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Writing a Formal Essay: The Golden Mean Between Casual And Formal

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Our modern society tends to be very casual: we address each other by first name; we dress in comfortable clothes; and we try to make the people around us feel relaxed and welcomed. These are all great things. However, when it comes time to do something formal, like writing a college application essay, we can feel set adrift. Because we’re generally unfamiliar with formality, it can be easy to end up being too formal in your college essay.

This is just as bad as being too casual. Why? Because being too formal in your college essay will take the ‘personal’ aspect out of it. You’ll have gone too far into a set way of behaving that will necessarily prohibit you from expressing your individuality. In short, your college admission essay will make you seem stiff and pretentious. Take formality way too far, and the application essay can even become comical to the reader.

“But how can my college essay help but be formal? It’s a formal process!” you say. Yes, that’s true. You still need to do a set number of things in a set order to complete the admissions process. However, if your college essay is too formal, it will become as standardized as the other aspects of your application such as your test scores and transcripts.

How to Avoid a Too Formal College Essay: Examples

Using an Overly Formal Writing Style:

“Dear admissions committee, I am honored to present this essay, which I have composed to demonstrate my academic and professional achievements. Thank you for the opportunity to apply, and for allowing me to explain why I am a suitable candidate for your esteemed institution.”

The essay tone and style here is excessively formal, it creates an impression that the applicant is trying too hard to sound official. It can make the reader distance from you, since the important personal essay element is lost. Formality may make the essay feel too distant and impersonal. 

Using Overly Informal Writing Style:

“Hey admissions team! I’m here to tell you why I’m a great fit for your school. Honestly, I just love studying biology, and trust me, I’ve got a lot to offer!”

The tone here, on the contrary, is overly casual and may even Look disrespectful or too unserious. It distracts from the professionalism of the essay, making it appear as though the applicant doesn’t fully understand the formal nature of the application process.

How to Balance it?

“When I think about my future and the role I hope to play in the scientific community, I’m reminded of the first time I saw cells under a microscope. That sense of wonder sparked my interest in biology, and I’ve been driven to understand the workings of life ever since. I am confident that your university is the ideal place to further my knowledge and gain the experience I need to reach my goals.”

The example shows us how the applicant expresses their individuality and passion for the subject while balancing formal and informal writing.

Common Mistakes: Balancing Formal and Informal Writing in Your Essay

Using slang or colloquial expressions isn’t the best decision. Your essay should remain professional, so avoid phrases like “grinding it out,” “actually,” or “I mean.” Replace them with more neutral language.

Don’t overuse complex words or formal expressions. Trying to sound smarter with rare or complicated words may actually have the opposite effect. Use clear, expressive language that sounds natural instead, ensuring essay tone and style remain authentic.

Counting achievements instead of telling a story is a mistake too. Rather than listing awards and accomplishments, describe how you achieved them, what they mean to you, and what you learned from the experience.

Let Your College Essay Help You Introduce Yourself to the Admissions Committee

Even at the grandest and most formal of gatherings, with heads of state, CEOs and royalty, people still chit-chat, laugh, and try to make each other feel at ease and have a good time. While you don’t need to regale the admissions committee with entertaining stories or jokes, your college essay is your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are as an individual. Writing college essays with personality can introduce you as someone who is well-mannered and socially adept, but also a unique human being who can make their school a more exciting and interesting place to be.

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If you’re unsure, get college essay help. A professional college essay editor can be your guide in navigating your way through this process, helping you strike the right balance between professionalism and personalization. Your editor can show you how to avoid too formal college essay approaches, be less conversational, and where you need to show more insight into your character and skill set. Obtaining college essay help will ensure that your admissions essays are formal enough to not distract the reader while also conveying your sincerity and personality.

Finding a balance between casualty and formality isn’t as difficult as it seems. The more you practice your writing style, the faster you can develop your unique style. And as you remember, admissions officers are looking for individual personalities. Make sure your essay lacks mistakes before submitting it. Our supplemental essay proofreading service can help you edit your paper fast — place an order, and we’ll find the right expert for you.

Robin W. - professional essay editor and proofreader
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Robin Wilson
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