<p>It is a negative influence (i.e. he was a bully and fellow competitive violinist), so I am not sure whether I should name him because he is also applying to college.
Would it negatively affect me if I write his name? Even if I use a fake name?</p>
<p>Just use their first name unless it’s really uncommon. If you’re applying to different colleges then I really wouldn’t worry about it. What’s more important are the insights related to knowing this person so don’t sweat the small stuff! Imo, not putting any sort of name sounds pretty awkward. I wrote my essay about a lady who has been important to me and just used her last name. Even though her name is pretty uncommon, colleges won’t care to look it up or anything.</p>