<p>Is it okay to use contractions (can't, wouldn't, didn't, etc.) in the common app essay? Or is that too informal?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I think it’s okay. Almost all of the sample essays I’ve ever read are pretty conversational in tone and use contractions. Plus, it reduces the word count.</p>
<p>It’s fine. The common app essay is not an academic essay, so the tone and style are up to you.</p>
<p>What tone are you trying to establish? If formal, then no. If conversational, it ain’t a bad idea.</p>
<p>S</p>