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In creative writing or personal memoir, I often use contractions to enhance tone, flow, etc.

In academic writing, I always write them out, as I was taught as an English major (i.e. do not instead of "don't").

In a PS: Stick to academic writing standards, re: Contractions? It's messing with my flow a little.

do not

I would advise against using contractions in a PS.

No contractions in formal writing is a rule learned in high school that is later meant to be broken. I read books and articles by respected professionals all the time who write in the first person, start sentences with and/but, etc. That said, when I wrote my PS, I chickened out and did not use any contractions. Probably not as big a deal as most think though.

I used them. It's a personal statement so I think it should reflect your voice. If it fits, use them. Although the PS is supposed to show off your writing skills, not all "good" writing is academic writing. I think it just depends on what you are writing. I used contractions and question marks in my PS. I have a feeling my personal statement was different from the personal statements posted on the PS Thread. (Although, I must admit I haven't read through all 20-something pages of that thread.)

No. Just no.

The people who are saying that some people might find them acceptable are right, but you also run the risk of getting a reader who will view it as an error.

only use contractions if you accompany each with a footnote that lists both words.

I would not, but if you do be consistent. I have also heard not to be artsy in your PS unless you are a shue in.

is this a robert frost, road less traveled moment?

Janus wrote:It's a personal statement so I think it should reflect your voice. If it fits, use them.

TITCR. So many writing "rules" kids learn are fake or out-of-date, passed along by teachers who don't know better. You should be anxious about contractions only if you lack confidence in your writing ability. Craft your PS for a well educated reader, not a poorly educated one.

I used contractions - they fit much better with the flow of my PS. I was very happy with my cycle and I don't think using contractions hurt me in any way.

Any school that would bust your balls for using contractions is a school you'd probably hate going to anyway.

Jesus christ, of all the things to knock people for... how arbitrary.