Personal Statement - Land Economy 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The economist Peter Drucker thought that “Management has mostly to do with people, not techniques and procedures. Their engagement is what matters”. However, knowledge is a prerequisite to success and your course will provide me with the academic preparation I need to pursue a career in business to my utmost potential.

I am very ambitious and thoroughly enjoy studying. This is why, however challenging, my studies at a Liceo Classico have been very rewarding for me. First of all, they stimulated my interest in economics and business. I first approached these subjects while studying economic theory in History and Philosophy. I was particularly fascinated by the striking contrast between J.J. Rousseau’s and A. Smith’s opinions on matters such as industrial development, private property and division of labour. My interest grew when I participated in a contest which asked me to demonstrate the relevance of classical and philosophical inheritance to the modern world. I chose to analyse the close cultural link between ancient and contemporary phenomena from an economic perspective. The jury awarded me the first prize in recognition of my meticulous research and effective presentation.

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

Secondly, Liceo Classico improved my time management, self-organization and independent study skills. After some individual preparation, I took the SAT Reasoning Test and I was within the best 6% in Mathematics and 10% in Writing. In preparation for my future academic plans, I am independently studying an A-level Economics textbook, to ensure that I am on a par with my English peers. In the last few years, I won three bursaries and was listed four times in the newspapers as one of the best students in my province. Thanks to my active role in my class and leadership skills, I was twice elected president of the class.

I attended the “Economics of Public Policy” course at Cambridge University’s International Summer School 2009. This proved an invaluable experience of both cultural and personal enrichment. I found the complex interconnection between markets, business and regulation compelling; in particular, the way laws are applied to make the market safer and fairer and the consequences this has on businesses and individuals.

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

On a practical and personal level, some recent work-shadowing in a multinational company, showed me the importance of skilful managerial policy from administrative, planning and productive perspectives. It gave me an insight into a business environment similar to that of my father, which has fascinated me ever since I was a child.

With regards extra-curricular activities, I have fenced competitively for many years alongside Olympic and world champions. I have played the piano since I was six and was recently invited to attend a piano master class. Performing in concerts has significantly enhanced my self-confidence and concentration under pressure. I was also in charge of public relations at a local music festival, which reinforced my communication and team-work skills.

I am passionate about languages and have attended summer courses in England, France and the USA. I am fluent in English, Italian and French and I have just taken up German. For the past two years, I worked as a tutor in an English camp for Italian children run by an American Montessori educator. My reliability and flexibility meant I was given full responsibilities and considered as a peer by the other teachers.

In the light of my skills and commitment to my chosen subject, I truly believe I can take full advantage of the academic and social opportunities that your University offers.

Universities applied to:

• Cambridge (Land Economy)
• Bath (Business Administation, 4 years Sandwich Course)
• St. Andrews (Management and Economics)
• Loughborough (International Business, 4 years with year abroad)
• Lancaster (Management with Year Abroad, 4 years)

Grades achieved:

• 92/100 in the Italian Diploma di Stato
• 95/100 in the Italian Diploma di Stato
• 90/100 in the Italian Diploma di Stato
• 87/100 in the Italian Diploma di Stato

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.

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