Creative Writing -- swearing?

<p>I am submitting a creative writing supplement along with my common app. I have three stories that I am sending in. One of them, however, has swearing and alludes to drug use/sexual situation. None of it is explicit. It is just a story, but I'm not sure if colleges will be turned off by this. I know if wrote the story in an actual college class it would not be a big deal, however, how will it look since I am a high school student?</p>

<p>I wrote it at a pre-college program at Barnard and when my teacher there wrote my evaluation she specifically mentioned how much she loved that piece. </p>

<p>I love my story, I think it's well written and it shows what I can do as a writer. However, I don't want it to negatively effect my admission. </p>

<p>What would you do?</p>

<p>Oh, and if it helps, I am mostly applying to small, liberal arts colleges (similar to Barnard.)</p>

<p>risk, of course</p>

<p>I actually don't think it's a risk. If your piece is as good as you say it is, and I'm sure it is, then it shouldn't be overshadowed by a couple of words.</p>

<p>if the swearing is justified by the mood, you should be fine.</p>

<p>It's not okay to use swear words in your personal statements, but if it's for creative writing, you should be fine.</p>

<p>The context matters as does where you're sending the essay. It would be a big risk if you're applying to conservative colleges. If the admissions officers don't agree with you that the sex/profanity is in context, that also could be problematic. You might want to run the stories by your AP English teacher or someone similar.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone. </p>

<p>I'm pretty sure I am going to send it in. I'm still a little worried though Hah! :-/</p>

<p>I'd be a risk if you didn't have any feedback on it. But a Barnard professor already commented on it (it's especially convenient if you have a rec from her mentioning it), which leads me to believe it's not particularly lewd or anything. I'd say you're good.</p>

<p>It's not Lewd. Let's just say I couldn't put it in my high school literary magazine.</p>

<p>your fine so long as it fits the story, ie something about some kind of abusive relationship or whatever.</p>