Help with essays

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caramel3536: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 58; Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:13 pm

Help with essays

by caramel3536 » Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:15 am

Quick questions, is it acceptable to use contractions in b-school essays e.g I'd instead of I would. This makes a really big difference on the number of words in the essay. Any thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:15 am

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times; Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:38 pm

Dear caramel3536,

Great question! But I really don't have a clear cut answer, unfortunately. Using contractions does give the essays a more informal tone, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I'm sure there are some schools, or more likely some admissions committee members, who prefer you not use contractions. Whether that should influence you is really your decision. It is a personal preference and so you have to go the way you feel is best.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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