I was taught “when in doubt, leave it out.”

Anonymous wrote:Both of my kids (college age) use the Oxford comma.

Same. Our family are staunch Oxford comma stans. It's was a core part of our parenting!

Let the author of the essay decide this.

When applying to Oxford, yes. Otherwise, it doesn't matter.

Both of my kids (college age) use the Oxford comma.

Anonymous wrote:Should the essays have an Oxford comma or not?
Thoughts? I personally think it looks like an adult edited the essay, so no, but looks like others may disagree?

"The Oxford comma is a special kind of comma that comes before the last item in a list, before the word “and” or “or.” Using the Oxford comma is a stylistic choice, but you have to make a decision and stick with it for your whole essay."
https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/grammar-mistakes-that-could-kill-your-college-essay/

It does not matter. My undergrad still teaches and prefers the comma; other institutions do not. Both are acceptable; do not overthink this

Would never occur to me to think Oxford/serial comma = parent edited it; in fact, if anything I think the Oxford comma is coming back into fashion and that people our age use it less.

Count me as another editor who is pro-serial comma. It never hurts to use it and sometimes is important for clarity. Why bother to determine case by case when you could just use it all the time and not worry?

But I also agree that it doesn’t matter at all in terms of admissions. Pick an approach and go with it. The most important thing is clarity and consistency.

Chances are the AO reading the essay won’t even notice or care. Most of them are young recent grads themselves and this is just a first job out of college. Or, they are attending said university for free as a grad student and this is their grad job. Just pick one method and be consistent.

Anonymous wrote:Either way it's fine.

But do NOT put two spaces after a period. This is a clear indication that a parent wrote the essay.

This is accurate.

Anonymous wrote:Oxford commas clarify meaning.


I would like to thank my parents, God, and Principal Smith

vs.

I would like to thank my parents, God and Principal Smith.

+1. I agree the most important thing is to be consistent but why you would choose the option that can be less clear is beyond me. It’s just one additional comma.

Anonymous wrote:Good lord. Find a hobby.

For grammar geeks, this IS our hobby.

I swear nobody is scrutinizing the essays enough for something so trivial to make a single bit of difference.

Either way it's fine.

But do NOT put two spaces after a period. This is a clear indication that a parent wrote the essay.

Caring about the Oxford Comma is cringe.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oxford commas clarify meaning.


I would like to thank my parents, God, and Principal Smith

vs.

I would like to thank my parents, God and Principal Smith.

Yes, use it in those rare cases, but 99% of the time it makes no difference to the meaning of a sentence.

Using an Oxford comma when it isn't necessary is dumb, stupid, and nerdy.

Using an Oxford comma when it isn't necessary is dumb, stupid and nerdy.

I see what you did there.