Common English Mistakes in Personal Statements by Italian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Italian speakers from Italy when writing a Personal Statement in English.

Mistake Example #1

Using direct translations from Italian (e.g., 'We see us tomorrow' instead of 'See you tomorrow')

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. I have always had a passion for nature, and I believe that studying with you will allow me to deepen my knowledge and make a difference. WeI can see ustogether in the future, workingtogether to create a more sustainable world.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just needed to make a few changes to the last sentence. Great job overall!"

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. I have always had a passion for nature, and I believe that studying with you will allow me to deepen my knowledge and make a difference. I can see us together in the future, working to create a more sustainable world.

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. I have always had a passion for nature, and I believe that studying with you will allow me to deepen my knowledge and make a difference. We see us in the future working together to create a more sustainable world.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

SEver since I was a child, I’ve hada passion for artwas developed in me, and it whas always beenencouraged and nurtured by my family. MI’ve honed my skills in painting and drawing were improvedthrough years of practice, andparticipated in many competitionswere participated in by me. Iti’s my dream to study at your university, where a strong program inhe fine arts programis stroffered,ng andprovides many opportunities for growthare provided.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a passion for art, and it has always been encouraged and nurtured by my family. I’ve honed my skills in painting and drawing through years of practice and participated in many competitions. It’s my dream to study at your university, where the fine arts program is strong and provides many opportunities for growth.

Since I was a child, a passion for art was developed in me, and it was always encouraged by my family. My skills in painting and drawing were improved through years of practice, and many competitions were participated in by me. It is my dream to study at your university, where a strong program in fine arts is offered, and many opportunities for growth are provided.

Mistake Example #3

Confusing singular and plural nouns

I am very excited to apply ftor the Mmaster's program in Eenvironmental Sscience at your university. My passion for nature and desire to protect theenvironment have always been strong motivators for my studies. During my undergraduate years, I conducted research onthe impact of pollution on local ecosystems, which gave me valuable insights into challenges we face today.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to address writing concerns :) Well done! "

I am very excited to apply to the master's program in environmental science at your university. My passion for nature and desire to protect the environment have always been strong motivators for my studies. During my undergraduate years, I conducted research on the impact of pollution on local ecosystems, which gave me valuable insights into challenges we face today.

I am very excited to apply for the Master program in Environmental Science at your university. My passion for nature and desire to protect environment have always been strong motivator for my studies. During my undergraduate year, I conducted research on impact of pollution on local ecosystem, which gave me valuable insight into challenges we face today.