Common English Mistakes in Transfer Essays by Ukrainian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Confusion with word order ('Always I go to the store' instead of 'I always go to the store')

When I was a child, IalwaysI dreamed of studying abroad to experience different cultures and education systems. Now, as I prepare to transfer to a university in the United States, I am excited to embrace new opportunities and challenges. In my current university, IoftenI participate in student clubs and activities, which have helped me develop leadership skills and a global perspective.

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

"I rearranged the order of some words to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

When I was a child, I always dreamed of studying abroad to experience different cultures and education systems. Now, as I prepare to transfer to a university in the United States, I am excited to embrace new opportunities and challenges. In my current university, I often participate in student clubs and activities, which have helped me develop leadership skills and a global perspective.

When I was a child, always I dreamed of studying abroad to experience different cultures and education systems. Now, as I prepare to transfer to a university in the United States, I am excited to embrace new opportunities and challenges. In my current university, often I participate in student clubs and activities, which have helped me develop leadership skills and a global perspective.

Mistake Example #2

Using 'will' incorrectly in conditionals ('If it will rain, I will stay' instead of 'If it rains, I will stay')

As a student from Ukraine, I am eager to transfer to your university because of its excellent computer science program. If it will bes possible, I will start my studies in thenext semester. Ibelieve that if Iwill have the opportunity to learn from your esteemed faculty, Iit will greatly enhance my skills and future career prospects.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

As a student from Ukraine, I am eager to transfer to your university because of its excellent computer science program. If it is possible, I will start my studies next semester. If I have the opportunity to learn from your esteemed faculty, it will greatly enhance my skills and future career prospects.

As a student from Ukraine, I am eager to transfer to your university because of its excellent computer science program. If it will be possible, I will start my studies in the next semester. I believe that if I will have the opportunity to learn from your esteemed faculty, I will greatly enhance my skills and future career prospects.

Mistake Example #3

Skipping articles ('I bought car' instead of 'I bought a car')

I am writing to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I have always been passionate about studying computer science, and I believe your program offers thebest opportunities for my future. In Ukraine, I studied at auniversity that provideda strong foundation, but I am eager to learn more advanced topics and gain experience in adiverse environment.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is fairly well-written. However, don't forget to use articles in your sentences: for example, "I believe your program offers best opportunities" should be "I believe your program offers the best opportunities" and "I studied at university" should be "I studied at a university"."

I am writing to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I have always been passionate about studying computer science, and I believe your program offers the best opportunities for my future. In Ukraine, I studied at a university that provided a strong foundation, but I am eager to learn more advanced topics and gain experience in a diverse environment.

I am writing to explain why I want to transfer to your university. I have always been passionate about studying computer science, and I believe your program offers best opportunities for my future. In Ukraine, I studied at university that provided strong foundation, but I am eager to learn more advanced topics and gain experience in diverse environment.