<p>So in our college admission essays, is it okay to use real name of people or organizations? Or are we supposed to protect the privacy of people?</p>
<p>Depends on whether you're revealing privileged information about them or not. For instance, it's OK to use your real grandmother's name in that story about how she inspired you, but not so much when you're talking about that weekend your friend got really drunk and egged your house (doubly true if he/she is also applying to that college). Basically, if the person wouldn't be cool with it, don't use their real name (and for heaven's sake, come up with a non-obvious pseudonym).</p>