<p>I'm writing my common app essay and am wondering if I can/should use names of other people (students) to help tell a story?</p>
<p>You could take different approaches to this.</p>
<ol>
<li>You could change the names, they won’t take or add to the story, as the AdCom does not know you, or know the validity of the story.</li>
<li>You can use the real names, but I wouldn’t put a last name.</li>
<li>If you’re using dialogue, see number 2. </li>
<li>You could also say “I had a friend, let’s call her _______.” Something to that degree.</li>
</ol>
<p>In my CommonApp, I just used pronouns and tried to stay away from actually naming people flat out. Which ever works best and which ever you are most comfortable with.</p>
<p>Okay. I’m telling a story in which three people are important. It would be hard to not use names. I will probably just change the names.</p>
<p>Yup, you can do that too! Good luck!</p>