is no room for error. A really GREAT personal statement can make up for a lot of shortcomings in other places, because lets face it, most of that other stuff is pretty much the same for all of us with a fighting chance anyway.

 

[NoSoupforYou13]

Also make sure you also spell words like color "colour" and analyze "analyse. Using this spelling you will likely not offend any British readers.

But seriously, don't give the AdCom any reason not to like you. Don't short change yourself by skimping on proper grammar. Even things like contractions matter.

 

[potato51]

Don't contract like I just did.

 

[bugmenot]

But seriously, don't give the AdCom any reason not to like you. Don't short change yourself by skimping on proper grammar. Even things like contractions matter.

Yeah, I know a guy that was told he got waitlisted because of his dangling participles and split infinitives.

 

[mustangsally65]

Don't forget to check out this thread in the sticky at the top of Pre-Allo. A bunch of us with many different areas of expertise are available to help you edit or improve your PS.

Some of us have experience with writing, editing, or even have Bachelor's Degrees in English. I'm sure you could find someone to proof your statement and make sure there aren't any really obvious errors.

[/shameless plug]

 

[Anastasis]

I wrote my personal statement as formal as possible grammatically.

Since "formal" is being used as an adverb here, shouldn't it be "formally"?

🙄