Common English Mistakes in Admission Essays by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of prepositions ('Married with' instead of 'Married to')

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. SEver since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the natural world and how we can protect it. I am married with mypassionate faborut sustainability and believe thatyour program will provide me withthe knowledge and skillsI need to make a significant impact in this field.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for improper prepositional phrasing."

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the natural world and how we can protect it. I am passionate about sustainability and believe your program will provide the knowledge and skills I need to make a significant impact in this field.

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the natural world and how we can protect it. I am married with my passion for sustainability and believe that your program will provide me with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in this field.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of present continuous ('I am going to the school every day' instead of 'I go to school every day')

I am applying to your university because I amwanting to study engineering. I ambelievinge that your program isofferings the best opportunities for my future. I amhopinge to contribute to the campus community by participating in various activities and clubs.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to correct verb tense issues. "

I am applying to your university because I want to study engineering. I believe that your program offers the best opportunities for my future. I hope to contribute to the campus community by participating in various activities and clubs.

I am applying to your university because I am wanting to study engineering. I am believing that your program is offering the best opportunities for my future. I am hoping to contribute to the campus community by participating in various activities and clubs.

Mistake Example #3

Direct translation of Spanish expressions ('I have 25 years' instead of 'I am 25 years old')

I am very excited to apply ftor the program because I have 25 yearsof life experience and a strong passion for engineering. Since I was a child, I havealwayshave had a great interest in how things work, and I want to study inat your university to learn more and achieve my dreams.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to improve the flow and polish things up."

I am very excited to apply to the program because I have 25 years of life experience and a strong passion for engineering. Since I was a child, I have always had a great interest in how things work, and I want to study at your university to learn more and achieve my dreams.

I am very excited to apply for the program because I have 25 years and a strong passion for engineering. Since I was a child, I always have had a great interest in how things work, and I want to study in your university to learn more and achieve my dreams.