<p>I don't mean REALLY informal but I tend to write with contractions and with a more casual style.</p>
<p>I don’t know, but I’ve been wondering that too! I think, though, that a casual tone is fine but that a formal structure/presentation should be maintained (which means no contractions, although if it’s significant and specific enough, I’m sure there are exceptions to the rule).</p>
<p>Contractions and casual-ness are perfectly fine…all the more better if it sounds more like “you”. :)</p>
<p>The consensus is that you should write in a way that reveals your personality. So if you’re the type of person who is curt and professional, you would write similarly. If you’re easy-going, then you’d write like that.</p>
<p>It is worthwhile to remember that these essays still are essays. Syntax, diction, imagery, etc. still play a defining role. Use them to your advantage.</p>