<p>Is it too informal?</p>
<p>It depends the context it is used in</p>
<p>I’d say no.</p>
<p>My first instinct is no, but not necessarily because it’s too informal. There are a lot of essays that are conversational and totally awesome. The word “heck” itself just makes me instantly skeptical, because I doubt it can be used in a way that doesn’t sound childish or immature.</p>
<p>Here’s specifically how I’m using it:
I was accustomed to always having guidance, for my parents would do everything I needed. Whether it was dealing with typical teenage issues or cooking a meal, I was always given direction and rarely had to do things on my own. Heck, I couldn’t even tell you how to build a fire if you asked.</p>
<p>Would it be better without ‘‘heck?’’</p>
<p>I don’t like the word “heck” in general because it almost always sounds like a cheesy, self-conscious replacement for “hell.”
It’s not too bad in this context, though.</p>
<p>The context is okay but I don’t like how you are talking too much about your parents.</p>
<p>And “I couldn’t tell you how to build a fire” is sort of a random example. You can be a functional adult without knowing how to build a fire.</p>
<p>@bomerr It’s only the introduction, the rest is about being put into a foster home and learning to do things on my own while taking care of my siblings. That’s the only time I really talk about my parents, should I omit that part though? As for including ‘‘heck’’ is it risky?</p>
<p>@halcyonheather I’m pretty confident most people have a basic idea of how to build a fire, and it’s kind of used as a symbol througout some parts of my essay. The part I’m concerned about is whether or not to include ‘‘heck,’’ thanks for the input though, I appreciate it.</p>
<p>I’d delete that whole intro. I struggle putting in everything I want to put in with only 500 words. IMO you should get straight to the point and start talking about you. build up background information as needed.</p>
<p>I can’t really think of another way to start that will convey how my situation helped me grow. I feel like I should include some ‘‘before’’ information. Your statement, ‘‘I struggle…only 500 words,’’ is definitely accurate(except I believe it’s 650 now). This is more challenging than I thought.</p>
<p>sorry, i was doing uc app before common app. </p>
<p>I’d start the story with something interesting or different. or some kind of hook. Maybe do a flashback later.</p>
<p>Thank you! I’ll try to think of some kind of hook.</p>
<p>I think the example is fine. Usually that word isn’t used much anymore, but it sounded natural to me. And I don’t consider it to informal for an informal essay.</p>
<p>It’s a wasted word, I’d say cut it. (I’m a teacher:))</p>