<p>So my son is working on his UC essays and in one of them he uses the words suck (as in I suck at). I know the tone is supposed to be informal, but is this ok? Should he change it to stink. He feels it sounds stilted. Also is it proper to use contractions. He says he was told to speak in informal terms like he was talking with a friend.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Hey there.</p>
<p>Being from California, I have read many of my friends' UC essays. However, I have never seen any one use the word "suck", or "stink" for that matter. Honestly, I would suggest eliminating the word all together. With such a negative conotation, it is likely that it will only leave the reader with a bad opinion. </p>
<p>Keep in mind, I have read other essays in which people have used much more coarse language. It really all depends on the context. Just be sure that your sun uses discretion.</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>There is a limit to informality. People may use hackneyed vulgarities with friends, but I wouldn't recommend using them in a college essay. </p>
<p>Further, imo the use of "suck" or "stink" suggests a poverty of imagination; it's so much easier to say "I suck" or "I stink" than to take the time and effort to lay hands on the precisely accurate word or expression.</p>
<p>Contractions are OK imo, but I wouldn't recommend using either of the words your son suggests.</p>
<p>ADad I agree with you that is why I'm on here asking the question. I want to show my son that it is a bad idea. As for contractions, your opinion is that they are OK. That seems less than enthusiatic to me. I do agree with my son in that his essay does sound stilted and formal when he removes the contractions. So for anyone reading this, what is the wisdom on use of contractions in a personal statement?</p>
<p>I think that contractions are fine in moderation and when they sound natural, are in the writer's genuine voice.</p>
<p>I'm not enthusiastic about contractions because I don't see that decision, contraction (in moderation) or not, as being central to the impression that the essay makes. I'm enthusiastic, rather, about the fundamentals, about making the essay personal, detailed, honest, revealing.</p>