Common English Mistakes in Transfer Essays by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

I am writing this transfer essay because I amwanting to join your university. I am studying engineering at my current school, and I amhopinge to continue my studies with you. I ambelievinge that your program isofferings the best opportunities for my future career.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues."

I am writing this transfer essay because I want to join your university. I am studying engineering at my current school, and I hope to continue my studies with you. I believe that your program offers the best opportunities for my future career.

I am writing this transfer essay because I am wanting to join your university. I am studying engineering at my current school, and I am hoping to continue my studies with you. I am believing that your program is offering the best opportunities for my future career.

Mistake Example #2

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

I am writing this essay to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I am very interested withn the programs you offer, especially in the field of engineering. My cousin is studying there and he is very happy with the education he isreceivesing. I believe that being part of your institution will help me achieve my academic goals and I am excited wiabouth the possibility of joining your community.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I just changed a couple of the prepositions."

I am writing this essay to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I am very interested in the programs you offer, especially in the field of engineering. My cousin is studying there and he is very happy with the education he is receiving. I believe that being part of your institution will help me achieve my academic goals and I am excited about the possibility of joining your community.

I am writing this essay to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I am very interested with the programs you offer, especially in the field of engineering. My cousin is studying there and he is very happy with the education he receives. I believe that being part of your institution will help me achieve my academic goals and I am excited with the possibility of joining your community.

Mistake Example #3

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

I am writing this essay to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I havem 20 years oldandI am studying engineering in Mexico, but I feel that your program will give me more opportunities. I hope to improve my skills and make new friends that help me togrow as a person.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

I am writing this essay to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I am 20 years old and studying engineering in Mexico, but I feel that your program will give me more opportunities. I hope to improve my skills and make new friends that help me grow as a person.

I am writing this essay to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I have 20 years and I am studying engineering in Mexico, but I feel that your program will give me more opportunities. I hope to improve my skills and make new friends that help me to grow as a person.