Use of contractions in PS or secondary essays

[MoosePilot]

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I did search and got a number of answers, but nothing definite. How does everyone feel about the use of contractions in personal statements or secondary essays?

 

[Medikit]

I didn't use them, but I didn't need them either. My take on it is better safe than sorry.

However, I believe that ADCOMS probably won't notice unless your ps is sloppy in other places.

 

[MoosePilot]

Arghhh! It's neck and neck right now, that's not the way to clear up my confusion!

 

[MoosePilot]

Bump!

Please more people vote. I know there are more than 9 people on here who wrote essays for med school, right?

 

[Sapps]

I did search and got a number of answers, but nothing definite. How does everyone feel about the use of contractions in personal statements or secondary essays?

Did you? You are so done.

 

[Rogue_Leader]

I wrote my essays without contractions, and then edited them until I liked them. Then I checked them for word or character limits. If I was over, I would condense things into contractions to lower the word and character count.

 

[perambulate]

English major here... In general, when writing a more formal paper, you should avoid contractions. I don't think this means the death knell for you, though. As long as the rest of the writing in your PS is strong, don't worry about it.

 

[MoosePilot]

I'm asking because I'm filling out a secondary. My PS is long since turned in. I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter, but wanted to get additional opinions.

Sapp, you're not funny

 

[Bones2008]

I would think it honestly depends on the tone of the essay. If it's written in a formal style (like your average paper), don't use contractions. If it's written as a narrative, though, or something much more conversational, then I'd say feel free to use them, as they'd probably help with the flow of the text.

 

[calstudent]

I would think it honestly depends on the tone of the essay. If it's written in a formal style (like your average paper), don't use contractions. If it's written as a narrative, though, or something much more conversational, then I'd say feel free to use them, as they'd probably help with the flow of the text.

You're right. (i.e. You are right). Especially in quotes when people are talking, be sure to have the contractions.