Common English Mistakes in Admission Essays by German Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native German speakers from Germany when writing a Admission Essay in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

AI have dreamed of applying to your esteemed university has been a dream of minefor many years. TI see the opportunity to study inat such a prestigious institution is seen as a significant step in my academic journey. MThe innovative projects developed in your labs sparked my passion for engineeringwas inspired by the innovative projects that are developed in your labs, and I am eager to contribute to thisat environment.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

I have dreamed of applying to your esteemed university for many years. I see the opportunity to study at such a prestigious institution as a significant step in my academic journey. The innovative projects developed in your labs sparked my passion for engineering, and I am eager to contribute to that environment.

Applying to your esteemed university has been a dream of mine for many years. The opportunity to study in such a prestigious institution is seen as a significant step in my academic journey. My passion for engineering was inspired by the innovative projects that are developed in your labs, and I am eager to contribute to this environment.

Mistake Example #2

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

I am writing this Aadmission Eessay to express my Interest in studying at your esteemed Uuniversity. My Ppassion for Ccomputer Sscience began during my Time at Hhigh Sschool, where I developed a strong Aaffinity for Pprogramming and Ssoftware Ddevelopment. I believe that the Eeducation and Oopportunities provided byyour Iinstitutionprovides will greatly enhance my Sskills and prepare me for a successful Ccareer in the Ttechnology Iindustry.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I make changes to some of the capitalized nouns and polished up the text so it reads more smoothly."

I am writing this admission essay to express my Interest in studying at your esteemed university. My passion for computer science began in high school, where I developed a strong affinity for programming and software development. I believe that the education and opportunities your institution provides will greatly enhance my skills and prepare me for a successful career in the technology industry.

I am writing this Admission Essay to express my Interest in studying at your esteemed University. My Passion for Computer Science began during my Time at High School, where I developed a strong Affinity for Programming and Software Development. I believe that the Education and Opportunities provided by your Institution will greatly enhance my Skills and prepare me for a successful Career in the Technology Industry.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

AI am excited to applying to your esteemed university, I am excitendto share my passion for computer science, which I have developed since I achildwashood. The opportunity to study at your institution, where cutting-edge research is conducted, would allow me to further my skills and contribute to the field, to whatich I am deeply committedto.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some fixing to correct word order problems, and other tweaks."

I am excited to apply to your esteemed university and share my passion for computer science, which I have developed since childhood. The opportunity to study at your institution, where cutting-edge research is conducted, would allow me to further my skills and contribute to the field to which I am deeply committed.

Applying to your esteemed university, I am excited to share my passion for computer science, which I have developed since I a child was. The opportunity to study at your institution, where cutting-edge research is conducted, would allow me to further my skills and contribute to the field, that I am deeply committed to.