For example: “I will join this club” versus “I would join this club”
For every college essay, should I be writing in a manner that assumes my acceptance?
I would join X club.
@Dustyfeathers really? A lot of people tell me to use “will”
@doorrealthe “will” makes it seem like you think you’re a shoe-in. “would” shows that you understand that you’re not guaranteed
Would seems to be better grammar. Will seems to be more “assume my acceptance.”
It’s up to you.
It’s not a terrible thing to be gentile and say “would.” There’s something comforting about that usage for the reader. It allows them space.
There’s also no wrong in saying “will” do something–unless it feels overly brash to you. Somewhat salesman-like.
My preference is for the gentile and more grammatically correct. Truthfully if you have a strong-enough application either one will work. No one will ding you for verb choice over substance.
Gentile? Are you sure that’s the word you mean to use? Do you mean genteel? Very different meanings!
@jym626 I think OP means gentile as in polite, and not harsh/arrogant.
I’d use “would” or maybe something like “I plan to”. I think that’s firm enough without assuming you’re getting in.
That word is gelteel. NOT gentile. A gentile is a person who is not Jewish!
I think he meant to say gentle hahaha @jym626
Either gentle or Genteel would work. Not Gentile! But he spelled it wrong twice i
Oops, I think it’s gentle too, you’re right @Jpgranier
Interesting because a lot of teachers and tutors back in high school favored “will” over “would” in these cases because it shows your bravery and commitment.
As always, it’s up to you, but if I were you, I would say “I will join the club.”
@HardOREasy I used a paid writing tutor (A PhD upper level English professor at a top 50 school) and she told me to phrase all the future things I would do at the school as, “I hope to…”
Lost in this conversation is @dragonfly26’s great advice: “I plan to.” I highly recommend using that.
*Will = overconfidence
*Would = acceptable, but it seems sort of hesitant.
*I hope to = No. no. no.
Bottom line: It matters little. What will matter is all the other words you choose to use. An adcom isn’t going to parse between “will”, “would”, “hope to” and “plan to”. It’s semantics and given the number of applications and essays to read, I think it matters very little what word choice you use amongst these options.
Ditto what @doschicos said. Many essays are quickly scanned by readers. Subtle wording probably does not matter. Personally, I’d use “hope to” or “plan to” as you show intent, but honestly, you cannot commit to anything. Just don’t use “gentile” unless you want to give the reader a good laugh.
I don’t like “will” because, in most cases, you won’t choose to attend the school even if they accept you. But it’s a small thing.
I don’t necessarily disagree, but why?
Will and plan imply you’ve got a crystal ball. Would is nicely conditional, but again, how do you know? Hope seems to reflect some uncertainty.
I think I’d go with, “I’m interested in,” but not just naming it, like a list. I; have a few words of why.
But we’re splitting hairs, as doschicos and jym say.
I personally think hope to is acting appreciative if you were given the chance to attend the university. It doesn’t come across as entitled or an assumption you wouldn’t get in.