Economics degree personal statement example (1s) Cambridge offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Ever since my Year 9 history teacher told me of the "circle of prosperity", a phenomenon we now know better as the multiplier effect, I have been fascinated by the idea of economics. How can the aspirations of individuals be guided so that the pursuit of individual objectives is beneficial for all? How as well, can this process be lubricated to ensure it happens with the utmost efficiency? These basic questions are what drew me into taking economics at GCSE, Advanced and hopefully, degree level. What is more, I believe I have the devotion and drive to improve my own understanding of these questions and their answers, and to contribute to the recurring debate surrounding them.

As a subscriber to The Economist I enjoy winding my way through the latest issue; taking satisfaction from seeing where theories I learn in school and my own time are tangibly applied in the modern world. Books and articles such as "Exorbitant Privilege"; "A new global exchange" and "What should replace Bretton Woods 2?" by Yang Yao have deeply augmented my understanding of global currency reserves and the dollar's role as a primary reserve currency. It is now clear to me that the US gains an unfair advantage from the seigniorage and the reduced interest payments on treasury bonds. These lead to it being able to achieve a higher return rate on its credit than it pays on its liabilities and subsequently run a current account deficit that would otherwise be unsustainable.

The debate about whether it would be beneficial or even possible for a new reserve currency to usurp the dollar is one which I eagerly pursue and it is through reading articles such as those mentioned that the difficulties faced by countries wanting to switch from the dollar have become clear. I hope that my time at university will allow me to delve deeper into these issues and enable me to begin to formulate my own ideas for how I would see them solved, possibly through the use of physical assets such as gold or the previously proposed special drawing rights to hold reserves.

I also hope to investigate how the euro and the wider integration of Europe can be made to benefit all member countries. I understand that this may involve the departure of some member states and the assumption of greater fiscal control over others. These are but two of a number of questions regarding the modern financial world that are arising in what is an exciting time to be an economist.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

In July 2011 I spent time working at the DAF Trucks plant in Eindhoven. Here I learned about financial modelling and discounted cash flows. The latter of these struck me as an obvious practical application of the mathematical techniques we learn at A-level and deepened my intrigue into an aspect of economics that appeals to me greatly: the prudent use of mathematics to assess economic dilemmas and ambiguities.

The solving of problems through the use of maths is an activity which I find deeply satisfying, leading me to represent my school at the yearly UKMT team maths challenge since year 8.

In year 10 I was part of a champion debating team and have been elected a deputy member of Youth Parliament for my local authority. I have taken part in the three Model United Nations conferences the latter two of which led to me being presented with an award and given an honourable mention for my contribution to the debates held by my committee, the Economic and Social Council. I feel that my participation in these activities has allowed me to contest views with some of the brightest young people in the country and gives me a superb preparation for the discussions and intellectual disputes I will undoubtedly encounter should I be lucky enough to study economics at university.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I enjoy engaging in non-academic activities having completed the 10 Tors challenge at all distances and played for my local rugby club for the last ten years. In 2010 I also planned and ran a small section of the head teachers' conference for schools in my area.

These extracurricular experiences complement my academic interests by developing my teamwork, endurance, and organisational skills, all of which I believe will be valuable in university and beyond.

Universities applied to:

• Cambridge
• LSE
• Warwick
• UCL
• Birmingham

Grades achieved:

• Economics to full A2- 97.5% AS, A2 TBC
• Maths to full A2 - 97% AS, A2 TBC
• FM to full A2 - 85% AS, A2 TBC
• Physics to full A2 (AS/A2) - 90% AS A2 TBC

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.