formality - When is first person okay in formal writing?


I read that in college applications some questions are fine to use first person. An example of a prompt that would use first person is here: to prevent dead links it follows this question. I have been told several times to never use first person in formal writing. Is it fine to use first person on formal essays where the prompt is about you?



Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?





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