<p>Is the use of contractions okay or a big no-no?</p>
<p>Because I've heard that we shouldn't use them, but it would sould weird to say...</p>
<p>"Why could not I?" compared to
"Why couldn't I?" right?</p>
<p>I’m not sure what admissions officers would think, but I think it’s perfectly fine to use contractions. If they’re not overused, I think it gives a better sense of who you are, rather than making your essay sounds overly formal. I know I used a couple of contractions in my essays. If you decide not to use contractions, though, it’d probably sound better to say “Why could I not” than “Why could not I.” Good luck!</p>