<p>Or is it too offensive? D:</p>
<p>Not necessarily. This isn’t something someone can absolutely have a rule on without looking it at in the context of the whole essay.</p>
<p>It may be more effective if you add an exclamation point after it: Screwed!</p>
<p>Picture the person reading your essay. The word will most likely have a different connotation to them than you would like. Do you want to take that risk?</p>
<p>Short answer: No. You’re not writing for your peers; you’re writing for an adult. This is a formal document. Treat it as such. The only thing that starting an essay like this would show an adult is that you have a limited vocabulary.</p>
<p>no dont start it with that n don’t use cuss words in the essay. i noe screwed might not be one but just use some other word</p>
<p>Depends.</p>
<p>It may seem shocking, but if it’s used properly, it may work. It’s risky though.</p>
<p>It could conceivably work. It is a risk, and there’s a fair chance the college admissions office will see that. It is a bit colloquial, which is good to an extent, but don’t be TOO informal.</p>
<p>Hahah I’m considering taking it out now because the reception from the parents on the other forum was very… negative. Or at least for the most part. But Dave_Berry seems to think it’s okay, so I might keep it! (:</p>
<p>I think it’s not the first word that matters as long as everything following it is well-written and shows a clear reasoning for why you put the word there. Personally, I don’t see “screwed” as a really bad word, but I’m a peer :x. Use it if it’s an important part of the essay. DON’T use it if it’s not a really important part of your essay (meaning, contributing to tone, etc.) because it (as Chedva said) shows a limited vocabulary-- That’s NG. (not good)</p>
<p>I am with the “remember you’re writing for an adult” post. I wouldn’t recommend it.</p>