Common English Mistakes in Admission Essays by Korean Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Korean speakers from South Korea when writing a Admission Essay in English.

Mistake Example #1

Confusion with prepositions ('in', 'on', 'at')

I am excited to apply for the program inat your university. I have always been interested oin studying biology, and I believe your institution offers the best opportunities in this field. During my high school years, I participated atin various science competitions, which helped me develop a strong foundation in the subject. I am eager to continue my education at your esteemed university and contribute to the academic community.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some adjusting for proper prepositional phrasing."

I am excited to apply for the program at your university. I have always been interested in studying biology, and I believe your institution offers the best opportunities in this field. During my high school years, I participated in various science competitions, which helped me develop a strong foundation in the subject. I am eager to continue my education at your esteemed university and contribute to the academic community.

I am excited to apply for the program in your university. I have always been interested on studying biology, and I believe your institution offers the best opportunities in this field. During my high school years, I participated at various science competitions, which helped me develop a strong foundation in the subject. I am eager to continue my education at your esteemed university and contribute to the academic community.

Mistake Example #2

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

I am very excited to apply for theposition atthe university. Studying in United States has been adream of mine since I was achild. I believe thatthis opportunity to learn ina diverse environment will help me grow, both academically and personally.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! It was just missing a few articles, so I added them."

I am very excited to apply for the position at the university. Studying in United States has been a dream of mine since I was a child. I believe that this opportunity to learn in a diverse environment will help me grow, both academically and personally.

I am very excited to apply for position at university. Studying in United States has been dream of mine since I was child. I believe that opportunity to learn in diverse environment will help me grow both academically and personally.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

Studying at your university, I believe, will provide me with manyopportunitiesmany to grow academically and personally. Since I was young, I havealwaysI have been fascinated by how technology can solve problems in society. My goal is to contribute to this field, and your program, which is renowned for its innovation, andis where I wish to develop my skills further.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"There are some errors with the word order. For example: "will provide me with opportunities many" should be "will provide me with many opportunities" and "always I have been fascinated" should be "I have always been fascinated"."

Studying at your university, I believe, will provide me with many opportunities to grow academically and personally. Since I was young, I have always been fascinated by how technology can solve problems in society. My goal is to contribute to this field, and your program, which is renowned for its innovation, and is where I wish to develop my skills further.

Studying at your university, I believe, will provide me with opportunities many to grow academically and personally. Since I was young, always I have been fascinated by how technology can solve problems in society. My goal is to contribute to this field, and your program, which is renowned for its innovation, is where I wish to develop my skills further.