using emoticons in a college essay

<p>what do you think? could it actually work?</p>

<p>Nope. There's an exception to every rule, but unless you've got some genius idea where it really adds to the essay (from an adult's perspective), then it would probably work against you.</p>

<p>they say to be personal in your essays, but that crosses the line and seems too informal. i doubt it would make a very good impression.</p>

<p>Absolutely not. Don't even think you could have genius idea where it would add to the essay (and that is from an adult's perspective).</p>

<p>Even if you had something spectacular with it, don't use it.</p>

<p>Um, no. Definitely not.</p>

<p>I'm going to disagree with everyone here and say that...</p>

<p>nope just kidding. Don't use it, it's one of the things you should never do for a college essay (and for that matter, most essays).</p>

<p>You shouldn't use emoticons for any formal paper.</p>

<p>In fact, you really should only use them in a very informal conversation-like setting, such as on a message board, IMing, and e-mails w/friends.</p>

<p><a href="http://world.std.com/%7Eedit/ouch.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://world.std.com/~edit/ouch.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Maybe the worst idea ever.</p>

<p>If you have an explanation for it and it's not cheesy or contrived, I say go for it: it'll certainly be unique. However, if you are putting them in there just because you want to express a mood without using words, no, don't.</p>

<p>jPoD thanks for the laugh..(I will not insert a you know what here.)</p>

<p>jPoD thanks for the laugh..(I will not insert a you know what here.)</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>maybe if you were applying to MIT...</p>

<p>LOL my God where do you people come up with these hilarious questions? :)
Um I think it would hurt because I would think that colleges like formal writes. Emoticons aren't formal.</p>

<p>Emoticons should not be used in formal essays. Phrases like LOLZ and ROFLMFAO are perfectly acceptable however...</p>

<p>College essays are not formal.</p>

<p>Nor are they as informal as an email, though. Emoticons should not be used in a standard college essay, but there is such thing as a good usage of them. If your essay is about online communication, for example, an emoticon could be a charming and insightful addition.</p>

<p>Be yourself, but be sure it fits with the tone (including the level of formality) of the rest of the essay.</p>

<p>Hey, just in case no one has told you yet!!!!! : No emoticons in formal essays~<em>~</em>!1one~!</p>