<p>When I write, I admit it I like to use a lot of big words--that's just part of my style. I don't do it to impress anyone, but because I like to be precise and want each word I choose to represent exactly the idea I'm trying to convey. I have read over and over again not to use SAT words in college essays, because it comes across as grandiloquent. The problem is I have already written my essay and it uses a number of words at an SAT caliber of difficulty. Should I remove them and "dumb" my essay down? (Some of the words in question to give examples are ephemeral, despondency, and lethargy).</p>
<p>Just be who you are. If you write with big words, so be it. </p>
<p>That’s what I think.</p>
<p>Be who you are. 
DOn’t dumb it down, but make sure the vocab matches the tone and the message that ur trying to make</p>
<p>It’s all about fluidity. If your essay reads naturally and smoothly with “big” words, then you’ve done your job as a writer, and should leave everything be. The problem is when those SAT words glare at you from the page – when they seem to be thrown in for no purpose other than to sound intellectual. </p>
<p>So: carefully consider which category you fall into. And then: edit (or don’t) as you see fit.</p>
<p>^^ What photographer said. Don’t use words that you aren’t familiar and comfortable with</p>