Learn English – When is first person okay in formal writing

formality

I read that in college applications some questions are fine to use first person. An example of a prompt that would use first person is here: to prevent dead links it follows this question. I have been told several times to never use first person in formal writing. Is it fine to use first person on formal essays where the prompt is about you?

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Best Answer

Yes, do use the first person when answering college application essays which are specifically about you, because the admission board specifically wants to know about you, and you are the main topic of the essay.

Some other sources that agree:

Huffington Post's "6 Terrific Pieces of Advice for Writing College Application Essays":

Because college admissions people want to hear about you, you need to write in your own, unique voice. And that means saying such things as, “I have loved numbers ever since I was a little kid. My mother tells me that at the grocery store, I would sit in the cart and add up the item prices she placed next to me to see if I could come up with the same amount as the cash register.” This is a lot more personal and interesting than saying, “Some students have known that they were good with numbers since they were little kids.”

kibin.com's "When to Use First-Person Writing in Your Essays"

Here are some examples of types of essays that, by their nature, require first-person writing:

  • Personal narrative essays

  • Memoir/reflective essays

  • Personal statements (e.g., college application essays)

Kaplan's "College Admissions: The Essay":

DO use the first person. Avoid generic third person pronouns like “one” or “students.” This essay is about you!

Related Topic