I’m doing some final revisions for my Common App personal statement to submit before the ED deadline. In my essay, I include an anecdote about a time my friend got frustrated at me to contribute to a narrative of personal growth. In this particular scene, I included them saying “[x, x, or] whatever the h***” in order to help convey their flash of emotional exasperation.
I was wondering whether this would indeed contribute emotion to my essay or if it’s too great a risk of sounding crude/unprofessional to admissions officers.
It’s might be worth noting that I’m repurposing an essay that my English teacher submitted to a writing contest with the same anecdote/quote (I received an honorable mention), so I’m concerned that by taking this quote out, I’ll be taking away what I see as important flair/emotion from the key turning point of my essay. While it’s a relatively mild swear, I don’t want this creative risk to cost me an acceptance.
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback!