Mathematics degree personal statement example (1q)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Mathematics is the foundation of the world around us, it is applied in various ways from household budgets to advanced medicine, but it is always formed in the same language so it is universally understood. Since I first started studying mathematics I have been captivated by its challenges, and how it can be used to find a solution from the simplest to the most complicated of problems. As my education has continued, I have been more intrigued at each stage and now I want to study it even further in depth to ask new questions, understand new concepts and gain new insights.

Due to my curiosity and eagerness for this subject I have read books that have heightened my interest, particularly "The man who only loved numbers" a biography of the mathematician Paul Erdos. Paul Erdos inspires me because he devoted his life to searching for answers to certain truths and proofs that have eluded past mathematicians, and this fascinates me. It is this pursuit of mathematical truth that has influenced me to study mathematics at a degree level.

A degree in mathematics is extremely valuable to me, both in itself in terms of increasing my own knowledge, and allowing me to pursue a career path in mathematics and mathematical education.

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

At A level I have studied both pure mathematics and mechanics; however I am still inclined towards pure mathematics, as it is the basis of all branches of maths, and without an understanding of this, problems cannot be solved as efficiently. I have also started learning some further mathematics after school, which I believe has improved my knowledge and has made me think about mathematics in an insightful way.

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

At school I have been given many responsibilities that have moulded me into a more mature person. These have included becoming a Spanish and Politics prefect, where we were in charge of the departments, especially in the Spanish department where the other prefects and I held revision sessions for the GCSE students. Similarly I have had the responsibility of being a library prefect where I worked in a team in the daily running of the library which helped my organisational skills. I also took part in the Buddying scheme, helping first years settle in to secondary school life throughout their first year.

My work experience at a local primary school really made me realise how much I wanted to become a mathematics teacher. I was given the responsibility of helping a key stage 2 teacher specialising in mathematics, as well as taking over the teaching of the class at some points. At other times, I was in charge of helping the disadvantaged children, which gave me a greater insight into what was required of a teacher and the responsibilities involved. It required a great deal of determination and I was required to think independently, but this only made my desire to teach mathematics stronger.

Outside of school I am a very keen horse rider. I recently took the BHS stage 1 exam which I was required to teach myself. This required motivation, determination, and the ability to think on my feet, and was very fulfilling when I passed. I have also had a job at a local riding school as a groom which, whilst not being high in mathematical content, helped me support my studies and taught me to manage my time between this, school work, and my personal life. I have, however, recently resigned so I could concentrate even more on my studies, and start studying for my BHS stage 2. I am also learning Karate; this requires a lot of self discipline, however I find it very rewarding when I learn something new.

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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