Mathematics degree personal statement example (1n) five offers including Cambridge

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

When choosing my degree course, I considered several science-based subjects such as chemistry, physics and natural sciences. In the end I decided that mathematics is the subject that I enjoy the most and I believe that it will be the most stimulating. I relish the satisfaction of completing a difficult problem, learning new methods to solve challenging questions and the elegance and certainty which proofs can bring to any situation.

I am very interested in fractals, from their outstanding beauty to the underlying simplicity which generates such complexity. As part of the Further Maths course at school I prepared a presentation on the Mandelbrot Set which I greatly enjoyed researching; I even wrote my own computer program to help understand how it is generated. Since this presentation I have read, amongst others, "Chaos" by James Gleick, in which I was intrigued by the Lorenzian waterwheel and the resulting Lorenz attractor diagram, and "Fractals: Images of Chaos" by Hans Lauwerier, which aided me in writing further programs to produce fractals other than the Mandelbrot and Julia Sets.

I also have a strong interest in theoretical physics and for me the best part of A Level Mathematics so far has been the mechanics modules. I have also really enjoyed the Physics A Level course which has inspired me to read several theoretical physics books including "QED" by Richard Feynman. I also regularly read "New Scientist" to keep up to date with developments in physics, although my favourite part of the magazine is the "Enigma" puzzle which I aim to solve every week.

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

Last year I qualified for the first round of the British Mathematics Olympiad, and I hope to reach the second round this year. I have also just taken the Physics and Chemistry Olympiads this year.

While trying to stretch myself beyond the A Level syllabus I have enjoyed tackling past STEP questions and attempting problems from "A Mathematical Olympiad Primer" by Geoff Smith. This year I have just started the National Cipher Challenge as part of a two-person school team. I believe that communication is very important and I hope to improve considerably my language skills while at university. The French exchange which I undertook at Easter this year was a wonderful experience and I greatly enjoyed living with the challenges presented by a different culture and language.

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

My favourite sport is trampolining; I train twice a week and compete at a regional level. I also love walking, climbing and kayaking. I have been a member of the Scout Association for nine years now and my involvement in the CCF has allowed me to pursue my outdoor hobbies further, as well as to learn leadership and teamwork skills. Taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Schemes has motivated me to join the British Red Cross Society, through which I have become qualified in first aid procedures and I have been able to help out at several local events by providing first aid services.

Aside from mathematics, I also enjoy music and drama. Last year I performed in the school musical, "Oh, What a Lovely War!" and I intend to feature in the Sixth Form pantomime this year. I am also working towards my grade 8 in piano and grade 7 in violin. School Orchestras and Choirs have provided an excellent opportunity for me to relax and unwind throughout my time at School Name.

I believe that successfully completing a mathematics degree will demonstrate my ability to develop many useful skills and will give me the most flexibility in choosing a rewarding career.

Universities applied to:

• University of Cambridge
• The University of Warwick
• Imperial College London
• University of Bath
• University of Leicester

Grades achieved:

• 7 A*s, 3 As GCSEs
• AAAAA AS Levels (Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French)
• STEP I: 2

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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