Are contractions acceptable?

[ReywaL2011]

For instance, can I say, "I'm rather than I am?  Or, There're  instead of there are, etc., etc.?

[lawstudent2011]

What are you in an english as a second language class?

Yeah, dude contractions are fine. Once you let LSR you will learn that not only that, but you can start a sentence with And/But.

Give it a few years and "legal writing" will be in pure urbonics. 

[BikePilot]

You shouldn't use contractions.  You should actually start sentences with And/But despite what the above poster might have learned in elementary school.  Justice Roberts does it all the time and done properly it can be quite useful.

[writetrack]

Formal and polished English should comprise the content of your personal statement.  Therefore, contractions are not acceptable, and furthermore, evidence a lack of professionalism.  There are exceptions: for instance, if you are using a quote.  However, veer far from using contractions.

Please contact me directly at info@writetrackadmissions.com, if you have any further questions about the personal statement, or the admissions process at large. 

[Burhop]

The personal statement is not meant to be a formal piece of writing - it's meant to shed light on your character. Avoiding contractions could affect the tone of your essay in an adverse way, depending on the topic at hand. If it is a light, or friendly topic, contraction use is perfectly okay. The goal is not to sound too serious. Don't use contractions in your resume/CV, however - Dani