Spanish · C1 · Family moment
Rumours about university admissions in Spanish
Navigating the complex world of university admissions requires distinguishing between official policy and hearsay. In Spanish, we use impersonal constructions and specific adverbs to convey that information is externally sourced or unverified without necessarily dismissing it as false.
What you'll learn
- Express hearsay using the impersonal 'se'
- Use adverbs and phrases like 'supuestamente' or 'según dicen' for unverified claims
- Distinguish between reported facts and confirmed updates in academic contexts
- Structure reported past events using the perfect indicative or infinitive equivalents
Spanish phrases for rumours about university admissions
Se dice que ese curso prioriza la experiencia relevante sobre las notas.
That course is said to prioritise relevant experience over grades.
Using 'Se dice que' is the most direct way to translate 'is said to' for general rumors.
Se comenta que el departamento va a introducir una prueba de admisión adicional.
The department is reportedly introducing an additional admissions test.
'Se comenta que' suggests a rumor circulating within a specific group or community.
Supuestamente, la entrevista es menos formal de lo que los solicitantes esperan.
The interview is supposedly less formal than applicants expect.
'Supuestamente' functions exactly like 'supposedly' to distance the speaker from the claim.
Se dice que la universidad ha cambiado sus criterios de selección.
The university is said to have changed its selection criteria.
Note the use of the perfect tense ('ha cambiado') to report a completed action that is being talked about now.
Según se informa, varios solicitantes recibieron consejos contradictorios sobre sus portafolios.
Several applicants reportedly received conflicting advice about their portfolios.
'Según se informa' is a slightly more formal way to introduce reported information, common in news or academic gossip.
Se comenta que el plazo de la beca se ha adelantado.
The scholarship deadline is said to have been brought forward.
'Adelantar' is the specific verb used for moving a deadline to an earlier date.
Supuestamente aceptan esa titulación, pero yo lo consultaría directamente.
That qualification is supposedly accepted, but I'd check directly.
Using the conditional 'consultaría' softens the advice while addressing the uncertainty of the rumor.
Según dicen, las plazas son limitadas; eso no hace que solicitar sea inútil.
The places are reportedly limited; that doesn't make applying pointless.
'Según dicen' (According to what they say) is a common colloquial way to introduce hearsay.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Solicitante
Applicant
Used for people applying for universities, jobs, or visas.
Plazo
Deadline / Period
Refers specifically to the time frame or the final date allowed for an action.
Criterios de selección
Selection criteria
A standard academic term for the requirements used to evaluate candidates.
Titulación
Qualification / Degree
Refers to the official certificate or degree earned through study.
Reporting Hearsay with Impersonal 'Se'
To translate the reportative 'sollen' or the English 'is said to', Spanish uses the impersonal 'se' with verbs of communication (decir, comentar, informar). This attributes the information to an unspecified third party.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| General Hearsay | Se dice que... | Se dice que el examen es difícil. |
| Specific Gossip | Se comenta que... | Se comenta que van a cerrar esa facultad. |
| Reported Source | Según se informa... | Según se informa, ya no quedan vacantes. |
Handling the 'Reported Past'
When a rumor concerns something that has already happened, Spanish typically follows the impersonal construction with a past tense (Pretérito Perfecto or Indefinido).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Rumor | Se dice que + Pretérito Perfecto | Se dice que han bajado los requisitos. |
| Historical Rumor | Se dice que + Pretérito Indefinido | Se dice que la universidad cambió su política el año pasado. |
More examples
Hay muchos rumores, pero se dice que el proceso es justo.
There are many rumours, but it is said that the process is fair.
Uses 'se dice que' to contrast rumors with a specific claim.
Supuestamente el decano va a hablar mañana.
Supposedly the dean is going to speak tomorrow.
Shows the use of 'supuestamente' at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
Según dicen, no hace falta tener un diez para entrar.
According to what they say, you don't need a perfect grade to get in.
A natural way to reassure a student about grade requirements.