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I am aware of the convention of stating an abbreviation in brackets the first time it is used, e.g. "I did well in the Biology Admissions Test (BAT)".
However, I am having difficulties with when you are already writing inside a bracket, e.g. "(I did well in the Biology Admissions Test (BAT))". I am not sure if using a bracket inside a bracket is correct. Would something like "(I did well in the Biology Admissions Test, or BAT)" be more appropriate?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Depends on your style guide. APA uses brackets:
When the spelled-out version first appears in parentheses, put the abbreviation in brackets after it:
Example: The diagnosis (i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]) was confirmed via behavioral observation.
