Common English Mistakes in Personal Statements by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was young, Ihave always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I believe this program will help me do it. During my undergraduate studies, I mhakve done many projects related to sustainability, whichhave inspired me to pursue further education in this field.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"This looks very good. I have corrected a few small things "

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was young, I have always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I believe this program will help me do it. During my undergraduate studies, I have done many projects related to sustainability, which have inspired me to pursue further education in this field.

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was young, I always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I believe this program will help me do it. During my undergraduate studies, I make many projects related to sustainability, which inspired me to pursue further education in this field.

Mistake Example #2

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

I am writing mythis personal statement to express why I amwanting to study at your university. I hamve havingd a strong passion for computer science since I wams a child, and I ambelievinge that your program will help me achieve my career goals. I amhopinge to contribute to the university community with my unique perspective and experiences.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with -ing verbs and made a few additional changes. Nice job!"

I am writing this personal statement to express why I want to study at your university. I have had a strong passion for computer science since I was a child, and I believe that your program will help me achieve my career goals. I hope to contribute to the university community with my unique perspective and experiences.

I am writing my personal statement to express why I am wanting to study at your university. I am having a strong passion for computer science since I am a child, and I am believing that your program will help me achieve my career goals. I am hoping to contribute to the university community with my unique perspective and experiences.

Mistake Example #3

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

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by the world of science. It hmakes sense to me to pursue a career in biology because I want to understand how life works at a fundamental level. Studying at your university will allow me to achieve my dreams and contribute to the scientific community.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just changed "has sense" to "makes sense". Otherwise, everything looks good!"

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by the world of science. It makes sense to me to pursue a career in biology because I want to understand how life works at a fundamental level. Studying at your university will allow me to achieve my dreams and contribute to the scientific community.

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by the world of science. It has sense to me to pursue a career in biology because I want to understand how life works at a fundamental level. Studying at your university will allow me to achieve my dreams and contribute to the scientific community.