Mathematics degree personal statement example (1r) Durham offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions of Mathematics is that it is all about accounting and numbers. I have been fortunate to see through such a myth. Where others see numbers, I see an intrinsic connection between ideas and the world.

During my teenage years, I chanced upon a book, “Prime Obsession” by John Derbyshire, while on a library trip. Thus my love affair with Mathematics began. I read books about famous mathematicians and the historical evolution of Mathematics, but my favourites were those that discussed unsolved mathematical problems such as the Riemann Hypothesis and Goldbach’s Conjecture.

These show that Mathematics is dynamic and there is still much to discover. Since then, I have been addicted to the thrill of making new mathematical revelations, such as the first time I observed the self-similarity of a Koch snowflake. Till today, my interest has not waned because of the vastness of Mathematics and I have gained a greater understanding of what Mathematics is all about from my own further reading.

In junior college, I was exposed to a new dimension of Mathematics that I have never encountered before – the philosophy and beauty of Mathematics. While reading H2 Knowledge and Inquiry, I found out how the mathematician thinks (in the form of intuition), works (in the form of the axiomatic method, induction and deduction) and enjoys every last bit of it.

I learnt of how a mathematical purist such as G.H. Hardy regards applied mathematics as ‘repulsively ugly and intolerably dull’ and how a mathematician’s belief in constructivism rejects proofs using the Law of Excluded Middle. In essence, I learnt to appreciate the human side of Mathematics, instead of its common technical aspect. Apart from the common H2 Mathematics syllabus that most students read, I challenged myself further by taking on H3 Mathematics, an opportunity given only to consistent performers of H2 Mathematics. Topics such as Graph Theory and Combinatorics strengthened my belief that Mathematics is not about blind counting but rather, about seeking out elegant patterns.

Because of my outstanding academic track record and involvement in various non-academic activities, the Ministry of Education of Singapore awarded me with the Education Merit Scholarship. It is my personal choice to pick the UK (United Kingdom) as the country I wish to study in. I believe UK universities will provide me with the solid mathematical foundation required for me to pursue further studies in future and propel me towards my dream career of becoming a mathematician and a university lecturer. Besides, I am keen to immerse myself into the English culture and learn from a different education system as well as meet up with people from all over the world. While in the UK, I will surely look forward to weekly soccer matches at Old Trafford or a visit to the Stonehenge. I am confident that the UK will offer me a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a world-class education that I will never forget during the 3-4 year stint there.

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

Apart from the common H2 Mathematics syllabus that most students read, I challenged myself further by taking on H3 Mathematics, an opportunity given only to consistent performers of H2 Mathematics. Topics such as Graph Theory and Combinatorics strengthened my belief that Mathematics is not about blind counting but rather, about seeking out elegant patterns.

During my National Service term, I gave private tuition for ‘O’ and ‘A’ level Mathematics in my free time, allowing me to keep in touch with my academics. Moreover, I achieved an S for STEP I (Sixth Term Examination Paper) and a 2 for STEP II, despite the time constraints I faced. I truly enjoyed the intellectual stimulation amidst the tough training as a source of stress relief. At the same time, National Service has taught me to be more mature and independent, as well as provide me with invaluable office work experience.

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

Mathematics aside, I have constantly engaged myself in many activities to complement and enrich my learning experience. As a Student Councillor, I was in charge of organising my college’s Graduation Night 2006. My involvement in other events that rallied students together also honed my leadership and communication abilities. Being athletically-inclined, my consistent performance led to me being a first-team player in my school’s Hockey team. The sport has always fuelled my competitive nature and demanded that I seek to improve myself, be it physically or mentally. I have also participated in numerous community service initiatives for the less fortunate, such as planning outings for autistic children from Genesis Home. As a result, I have become more appreciative of my own gifts and talents.

Universities applied to:

• Cambridge
• Warwick
• Imperial
• Durham
• Bath

Grades achieved:

• S for STEP I
• 2 for STEP II

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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