For my essay, if I talk about friends, can I use their real names? Or do I give them fake ones or what
Are they pivotal to the story you are telling about YOU? If not, leave them out. If they are, then I guess it depends on what you are writing about. If they are not presented in a favorable light, change the names. Just make sure the focus is on YOU.
I actually tried to edit my comment. Your friends may be applying to the same schools as you so you need to think long and hard about putting out information that could affect their chances at admission. Even if it is favorable and you don’t change their names, they may not want you to involve them in your college application. If I wrote an essay that referenced my friends, I would personally ask their permission first.
Yeah I’m still focusing on me. I’ll change their names and I’ll specify that I did