<p>Should I use contractions? They help save characters and words...but they're not MLA format.</p>
<p>these college app essays don't have to be formal, so it'd be perfectly fine to use contractions. Don't use them if they don't sound natural, though... and make sure your voice shines through, with or without contractions.</p>
<p>HAHA. MLA format personal essays. HAH.</p>