Common English Mistakes in Admission Essays by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of present continuous ('I am having 30 years of experience' instead of 'I have 30 years of experience')

I am applying to your esteemed university because I amwantingsh to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. I ambelievinge that your program isofferings the best opportunities for research and development in this field. I am beingvery passionate about sustainability and I amhopinge tomake a positive contribute piositivelyn to your academic community.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I adjusted the verb tenses and changed a word or two to make the English sound more natural."

I am applying to your esteemed university because I wish to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. I believe that your program offers the best opportunities for research and development in this field. I am very passionate about sustainability and I hope to make a positive contribution to your academic community.

I am applying to your esteemed university because I am wanting to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. I am believing that your program is offering the best opportunities for research and development in this field. I am being very passionate about sustainability and I am hoping to contribute positively to your academic community.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between 'do' and 'make' ('I make a mistake' instead of 'I made a mistake')

Applying to your esteemed university is a dream I have hadsince I was a child. I am eager to makedo my best to contribute to the academic community and domake new friends from different cultures. Studying at your institution will allow me to make a difference in my future career and domake a positive impact in the world.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is a good write-up overall. However, be mindful of certain errors such as "I am eager to make my best" which should be "I am eager to do my best", and "do new friends" which should be "make new friends"."

Applying to your esteemed university is a dream I have had since I was a child. I am eager to do my best to contribute to the academic community and make new friends from different cultures. Studying at your institution will allow me to make a difference in my future career and make a positive impact in the world.

Applying to your esteemed university is a dream I have since I was a child. I am eager to make my best to contribute to the academic community and do new friends from different cultures. Studying at your institution will allow me to make a difference in my future career and do a positive impact in the world.

Mistake Example #3

Direct translations from Spanish ('It makes sense' vs. 'It has sense')

AppIt has alwayis beengmy dream toattend youresteemed universityis a dream that has sense for me because it offers the perfect environment tfogrow academically and personallygrowth. I have always been passionate about engineering, and your program has an excellent reputation inthat makres it veryattractive. Studying inat such a phighlyrestigiousarded institution wiould enablallowe me to develop the necessaryskills that have impfortance in my future career.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

It has always been my dream to attend your university because it offers the perfect environment for academic and personal growth. I have always been passionate about engineering, and your program has an excellent reputation in that area. Studying at such a highly regarded institution would enable me to develop the necessary skills for my future career.

Applying to your esteemed university is a dream that has sense for me because it offers the perfect environment to grow academically and personally. I have always been passionate about engineering, and your program has a reputation that makes it very attractive. Studying in such a prestigious institution will allow me to develop skills that have importance in my future career.