Here's a breakdown:
Generally, avoid contractions in formal academic writing. This includes essays for school, college applications, and professional papers. The reason is that contractions are considered informal and casual language, which might not be appropriate for a serious, scholarly tone.
However, there are exceptions:
* Informal essays: If you're writing a personal essay or a creative piece, contractions might be acceptable. This is especially true if you're trying to achieve a conversational or informal tone.
* Style guides: Some style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, allow contractions in certain cases. Always check the specific guide for your assignment.
Here are some tips:
* Be consistent: If you decide to use contractions, use them consistently throughout your essay.
* Use them sparingly: Even in informal writing, avoid overusing contractions.
* Consider your audience: Think about the tone you want to convey and the level of formality expected by your readers.
In doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid contractions in academic essays.