<p>Is any profanity, regardless of the reason used, something that shouldn't be included in a college app essay?</p>
<p>(If curses are used to portray the demeaning manner of a character the applicant is associating with, would it be okay to use curses as a part of that character's natural dialogue? (including references to the F- and -H words?) </p>
<p>Thanks in advance, sorry for the awkward question:D</p>
<p>I think it might be better to ask your college counselor. I would say avoid it, generally. You can say "hell", but I'd stay away from anything beginning with F and rhyming with duck. Isn't there a more tasteful way you can convey the character? Or just say follow the dialogue with something like, "His language was laced with profanity."</p>
<p>or you could censor it</p>
<p>go "he said, 'f*** you to h***!!!'"</p>
<p>ya know, something like that</p>
<p>I certainly would NOT have any cursing/profanity on a college essay. It comes off as very unprofessional, and I would not be impressed as an admissions officer. Censorship (as the previous poster mentioned) would not be appropriate either, in my opinion. It just doesn't look right in a formal essay on which you will be evaluated. </p>
<p>I agree that it would be better to say something like "his language was laced with profanity," if you really want to bring the point out.</p>
<p>i think if it fits the tone of your essay. if the topic is something gritty and rough then it should be okay. i think its also okay in dialogue.
Very sparingly if at all though, and only if there isn't an equally effective way of making your point.</p>
<p>I doubt an admissions officer will automatically reject the essay after seeing a four letter word but........</p>
<p>be careful is all.</p>
<p>i'd be interested in reading the essay.</p>
<p>don't use it really. they would think that you are so short of words that you couldn't find a better word. however 'fitting' it is, you shouldn't use. put it in a way graceful manner, like dukeofclass09 says.</p>