Is it okay if you use abbr.?

I was wondering if it is okay to use abbreviations in your college essays for the sake of the word count. For example: Let’s just say that a college essay had to be 3 words (i know it would never be that short, its just an example). I wanted to say: I love the College of Arts and Sciences. But thats too long, Is it okay that I write: I love CAS. assuming that the college knows what CAS stands for? If I didn’t explain myself well just tell me.

<p>You can do such if the first reference to it is such: "College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)" Then you can use that abbreviation in all subsequent references.</p>

<p>ok I see, thanks!!</p>