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

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Studying Maths at university is for me something which seems a natural extension of my interests so far in life. I find Mathematics fascinating; fun, sometimes frustrating, but most of all beautiful. The idea that once proved a mathematical truth is true forever is a somewhat powerful one. The geometric truths proved by the ancient Greeks remain just as true today as they were then: developments since have not made them any less true.

Whenever opportunities have arisen to indulge in Mathematics beyond formal education, I have taken them. [Blah about local pop maths quiz]. The most interesting extra-curricular Maths activity I participated in was [extra-curricular Y12 university maths thing].

This was a course run by [a university] for three days, to give Y12 students a taste of what university Maths is like. The emphasis was on open-ended problem-solving rather than just applying a method to a solved type of problem. I worked in a team of five investigating rational tangles, which for our purposes were defined as the "tangle" formed when the fixed ends of two pieces of strings were passed over and under one another. We were informed that a given tangle had a unique rational number associated with it.

We investigated into how various moves affected the invariant, and what other transformations could be performed on the tangle- for instance, how the mirror image of a tangle was related to the original. The nature of the course, exploring the implications of the definitions we began with rather than just solving set problems, was exciting and different.

My drive to achieve, and coupled with my huge appetite for knowledge and innate curiosity, are what motivates me to learn as much as I can, as often as I can. By studying Mathematics at university, I hope to feed this appetite, to learn more, and to understand more. Why in particular do I feel that Maths is above all else what I want to study? Simply because of its structure, its universality and its beauty.

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

I take great pride in my academic achievements, especially in my A-levels which have deeply prepared me for a Mathematics degree. I have achieved A* grades in Mathematics A2, Further Mathematics A2, Physics A2, and Chemistry A2, an A in Philosophy AS, and notable success in challenging assessments such as STEP II and III with Satisfactory results, alongside a Distinction in the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) in Mathematics.

These qualifications have strengthened both my problem-solving skills and my logical reasoning ability, equipping me with a solid foundation for university-level Maths. The combination of subjects also reflects my analytical skills and versatility in related scientific disciplines.

My academic journey is complemented by my enjoyment and devotion to reading. I read extensively for pleasure, especially books related to mathematics, which often use narrative structures to introduce concepts. A particular favourite is "The Man Who Loved Only Numbers," a biography of Paul Erdos. This book was a stellar read: the Mathematics that Erdos worked on during his life and his own life story are captivating. One moment I recall fondly is when a proof was about to be explained; I paused reading, proved the statement myself, and confirmed it upon returning to the book. This was an incredibly satisfying moment that fuelled my passion for mathematical thinking.

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

Beyond my academic studies, I actively engage in extracurricular activities that have helped me develop important skills relevant to university study. I am a regular member of my school's debating society, where I have prepared for and participated in competitions. This has increased my passion for earnest and frank discussion on any subject and my awareness of the importance of logically structuring an argument.

I am also involved in the Amnesty International group at my school, as I am a strong believer in human rights and their importance for the peaceful co-existence of us all. Related to this is my participation in [a particular national youth group (rather like scouts)]. I have been involved with them for the greater part of my life, and through it I have become the confident and happy person that I am today.

These experiences outside formal education have broadened my perspective, sharpened my communication and teamwork skills, and enriched my personal development — all of which I believe will be invaluable during my university studies and beyond.

Universities applied to:

• Emmanuel College, University Of Cambridge
• Warwick University
• Bristol University
• Manchester University
• Imperial University

Grades achieved:

• Mathematics A2 - A*
• Further Mathematics A2 - A*
• Physics A2 - A*
• Chemistry A2 - A*
• Philosophy AS - A
• STEP II - S
• STEP III - S
• AEA in Mathematics - Distinction

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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