<p>How formal should a college essay be? I want to write my essay in a more relaxed, laid-back tone that helps show who I am. Will this come across as bad writing skills?</p>
<p>It is not the tone that is the problem if your writing appears unskilled…</p>
<p>Okay I’ll be more specific. Would saying “it’s” instead of “it is” or “you” instead of “one” or “a person” be considered bad writing in a personal essay?</p>
<p>I have to judge it case-by-case. Regardless, the employment of such diction would not make your writing appear unskilled.</p>
<p>go with it</p>
<p>Yes, informality is fine as long as it does not result in writing that appears loose, sloppy, or immature.</p>