economics personal statements cambridge

Top Tips for a Cambridge Economics Personal Statement

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Cambridge Economics Personal Statement – Top 10 Tips: Dos and Don’ts

The Cambridge Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application. It presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You would be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are. It also provides a platform to bounce off questions during your interview. 

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Economics Personal Statement Cambridge tips. This includes dos and don’ts– for your Cambridge Economics Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

General Advice for Cambridge Personal Statement

The economics course at Cambridge is a comprehensive course that covers all types of economics: core, pure, and applied. Furthermore, the course at Cambridge is also engineered in a manner that allows students to use techniques and schools of thought from other related fields This includes sociology, statistics, mathematics, politics, and history.

Hence, your Cambridge personal statement should clearly demonstrate that you understand that the course is not only theoretical but also includes a significant portion of mathematical reasoning and knowledge. Furthermore, when planning out your Economics personal statement Cambridge admissions tutors will be looking for you to research Cambridge’s achievements in economics and include it in your writing to illustrate your interest in economics. 

Additionally, when you are crafting your Economics personal statement, you would most likely also be applying to four other university courses. This may result in your statement being vaguer. The University of Cambridge is aware of such and will require you to fill out an ‘Online Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)’. This is shortly after submitting the UCAS application. So make sure you’ve created another condensed version of your Economics personal statement that you can directly submit to Cambridge.

Top 5 Tips for your Cambridge Economics Personal Statement

1. demonstrate that you are well-read in economics ..

Cambridge does not presume prior knowledge of Economics (after all, you are going to Cambridge to study it!). However, being familiar with Economics terminology as well as its basic principles would give you an edge over other applicants. Furthermore, being well-read in the field also signals to the examiner that you are interested and passionate about the subject. You would take the initiative and seek out knowledge on your own if you are truly passionate about the subject! If you don’t know where to start, you can access Cambridge’s recommended preparatory reading list on their website, or through this link here: Prelim Reading . Furthermore, remember that you are not restricted to books! This could also be in the form of news articles – The Economist, The Guardian, The New Yorker, Vox, The New York Times, etc. are all great places to start. You can also read magazine columns. Or it could even be in other forms of medium such as podcasts, documentaries (available on accessible platforms such as Netflix!), or even Youtube videos. Watching an economics documentary instead of your usual prime-time TV show would be a great way to incorporate learning into your everyday lifestyle.

2. Demonstrating that you are proficient or interested in Mathematics .

Although it is not immediately obvious for an Economics course, the Economics course at Cambridge assumes and requires students to be proficient in Mathematics. Fret not, they only require you to have fully mastered your course syllabus and material at the A-level Mathematics level before commencing your studies. However, showing that you are proficient and interested in Mathematics would help you both in your application and if you end up pursuing the course as there are definitely mathematics components in the course. For example, if you take further mathematics, you would benefit from knowledge in Further Pure Mathematics as well as Statistics. Participating in mathematics competitions or having done work in statistics would be useful in your application as well as course.

3. Focusing your application on your interest in Economics .

Remember that in your Economics personal statement Cambridge admissions tutors are looking out for students who are interested and are a good fit for the course. Hence, it is always important to remember that in your personal statement Cambridge Economics should feature highly! Elaborate on your interest in Economics! You can do so by answering the following trigger questions: Why are you interested in Economics? Are there specific aspects of the course that interests you and why? Do you have any personal qualities or traits that would make you a good Economics student? Focusing your body paragraphs on certain aspects of Economics that interest you and why, or qualities that make you a good Economics student could be used as an overall structure when crafting your Economics Cambridge personal statement. Referencing relevant experiences and reflecting on them would also be useful when writing your personal statement.

4. Having a good structure for your Cambridge personal statement .

Using a good structure when writing your Economics Cambridge personal statement would be good to not only enhance readability but also allow you to not miss out on or forget certain points when crafting your personal statement. You can have a look at a Cambridge economics personal statement examples. But remember when looking at economics personal statement examples Cambridge admissions tutors are adept at spotting plagiarism so looking at it to gain an understanding of structure rather than content is a good option.

A good structure could look something like this: Introduction– A short 3-4 lines briefly mentioning the main reasons why you are interested in Economics, or how you started becoming interested in the course. Next, your body paragraphs can focus on traits that you have that would make you a good economics student, or specific details or aspects of the course that interests you. Each point could be one body paragraph, and you can support and elaborate on each point with examples (such as competitions that you have participated in, books surrounding those concepts that you have read, societies that you have been a part of, etc.) You can then conclude by summarising the important points you want your Cambridge admissions tutor to remember and take away.

5. Giving yourself sufficient time to write your Cambridge Economics personal statement .

It might seem impossible to start crafting your Economics Cambridge personal statement, especially when you are staring at a blank word document and you have no idea where to start. If you are experiencing writer’s block, you can start by listing down all your achievements and experiences. You can then list down details or aspects of the course (you can easily research this!) that interests you, as well as a separate list of qualities that an economics student should have. You can then match your experiences to any points from the two lists, and use each match as a backbone when fleshing out your body paragraphs!

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Economics Personal Statement

1. having a poor or incorrect understanding of the course.

Many students who apply for a course at university have a misguided or misinformed idea of the course that they would be studying. This is because their impression of the course is from hearsay or what they see in films, or they assume that it would be the same as the subject they studied in high school. For example, especially for economics, students would not expect the amount of mathematics or statistics that are part of the course.

Having a good understanding of what you are in for can also benefit you when writing your personal statement. For example, you can explain how parts of your interest or personality align well with specific or general aspects of the course. This signals to the Oxford admissions tutor that you understand what you are applying for and that you are interested and are a good fit for it.

2. Making your Economics personal statement an economics essay instead of elaborating on your interest or story

Although it is helpful to mention economic theories in your personal statement when you are trying to explain your motivation to study economics, or when elaborating on the books that you have read, ensure that you do not turn your whole Economics personal statement into an economics essay. Keep in mind that what the Cambridge admission tutors are looking out for when they are reading your personal statement is to understand why you want to study economics, and what makes you the perfect fit for the course. Even if you found a really difficult or obscure economics theory, talking at breadth about it rather than focusing on your story would put you at a disadvantage– these tutors would be experts in their field, and if they wanted to learn more about a particular theory, they would pick up a textbook instead of your Economics personal statement!

3. Using too much jargon or using vocabulary that you are not familiar with

You might think that using unconventional vocabulary or fancy terminology would make you sound or appear intelligent. However, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terms, this would actually work against you instead of helping your application. This is because your personal statement could end up sounding unnatural, wordy, and hard to read. Think about it this way– explaining a difficult concept in simple words is more impressive than using a difficult word incorrectly! Furthermore, Cambridge admissions tutors would be reading hundreds of Economics personal statements a day– If your Cambridge personal statement is full of jargon and tough words, it would be difficult for them to understand what you are trying to convey to them. You would not way your ideas to be lost in translation, so make sure you communicate in a simple and effective manner! Always value clarity over vocabulary.

4. Not reflecting on any experience that you mentioned in your Cambridge Economics personal statement

Your experience is only as valuable as what you have taken away or learnt from it. Especially when you are mentioning experiences that are not directly related to that of Economics, you should always mention how it is relevant to your application to Economics– whether it be your interest in it or certain personal qualities that you have. If you want to mention a particular experience that you have, however, you are unable to link it to Economics, you can think about how it has led you to develop certain transferable skills. For example, if you have done a lot of community service or volunteered at a charity, you can talk about how this has led you to be interested in learning more about Economics policies or theories that could help with inequality or poverty.

5. Only give yourself enough time to write a singular Cambridge Economics personal statement

Never expect to only write one Cambridge personal statement, and that being the final draft that you would be submitting. Your first personal statement that you craft would not be your best one, and you should always give yourself enough time to constantly improve and write multiple drafts to further improve it. After writing a draft that you are proud of, it would also be good for you to leave it aside and not think about it. After a week, you can return to it with a fresh mind, and you would be able to note out errors or aspects of it that you would like to further refine. You can also let seniors, friends, or your school’s career guidance counsellor proofread your Economics personal statement for them to give a more objective view and perspective on your personal statement. Their feedback could be immensely helpful, as sometimes we might not be the most objective person when telling our own stories. However, do remember to not share your Economics personal statement with anyone, as this could lead to unnecessary plagiarism problems!

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Sample Economics Personal Statement (admitted to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in economics. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top economics school PS should look like.

You might also be interested in reading this Statement of Purpose in Economics  that got admitted to Harvard, Yale and Princeton.

Sample Personal Statement Economics

“Flick…chuggachuggachuggaa…puttt-putttt-puutttttt…rizzzz…”

The sounds coming from near the doorway may have startled an outsider but were barely noticed by the people lounging on charpoys and mooras (wicker stools). With the atmosphere abuzz with their chatter, the sputtering sound of the diesel generator lent more time to catch up as the bulbs lit up and fans whirred on throughout the haveli (palace) on an otherwise hot evening. But on days when it refused to crackle, my grandmother would enkindle gas lanterns filling the veranda with hissing sounds and soothing moonlight rays.

I still cherish these memories from my childhood trips to XYZ, my native village, some 450kms from the closest city. At the time, the short sojourns from Kuwait felt rather adventurous. However, the perspective turned wrong when I permanently moved to XYZ. Due to unannounced electricity breakdowns, we would find ourselves groping in the dark to the closest candle stand while sweating in the scorching summer.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, the occasional power breakdowns segued into a full-blown crisis of the decade. Over the next seven years, we witnessed unprecedented power outages averaging 15-18 hours daily. People weren’t just lamenting the loss of mental peace; they were mourning the monetary losses worth billions of rupees translating into 1.5% of GDP.

Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself in a position to alleviate the situation. As Deputy Administrative Head of the Government’s Economic Affairs division, I administer a departmental budget worth $500 million. I am currently undertaking solarization projects. A recent shift towards renewables has occurred after public unrest during the early decade led to hasty investments in thermal-based power plants. Unfortunately, seven years later, we are still reeling from the aftermath of a bitter public backlash as we have the lowest regional electricity consumption per capita.

In addition to high tariffs, the energy sector has been marred by the accumulation of circular debt of $30 billion. This has been caused by multiple factors, such as electricity theft, transmission losses, and non-payment of dues. Having worked in Economic Affairs Division, I have also been part of a team that took massive power sector reforms, including:

• elimination of subsidies
• policy formulation on electricity theft and conservation 
• overhaul of sectoral regulatory bodies
• privatization of distribution companies et al.

However, as the Program ended, so did the reforms.

Regrettably, negative externalities from these energy woes have had spillover effects on all socio-economic sectors. The environment has especially poorly been affected by the process for the lack of an integrated generation and transmission policy framework in the renewable industry. Being a lower riparian state has also exacerbated climate change. We face extreme weather conditions – floods, droughts, smog, and diminishing water tables. Unable to agree on water issues not covered under the Indus Water Treaty has led to regular skirmishes and legal battles in the International Court of Justice.

Given the background, my country’s economic and Energy woes require a holistic understanding of the subject. This makes Economic policy specializing in Energy the right choice for my graduate studies. Furthermore, I can become an effective leader and economist in the sector through the interdisciplinary pedagogical approach covering policy, economics, management, law; practical skills; quantitative and qualitative analysis within an international context.

My aim is socio-economic development in tandem with confidence-building measures and strategic partnerships with the neighboring countries. Studying at Oxford will provide this learning opportunity in and out of the class as I will interact with some of the most brilliant minds worldwide and work in teams with them. I also look forward to student-led events, conferences, guest lectures, field trips, and panel discussions to augment my understanding of supranational political demands. This will help me lead economic policy reforms for the next 25 years.

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7 Economics Personal Statement Examples | With Analysis

What makes a great personal statement?

How do you improve your chances of achieving a university offer in economics?

In this post I will give some personal statement examples and discuss what the best economics personal statements do well.

Key features that great personal statements share

Disclaimers, evolution of economics personal statements, what makes a great economics personal statement, key features that great personal statements share: a reminder, lots of supercurricular activities, personal insights about such activities, demonstrate key skills, a well written essay, more economics personal statement advice, latest posts.

This diagram shows my summary of what makes a great economics personal statement. Based on my experience as an economics tutor and economics personal statement examples, here are four qualities that make personal statements stand out.

I explore these categories further below and in my ultimate economics personal statement guide.

For my ultimate economics personal statement guide, check out the link below:

Firstly, here is a list of ten economics personal statement examples available online.

Also below, there is analysis of what makes a great economics personal statement.

To learn how to improve your economics personal statement, check out the link below by clicking the blue button:

I cannot guarantee that the personal statements linked above achieved the university offers claimed on those pages. Nor can I claim that each statement is 100% perfect.

By linking to these sites, I do not endorse any of the sites linked above.

You should not copy any part of the personal statements above. Doing so is plagiarism and can lead to the disqualification of your university application. Instead learn from the techniques and kinds of things mentioned in their statements. See specifically the rest of this article for what we can learn from these personal statements.

A proportion of the samples above are relatively old (five to ten years ago or more).

For some universities the personal statement is more important for applications. Consider for example LSE and UCL, top universities where there are no admissions tests or interviews.

We can look at more recently written and publicly available personal statements.

Based on these, here are some observable trends in recent years among the best performing economics personal statements:

• More supercurriculars relative to the above personal statements.
• More reference to undergraduate-level economic theory. This can show further reading and an ability to potentially do well in the undergraduate course.

In this section I am drawing on my experience as a tutor about what makes a great personal statement. I am also using the available online examples of economics personal statements and the criteria listed by the top UK universities.

Such statements are by no means always perfect, yet they show the qualities and skills that allow students to attend the best universities.

These examples allow us to analyse what makes a great personal statement and also where students often go wrong with personal statements.

As a reminder, here are the four features of great economics personal statements mentioned above:

• Lots of supercurriculars
• Highlighting key skills
• Personal takeaways

Here is a breakdown of these categories:

What activities have you completed, outside of class, that relate to economics? Have you read a book, entered an economics-related competition, or watched an economics lecture? These are examples of supercurricular activities. I consider these a key focus for the best personal statements and I discuss these further in my economics personal statement ebook. These show your motivation to study economics which will be critical if you want to study the subject for three years at university.

For more on supercurricular activities, click the link here:

These are what I refer to as “personal takeaways” later in this guide. What did you learn from the supercurricular activity? Detail is very important, both for showing a high level of understanding and also to convince the person reading your statement that you actually completed the activity. This should go beyond just recalling the activity – maybe there is something you learnt from this activity or something you read that you disagreed with. We discuss how to write about personal takeaways in the ebook.

For more information about how to use supercurricular activities in your statement, including how to generate personal insights, click this button below:

Obviously you should try to show academic ability in economics and motivation to study economics. But what other skills are useful to show in a personal statement? 

While there are many skills that could potentially be useful, I draw your attention for now to two key skills: Ability in mathematics and independent study (including research). Evidence from supercurricular activities that you have these skills will help convince admissions staff. Moreover these skills will help you in the economics course.

What constitutes a “well written essay”? 

Your personal statement should be well structured, with effective links between ideas and paragraphs. The grammar should be completely correct, that is  there should be no mistakes. 

Finally consider your vocabulary – can you embed economics-related terminology into your personal statement? You can use a thesaurus but do so with caution – sometimes it is obvious where a thesaurus has been used (and often the new word used does not make sense in that context!).

For more economics personal statement tips or for economics university application advice, check out the link below:

For A-level Economics resources, click the link here:

• 2.6.3 Supply side policies – Edexcel Economics notes
• 2.2 Aggregate demand notes for Edexcel A Economics
• 2.1.2 Inflation Edexcel A Economics Notes
• Don’t be fooled! How to understand economic statistics
• 3.3.2 Costs

About the author

Helping economics students online since 2015. Previously an economist, I now provide economics resources on tfurber.com and tutor A Level Economics students. Read more about me here .

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20 December 2023

5 minutes read

Crafting Your Economics Personal Statement: Expert Tips from the Student Room with a Focus on Cambridge and LSE

Dirghayu Kaushik

Creating an effective personal statement for economics is a pivotal step in your journey towards studying at renowned institutions such as Cambridge and the London School of Economics (LSE) . This blog, drawing insights from the Student Room (TSR), aims to guide you through this critical process.

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• Understanding the Essence of Economics: Framing Your Interest

Developing a Strong Foundation in Economics

Your personal statement should begin by establishing your fundamental interest in economics. This can include how your fascination with the subject began – perhaps a particular book, a news article, or a classroom discussion sparked your interest.

Delve into how your understanding of economics has evolved over time. Discuss any relevant coursework, such as A-levels in economics and mathematics, and how these have solidified your interest.

It’s important to show a clear progression of your engagement with the subject, highlighting any key moments or experiences that have shaped your understanding.

Demonstrating Engagement Beyond Academics

In addition to academic achievements, your personal statement should reflect your engagement with economics outside the classroom. Discuss any economics-related books you have read, such as “Freakonomics” or “The Undercover Economist,” and how they have influenced your perspective.

Mention if you follow economic news in media outlets like the Financial Times , and how these resources have broadened your understanding of global economic issues. This section should illustrate your active interest and self-motivated exploration of the subject.

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• Showcasing Your Academic and Extracurricular Achievements

Academic Excellence and Relevant Coursework

Your academic achievements are a cornerstone of your personal statement . Highlight your grades in relevant subjects, especially in economics, mathematics, and other related areas.

If you’ve undertaken any advanced or additional coursework, like an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in an economics-related topic, make sure to include this.

Discuss how these academic pursuits have prepared you for studying economics at a university level, focusing on any specific areas of interest or particular strengths you have developed.

Extracurricular Activities and Skill Development

Universities like Cambridge and LSE value candidates who are well-rounded and have developed skills outside of academics. Talk about your involvement in extracurricular activities, such as debating societies, economics clubs, or any leadership roles you have held, like being a school prefect.

Explain how these experiences have helped you develop skills relevant to studying economics, such as critical thinking, analytical abilities, and communication skills. This section should paint a picture of you as an engaged and proactive individual, capable of contributing to university life beyond the classroom.

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• Tailoring Your Statement for Cambridge and LSE

Understanding the Unique Aspects of Cambridge’s Economics Course

When tailoring your personal statement for Cambridge’s Economics course , it’s crucial to understand and articulate the distinctive features of their program. Here are some key points that set Cambridge’s Economics course apart:

• Cambridge has a long-standing reputation for excellence in economics.
• The course is known for its academic rigor and comprehensive coverage of both theoretical and applied aspects of economics.
• Cambridge boasts a faculty that includes world-renowned economists.
• The university offers ample opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge economic research.
• The course emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, politics, and sociology.
• This approach provides a broader understanding of economic theories and their real-world applications.
• Mathematics is a significant component of the economics course at Cambridge .
• This focus is ideal for students who have a strong background in mathematics and are interested in the quantitative aspects of economics.
• The course structure at Cambridge allows for a gradual specialization in economics.
• In the first year, students gain a foundational understanding, which progressively becomes more specialized in the second and third years.
• Cambridge provides access to a global network of alumni, leading to unparalleled opportunities in the academic and professional world of economics.
• The university’s resources, including libraries and research centers, are among the best in the world.
• The course offers opportunities for practical engagement through projects and dissertations.
• Students are encouraged to apply economic theories to real-world problems, preparing them for careers in various sectors.
• Regular lectures and seminars by guest speakers and eminent economists enrich the learning experience.
• These events provide students with insights into contemporary economic issues and debates.
• The curriculum includes a global perspective, discussing economic issues from both developed and developing world contexts.
• This broad approach is crucial for understanding the complexities of the global economy.
• Supportive Academic Environment:
• Cambridge fosters a supportive and collaborative academic environment.
• Small group tutorials and supervision ensure personalized attention and mentorship for each student.

By focusing on these unique aspects of Cambridge’s Economics course in your personal statement , you can effectively demonstrate your understanding of what the course offers and how it aligns with your academic interests and career aspirations.

Articulating Your Fit for LSE’s Economics Program

Similarly, for LSE, highlight what draws you to their economics program. LSE is known for its focus on the practical application of economics in the real world, so discuss how this approach matches your learning style and career aspirations.

Mention any specific LSE faculty members whose work inspires you or any unique opportunities at LSE, such as internships or study abroad programs, that you are particularly interested in. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in LSE and your suitability for their program.

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• Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Future Goals

Personal Experiences and Their Impact on Your Economics Journey

In this section, reflect on personal experiences that have shaped your understanding of economics. This could include any work experience in the financial sector, volunteer work, or personal projects related to economics.

Discuss how these experiences have contributed to your understanding of economics and your decision to pursue it further. This is also a great place to share any challenges you’ve overcome and how they have prepared you for a demanding course like economics.

For the best Economics University in the UK, check out this article: https://ambitio.club/blog/best-universities-for-economics-uk

Future Ambitions and How Economics Fits In

• Final Thoughts: Polishing Your Personal Statement

Reviewing and Refining Your Statement

Before submitting your personal statement , take the time to review and refine it. Ensure that it flows logically, your arguments are coherent, and your passion for economics is evident throughout.

Seek feedback from teachers, advisors, or peers, and consider their suggestions carefully. Remember, your personal statement is a reflection of your unique personality and academic journey, so it should be both authentic and well-crafted.

Q1: How long should my economics personal statement be?

Your personal statement should typically be about 4,000 characters, which is roughly 500-600 words, depending on the requirements of the application.

Q2: Can I use the same personal statement for both Cambridge and LSE?

While you can use a similar structure, it’s important to tailor your personal statement to each university, highlighting why you are a good fit for their specific economics program.

Q3: How important is work experience in my personal statement for economics?

Work experience can be a valuable addition, especially if it’s relevant to economics. It demonstrates real-world application of your skills and interest in the field.

Q4: Should I mention specific economists or economic theories in my statement?

Yes, if they have influenced your interest in the subject. This shows the depth of knowledge and engagement with the field.

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Table of Contents

• • Understanding the Essence of Economics: Framing Your Interest
• • Showcasing Your Academic and Extracurricular Achievements
• • Tailoring Your Statement for Cambridge and LSE
• • Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Future Goals
• • Final Thoughts: Polishing Your Personal Statement

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Land Economy Personal Statement (Anonymous 1)

The student is currently studying Land Economy at the University of Cambridge and will be graduating in 2022.  This personal statement was part of her successful application to the University of Cambridge, UCL, LSE, Durham and Warwick .

My attempt to comprehend the complexity of the 2008 financial crisis kindled my fascination with Economics. It led me to read Geithner’s ‘Stress Test’, which offered a firsthand look at tackling the crisis. While his focus on avoiding panic and maintaining credit flows is justified, I think creating more effective programmes to reduce rising foreclosures is equally vital. Weaknesses in the Home Affordable Modification Program, for example, severely restricted the potential number of rescued homeowners. Its inherent fault was that the incentive of mortgage servicers to help homeowners modify their loans was eclipsed by the more profitable prospect of foreclosure. The government could perhaps have restructured incentives by implementing a reward-by-output system where the government pays a servicer for every loan modified, whilst ensuring the payment is higher than what the servicer receives when foreclosure occurs. Furthermore, while I agree with Geithner’s argument that moral hazard was inevitable, I think the extent of its impact was influenced by controllable factors like how stringent lending terms were; the lenient terms in this case encouraged recklessness. I hope to explore issues like crisis prevention and financial contagion further with more rigorous theoretical frameworks in university. 

The centrality of neoliberalism today pushed me to read Ha-joon Chang’s ‘Bad Samaritans’ for a contrarian view. He observes that while protectionism formed the basis of rich countries’ advancement, these same countries advocate neoliberal policies for developing countries, which often hinder their growth. This made me question the true intention of richer nations. During my internship at an agribusiness, I felt that Chang’s point was echoed in the EU’s palm oil biofuel ban; the EU’s justification of ‘environmental reasons’ appeared to be a euphemism for a return to protectionism. If environmental protection truly was their goal, they could have opted to share expertise with producing countries to help mitigate their carbon footprint rather than imposing a ban, since a ban would reduce the incentives for sustainable production. The EU’s ignoring of the harmful impact of rival oils farmed locally in the EU further supports this view. This illustrated to me the importance of acquiring diverse ideological views in the study of the political economy. 

The mathematical aspect of economics appeals strongly to me. I was intrigued to discover the relevance of differential calculus in economics, such as deriving the Marshall-Lerner condition, or explaining changing values of price elasticity along a linear demand curve. Exploring its use in utility maximisation, I learnt several ways to derive the equimarginal principle, but was most awed by its derivation from the first-order conditions (FOCs) of a Lagrangian. To me, the magic of this tool is its power to find optimal values under multiple constraints. However, I am aware that my understanding of optimisation is limited. For instance, further reading led me to discover that with quasi-linear utility, utility-maximising values would not satisfy all FOCs; this was something I had not considered up till then, since my syllabus emphasised that the equimarginal principle had to be satisfied at the optimal. Therefore, a deeper grounding in optimisation is something I keenly anticipate. 

My role as prefect and my school’s Interact Club Finance Director has enhanced my ability to communicate, organise events, lead, and be a team player. I enjoy independent research which goes beyond class work; during my internship at RHB investment bank, I used data from Bloomberg to gauge firms’ financial positions. I am open to discussions and thrive on incorporating new ideas and opinions. 

Aside from the thrill of exploring new concepts, I believe that this degree will arm me with the tools to contribute to the sustainable development of South-East Asian economies as a policy analyst or economic consultant. 

COPA : 1,200 characters. 

To me, Land Economy’s allure is its blend of law and economics; it considers the moral effects of economic policy, and the economic impact of the law. For example, research into Malaysia’s strata title laws during a law internship made me realise that a total pursuit of economic efficiency may not be possible if individuals’ property rights are to be protected, as enshrined in the Constitution. In Malaysia, unanimous consent from strata title holders is needed for an en-bloc sale of a strata property. While this position upholds owners’ property rights, it jeopardises urban renewal as unanimous consent is difficult to acquire. A case in point was an aging condominium in the city centre which depreciated after failing to gain approval for sale to a redevelopment project. In contrast, Singaporean law only requires 80% approval for en-bloc sales of older buildings while providing safeguards for minorities; this facilitates urban renewal. Malaysia should consider emulating this regulatory model. 

Economic policy and legal frameworks must exist in symbiotic balance. A degree in land economy would equip me to realise my aspiration of addressing the problem of urban decay in Malaysia. 

COPA, 600 characters : 

I greatly value socio-economic and environmental balance in the process of development. I am lucky to have travelled extensively and experienced places in which this rings true. On a National Geographic Journeys trip to the Peruvian Amazon, I was shown travel lodges built among trees, which do not come at the expense of biodiversity. They contribute to the local economy by providing employment opportunities, yet still respect and preserve natural authenticity. I hope to one day advance and actualise sustainable accommodation because respect for nature and its inhabitants is important to me. 

DISCLAIMER:  The personal statements on this site are strictly meant as a starting point to give an idea of how successful personal statements look like. There is no surefire formula to writing good personal statements.  COLLEGELAH IS STRICTLY AGAINST PLAGIARISM OF ANY KIND .  UCAS employs a plagiarism check system  that checks applicants’ work against other published writing so please  DO NOT PLAGIARISE.

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Cambridge University Personal Statements

We hope our collection of cambridge university personal statement examples provides inspiration for writing your own. please do not plagiarise them in any way, or ucas will penalise your application. our  personal statement editing & review services  are availble if you feel you need a little extra help..

History Personal Statement Example 2 I am captivated by the diversity and depth offered by a History degree; attracted by the way it encourages us to be analytical of the values and patterns of past societies. It was in my final year of secondary school that I was awarded the History Attainment Award, although my desire to study History dates back to an earlier age when I visited the site of the allied landings in Normandy at just eleven years old...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1 My most memorable Christmas came with a parcel of Harry Potter audio books and this was where my quest to understanding language began. The moment Stephen Fry started to narrate chapter one, I fell in love with words and all they could achieve...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 2 Psychology surrounds us. I often observe my class mates and ask myself why they are so different, struggling with attention or eating disorders. While looking for reasons, I also want to find ways to help them and I am confident that psychology will give me the means to do so...

Politics and International Relations Personal Statement Example 4 The era in which we live goes through constant turmoil and shifting powers. Not a day goes by without a change somewhere on our planet, which in turn has an effect on yet another change to come elsewhere...

Education and Drama Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) "I shall have poetry in my life. And adventure. Unbiddable, ungovernable, like a riot in the heart, come ruin or rapture." Perhaps one should not begin with the words of another when presenting oneself, but as an actress, utilising the words of others is something that has become second nature...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 6 It was the odd behavioural traits displayed by my uncle, who has Asperger’s syndrome that first generated from a young age my questioning about why he acted so ‘differently’ to the rest of us. This was part of what led to my interest of studying psychology, as it made me question how and why humans are so disparate from one another, and what part the brain plays in running our everyday lives...

Politics & International Relations Personal Statement Example 2 It was November 1989. My parents were rattling their keys in the main square of Bratislava with other Czechoslovak youngsters asking for the democracy that was denied by the Communist regime. They raised me in an environment, where appreciation of freedom, expressing my thoughts and being an active citizen have been essential...

Mathematics and Physics Personal Statement Example 1 Mathematics is a fundamental tool for understanding our world: it can be used to define the symmetry of flowers or to manage global companies. What is so appealing about mathematics is the opportunity of applying it in the physical world...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 Fire, the wheel, boats, book printing, electricity, engines, automobiles, planes, spaceships, wireless information transfer: engineering is determining this progress. Leading engineers are the creators of our future...

Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example For as long as I have recognised words and numbers, I have seen a connection between the two. As I progressed in the AS Mathematics course I realised how drawn I was to the subject, motivating me to spend 2 weeks at school over the summer holidays learning 2 entire AS Further Maths modules, in order to take the full A-level course in one year...

Languages Personal Statement Example 10 At the age of eight, a friend introduced me to Guy Hamilton's 1969 film 'Battle of Britain'. This instilled in me two things: my doomed childhood ambition to be a Spitfire pilot, long since grudgingly abandoned, but also, perhaps ironically, a love for the sound and feel of the German language that has stayed with me all through the intervening decade...

English Personal Statement Example (Mature Student) Having worked on a secure psychiatric unit for two years, caring for many people unable to or precluded from following their dreams due to mental illness, as well as over a decade employed in positions just to pay the bills, I am finally pursuing my dream of becoming a published novelist...

History Personal Statement Example 7 It isn't an exaggeration to say my devotion to History has moulded me into the diligent and ambitious person I am today. History continues to shape our contemporary world and my opinions have been formed from an intellectual curiosity about the resonances between the past and the present...

Chemistry Personal Statement Example 2 Science is not just a subject taken in school, or a body of knowledge; it is a state of mind as well – always inquisitive and wondering. As a child, the world around me constantly captivated me and inspired questions, and I found delight in having my questions answered, always wanting to learn more, from fundamental particles, to atoms and molecules, to organisms, planets, and the universe...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 My fascination with human behaviour and the motivations behind human actions has existed for most of my adult life, to determine a cause however I would accredit this to the voluntary work I participated in with Crisis Single Persons Homeless charity...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 2 Every day we make decisions and interact with others; the laws of economics help us make rational choices and consider the irrationality of others, as well as understand the world better. Maths and statistics are the necessary tools for me to understand the modern economics...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The ability to apply what I have learnt in the classroom to the outside world is an aspect of physics and maths that I particularly enjoy. An example of this was being able to calculate the coefficient of friction between a book and a table, by knowing the weight and measuring the angle at which it started to move...

Pure Mathematics Personal Statement Example Mathematics is beautiful to me because of the deep and meaningful ideas touched upon by it, the vastness of these ideas, the clearness and elegance of their representation. Mathematics gives me the ability to apply knowledge by approaching things logically, and thinking clearly...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 9 Civil engineering is a discipline which is essential in the modern world: roads, bridges, airports, railways, sewage works and power stations all provide the fabric of today's society, and without them the world would be a very different place...

Mathematics and Engineering Personal Statement Example Questions regarding the reason for my liking of mathematics have only one answer: mathematical logic and concepts contribute to a practical approach in every aspect of life. It is the diversity and universal applicability of this subject that encourages me to delve further and study it in depth...

Maths and Science Personal Statement Example Maths and science, in particular physics, have always been my favourite subjects in school. I have an inquisitive mind and am always asking "how?" and "why?" to find out how things work. I chose maths, physics and biology for my A levels, yet only realised I wanted to do engineering when I started studying topics such as mechanics...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 48 Given that over ninety nine percent of the body consists of just six elements, it is hard to imagine the human body as an intricately synchronised and immensely complex machine. Yet, it has done well to puzzle even the brightest minds in history-but I am drawn to a challenge; I cannot think of anything else more fascinating to work with...

Geography Personal Statement Example (Human/Environmental) The possibility of the human race’s days being numbered by our destructive lifestyles, as planted in my mind by Al Gore’s sensationalised and controversial ‘The Inconvenient Truth’, has fuelled my interest in the global warming phenomenon, forcing me to question society’s reluctance to tackle it and realise the worldwide impact of each of our daily lives...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 51 There is a reason behind everything we do, a purpose to our actions. The cognition behind any decision that we make is one of the many aspects of psychology that I am fascinated by. The following five words, as said by the Prophet Muhammad, I believe explain such a suggestion: "Actions are but by intentions"...

Mathematics Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics is at the root of many academic subjects, such as mechanics in Physics, organic Chemistry and even Music and this is why I find it so fascinating. The process of starting from a simple set of formulae and deriving nearly all mathematical truth from these is what makes Mathematics a leading academic subject...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 20 Overcoming economic hurdles tempered by ecological limits requires innovative solutions. For centuries mathematical and analytical skills have fused to solve practical problems. The diverse nature of engineering has made advancements possible in an array of fields from the wheel to The International Space Station...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 16 I vividly remember the moment when I knew I wanted to be an architect. I had been taken to Barcelona to see ‘the wavy buildings’, at the time I didn’t know anything about Gaudí or his work so I was relatively unenthusiastic...

History Personal Statement Example 37 My interest in history lies in the simple fact that I have always been fascinated by the past. At eleven I won a full academic bursary to attend my current school. This was a way into a community in which my intellectual curiosity would be valued and where I could further my enthusiasm for history...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 61 While the idea to care for others is appealing to me, the applications of medicine for finding remedies to the complexities of the human body fascinates me even more. Studying medicine opens several career options from general practice to clinical research! Having the interest and aptitude for scientific knowledge and the awareness to promote health safety, it encourages me to choose this highly rewarding and satisfying course...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 While other children fell asleep to the sound of their parents reading them bedtime fairytales, I was busy re-reading Ladybirds Explorer’s, “Flight” for probably the fourth time that day. I’ve been enthralled by the concept of flight and aerodynamics ever since I was young...

Chemistry Personal Statement Example 17 The realisation I wanted to study Chemistry at degree level came with my growing appreciation of its contribution and significance in shaping modern society, coupled with an increasing interest in the subject as my knowledge and understanding have developed...

History Personal Statement Example 40 History has always fascinated me because of what it can tell us about humanity; the decisions taken, the actions chosen and the mistakes made can all make us reflect on what it means to be human. I firmly believe history is not simply a case of learning facts and dates but rather a chance to analyse the past, enhancing our understanding of how we interact with each other today...

Maths Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics dictates our understanding of the universe; the sciences that the world depends on today are founded and dependant on maths. Scientists and mathematicians spend their lives making remarkable discoveries contributing to the development of humanity, the findings we have been making in fields like quantum mechanics would be completely impossible without maths...

English Personal Statement Example 30 English is not simply the study of humanity, or society, or history or the written word; it is all of those together and it is this versatility that makes it so appealing to me. The link between literary criticism and psychoanalysis is a great interest of mine...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 67 I first became interested in psychology whilst discussing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and non-conformity with my father. The nature-nurture debate gave me a huge desire to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human condition...

Economics Personal Statement Example 31 Since my parents were busy with the financial income throughout my childhood, I have been raised up by my grandmother. She was the oldest of 8 siblings in a family who were living in impoverished conditions...

Natural Sciences Personal Statement Example 4 Why and How? I believe these are the two most important question words as they express mankind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and they have lain the foundation of sciences and have helped us find answers and solutions to problems throughout history from the domestication of fire to Darwin’s theory of evolution, to landing on the moon and so on...

Archaeology Personal Statement Example 6 I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures and civilisations, reflected in my enduring love of history, and more recently, archaeology. Compared to modern history, archaeology carries a sense of enigma which makes it much more stimulating for an imaginative and inquisitive mind...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 19 These days, we are surrounded by engineering marvels. From radios to space shuttles, everything involves a vital feat of engineering. That is what I find most attractive about this field as its application is everywhere...

Land Economy Personal Statement Example (Cambridge University) Having been born and lived all my life in Hungary, with an English father and Hungarian mother, I have always wanted to go to university in England and spend most of my summers working in England. Being bilingual gives me an ability to see both sides of the question, and examine things from different perspectives which I feel will be useful for my studies...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 23 As I triggered the release mechanism and watched two pounds of rock hurtle skywards I thought to myself, "trebuchets are awesome!". Years passed before I realised that this was my first engineering project...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 24 When I was a child, most of the sentences I spoke out finished with a question mark, asking how everyday things work. Receiving answers to these questions and learning more about Mathematics and Physics has enlarged my desire to make human life easier and become an Engineer...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 3 Have you ever heard the Tuvan throat singing technique? Beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The question that's bound to accompany a throat singing performance is how the human voice could possibly produce such a sound...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 56 Computer Science - the most exciting insight into humanity's mission to conquer the future. It has been my favourite and most fascinating preoccupation since childhood, though back then I did not even know it...

History Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) 2 Whether considering the real world applications of Bentham's utilitarianism in Religious Studies, analysing the context of a changing Victorian society in English Literature, or debating the evolving ideology of the Labour Party in Politics, there is one common thread connecting what I enjoy most about my studies: history...

Sociology Personal Statement Example 14 The need for the study of Sociology in society is, arguably, universally fundamental. The study of society is of paramount importance in solving social problems of great magnitude such as poverty and family disorganisation...

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements

Your Personal Statement is the first demonstration of your character that the admissions teams at Oxford and Cambridge will see. Your perfect Personal Statement can only be written by yourself as it has to convey exactly who you are, why you want to study at Oxbridge and why you deserve to be there. But that doesn't mean help isn't available. There are many things to learn that can improve the effectiveness of your statement when implemented correctly. One of the best ways to get a deeper understanding of what makes a good Personal Statement is to read successful statements that have transferable qualities. This page features over 25 Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements from a whole variety of subjects. Read through them and learn what makes them so good (as well as the mistakes that some make), so that you can create a strong base for your own writing.

Why are Personal Statements Important?

Your personal statement is essentially you introducing yourself to the Oxbridge admissions teams and explaining why you should be given an offer on their courses. It’s a piece of writing that will have a lasting impact throughout the application process, so you need to make the best first impression.

The admissions teams aren’t just interested in the achievements that you have made or the grades you have earned; they are looking for applicants with the right attitude for the course. They need applicants who can go the extra mile, have a true understanding of the subject and have the qualities needed to become successful in their chosen field. All of these things can be expressed in a well-written personal statement.

How To Prepare for your Personal Statement

Your personal statement may not be prepared for in the same way as an entrance exam, but there are still things you can do both before and during the writing process.

Firstly, it’s a good idea to view examples of successful personal statements, such as the 25 + available below. It helps to view those related to your chosen subject, but there are still benefits to looking through as many as possible. 

Beyond this, learning specific techniques and advice from experts will also help. Our Premium Oxbridge Programmes provide a wide variety of support, including books and courses, all of which are designed to help you write the perfect personal statement. View our courses page to find out everything that we can do to help your application. 

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

Successful humanities personal statements, cambridge law ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆, oxford law ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford law & french ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford economics & management ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, cambridge economics ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, cambridge land economy ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, cambridge classics ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford classics ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆, cambridge pbs ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆, oxford psychology ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, cambridge philosophy ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, oxford ppe ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, cambridge english ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆, oxford english language & literature ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford modern languages ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford geography ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, oxford history ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, successful science personal statements, cambridge medicine ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford medicine ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆, cambridge veterinary medicine ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, kcl dentistry ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆, cambridge natural sciences (bio) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, cambridge natural sciences (phy) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford physics ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, oxford chemistry ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, cambridge engineering ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, oxford engineering ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, cambridge maths & physics ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, oxford computer science ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆, personal statement posts from our blog.

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• How to Make Your Personal Statement Stand out

Successful Personal Statement For Medicine At Oxford University

Writing a Medicine Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study Medicine at Oxford.

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

Writing a Law Personal Statement for Cambridge? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study Law at Cambridge.

Successful Personal Statement Example For Computer Science At Oxford

Read through a successful Computer Science Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive an Oxford offer.

Successful Personal Statement For Economics At Cambridge

Read through a successful Economics Personal Statement for Cambridge with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive a Cambridge offer.

Successful Personal Statement For Economics & Management At Oxford

Writing an Economics and Management Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study E&M at Oxford.

Successful Personal Statement For PPE At Oxford

Writing a PPE Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study PPE at Oxford.

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Oxford

Read through a successful Law Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive an Oxford offer.

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Read through a successful Natural Science Personal Statement for Cambridge with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive a Cambridge offer.

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Sciences (Biological) At Cambridge

Writing a Natural Sciences (Biological) Personal Statement for Cambridge? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge.

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We work with a limited number of students each year to ensure we can provide the best support suited for their particular needs.

Our Programmes have a structured syllabus, however, we tweak elements of the syllabus so the student is able to gain the most out of our support.

As we work with a limited number of students, we have a limited number of places available for enrolment on each Programme.

The best way to find out whether there are still places available is by booking a free consultation here or contacting us via Livechat, where our expert Admissions Consultants will be able to advise you further.

We do have ideal start times at points throughout the year, however, the syllabus can be adapted to suit your particular start time if you are accepted onto the Programme. Our Admissions Consultants can help you understand the Programme timeline in your specific case – all you need to do is ask.

First and foremost, we assess whether the potential student has the right academic capabilities and profile to be realistically accepted to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

Secondly, we assess whether the student is capable and willing to put in the time required to create a strong application for Oxbridge.

Finally, we assess the student’s attitude and reasoning behind applying to Oxford or Cambridge. This is one of our most important considerations.

If a student has below-average (but still realistic) grades for Oxford and Cambridge, but the correct attitude, we would consider accepting them onto our Programme. Unfortunately, if the inverse is the case, it’s unlikely the student would be accepted onto the Programme.

UniAdmissions is committed to giving the very best service to every student. Our talented tutors are the key to the excellent service we pride ourselves on, passing on not only their expertise, but also their enthusiasm to inspire the next generation to succeed.

All tutors are either current senior students, recent graduates or from a professional background. Our selection process ensures only the best tutors work for us, in roles most suited to their skill-sets.

You’ll get access to all of our online resources, including various UniAdmissions published books, our masterclasses, admissions test question banks and much more. All of our resources are filled with powerful strategies and techniques to help you prepare, improve and boost your score.

Of course, our Oxbridge Premium Programmes also grant you 1 – 1 Tuition hours and invitations to both of our preparation courses.

Tuition sessions are held online via video chat. Times for these sessions are arranged between you and your tutor to best meet your needs. 

In exceptional cases, in-person tuition may be offered. 

As much as you like! Although we do offer rough guidelines for how to use your tuition hours, you are more than welcome to dedicate more or less than the recommended amount to your personal statement if you wish to do so. 

The UniAdmissions Portal is where you will find all of the support and resources for your Programme.

You can think of the Portal as the hub of all the materials included within your Programme. If you are ever looking for a relevant book, an online course, course dates or anything along those lines, the Portal is very likely to be your answer.

However, the Portal also houses your programme curriculum, which guides you through each stage of the admissions process through the use of your resources. The Portal automatically tracks what you’ve completed and provides support if you’re falling behind in certain areas. 

You can also use the Portal to get in touch with our team at any point.

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• Economics personal statement examples

Economics degree personal statement example (2h) Cambridge offer

This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements . 

Observing the world around me, it is clear Economics can clarify so much. Take the stock market: an intricate web of transactions, demand and supply models can explain it clearly. Using such models has encouraged me to pursue Economics with the hope of learning about them in greater depth and with increased complexity. It is this relevance to our lives and the ability to break situations down and analyse them that has attracted me towards Economics.

Reading "The Worldly Philosophers" by R. Heilbroner, I have seen how economic theory develops over time. However, a theory is rarely complete and its search for perfection is perpetual. An area I wish to learn about is game theory. I have read "Thinking Strategically", learning how players can act in different types of games to maximise benefits and how pay-off matrices show this; an example being the impact on profits when firms alter their output in a duopoly. Earlier this year, I undertook work experience at a consultancy, LEK Consulting, where I often assessed and interpreted economic data to form conclusions. Extending this, I came second at a competition where I presented on the economic implications of an ageing population. I also prepared a mock Target 2.0 presentation. Studying financial markets, I extended my knowledge of monetary policy and how variables like bonds affect it. From this, I deduced how the yield curve for UK Gilts affects the base rate decision. I had to examine and interpret unknown data, as well as work effectively with others. These activities have made me a stronger economist as I am now better at analysing situations.

Having studied A-level Further Mathematics, I am keen to expand my knowledge of Maths and Statistics; as such, the area of Econometrics interests me. Maths has improved my ability to solve problems and an area that enthrals me is calculus. I would like to learn about its complex uses in Economics, having seen some basic applications like calculating total revenue from a marginal revenue function. I have recently discovered constrained optimisation and how Lagrange multipliers are used to find stationary points of a function subject to constraints. I am currently in the process of researching this in greater depth and hope to learn more about its applications to Economics. Studying Physics, I have developed an ability to assess the various implications of a situation. With my ability to reason from studying AS Critical Thinking, I feel these are two skills I could make use of when studying at a higher level.

As a senior prefect and fully trained peer mentor, I have helped create a safe school environment. I have organised other prefects, arranged meetings and aided students with personal issues, as well as taught Maths to younger students. These roles have made me better at managing time whilst maintaining my academic performances and I have improved at handling people of all ages, as these roles require effective communication with both students and staff. These roles have also required me to gauge unknown situations and I feel I could apply this to Economics as Economics is reliant on human behaviour which can be unpredictable. As captain of the school cricket team and member of a men's first team, I have become better at understanding others and an improved planner. I am also working towards the gold Duke of Edinburgh award. This has involved over 100 hours of volunteer work, which has led me to a V50 award. These activities have given me more responsibility and I have relished this as it has allowed me to explore an aspect of life that cannot be developed in the classroom.

By studying Economics, I aim to understand how the world operates in greater depth. My passion combined with my academic potential are but two characteristics that I believe will aid me for university life.

Universities Applied to:

• University of Cambridge - Queens' College (Economics) - Offer (A*AA from FM, Physics and Economics in any order) Firm
• LSE (Economics) - Offer (AAA + pass in FM) Insurance
• UCL (Economics) - Offer (A*AA - A* in Maths, A in Economics)
• University of Warwick (MMORSE) - Offer (AAA and there were 2 other alternative offers including grades in STEP/AEA)
• Cass Business School, City University (Actuarial Science) - Offer (AAA)

Grades Achieved:

• Maths (A2) - A*
• Further Maths (A2) - A*
• Economics (A2) - A*
• Physics (A2) - A*
• Critical Thinking (AS) - A

Reviewer comments:

• Good use of books to explore interest but needs to be expanded to answer why this interests the applicant.
• Final sentence is a good way to round off the personal statement.
• Some random capitalisation, especially of economics.
• Some sentences are too blunt
• Too much content on A-levels
• Extra-curricular section is too long

Find expert advice on writing an excellent personal statement over on The Uni Guide.

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