Formal vs Informal Names

Mom vs Mother
Grandma vs Grandmother
Dad vs Father
Babysitter vs Caretaker

In which contexts should the formal and informal be used? Currently, I’m going with informal throughout my application (essay, activities, etc.) because that’s how I talk on an everyday basis. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

The purpose of the essay is for the Admissions readers to get to know you as a person, not for them to grade your formal writing style.

I feel like my kids used more formal terms on the activities section, but less formal in the essays.

@GMTplus7

I was also inquiring about the other parts of the application. On the essays, it’d make sense to use whatever you’re comfortable with, but does an 18 year old have to display “professionalism” in the other parts (for example, activities)?

I think the activities section is like a resume. Professionalism is good there if you can pull it off. The essay is more of a conversation, a “get to know the real you” opportunity.