Common English Mistakes in Admission Essays by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from Saudi Arabia when writing a Admission Essay in English.

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of verb tense (e.g., 'He go to school' instead of 'He goes to school')

As a young student from Saudi Arabia, I havealways dreamed tof studying at your prestigious university. Since I wams a child, I havehad a strong passion for engineering and technology. I believe that studying inat your institution will help me achieve my goals and contribute to the development of my country.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. Nicely done :)"

As a young student from Saudi Arabia, I have always dreamed of studying at your prestigious university. Since I was a child, I have had a strong passion for engineering and technology. I believe that studying at your institution will help me achieve my goals and contribute to the development of my country.

As a young student from Saudi Arabia, I always dream to study at your prestigious university. Since I am a child, I have a strong passion for engineering and technology. I believe that studying in your institution will help me achieve my goals and contribute to the development of my country.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Computer Science at your esteemed university. My brother, who is a software engineer, has always inspired me with heris dedication and achievements in the field. I believe that following in heris footsteps will allow me to contribute positively to the technology sector in Saudi Arabia.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Almost perfect :)"

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Computer Science at your esteemed university. My brother, who is a software engineer, has always inspired me with his dedication and achievements in the field. I believe that following in his footsteps will allow me to contribute positively to the technology sector in Saudi Arabia.

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Computer Science at your esteemed university. My brother, who is a software engineer, has always inspired me with her dedication and achievements in the field. I believe that following in her footsteps will allow me to contribute positively to the technology sector in Saudi Arabia.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of formal expressions ('I am honored to inform you...')

I am honored to inform you thatI am writing this admission essay to express my deep admiration for your esteemed university. It is withgreat privilege that I convey my sincere desire to join yourprestigious institution, as I am highly impressed by the distinguished faculty and the exceptional academic programs offered. I am trulygrateful for the opportunity to present myhumble application and I am hopeful that I will be granted the honor of contributing to your respectedacademic community.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I took out some of the overly formal expressions to give it a more natural (but still professional) tone."

I am writing this admission essay to express my deep admiration for your esteemed university. I have a sincere desire to join your institution, as I am highly impressed by the distinguished faculty and the exceptional academic programs offered. I am grateful for the opportunity to present my application and I am hopeful that I will be granted the honor of contributing to your academic community.

I am honored to inform you that I am writing this admission essay to express my deep admiration for your esteemed university. It is with great privilege that I convey my sincere desire to join your prestigious institution, as I am highly impressed by the distinguished faculty and the exceptional academic programs offered. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to present my humble application and I am hopeful that I will be granted the honor of contributing to your respected academic community.