Admissions committees actually do read personal statements. They are a really important aspect of an application. Quoting a profanity in a pertinent personal story can be risky. What seems to you to be a vivid re-creation could actually offend some members of the admissions committee. Why take that chance?
You know the words to avoid, but do not forget the more common slang words that do not sound very professional: “sucks,” “bastard,” “dude,” “awesome,” and so on.
This post is excerpted from 101 Tips on Getting Into Medical School by Jennifer C. Welch, who has served as the Director of Admissions at SUNY Upstate Medical School since 2001.
