Mathematics with philosophy degree personal statement example (1c)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Are numbers real? This question will remain unanswered for as long as we ask. Children learn to count with relative ease, yet, adults find the concept of number and consecutive relativity tricky. This kind of thinking never ceases to intrigue me. Many believe that something logical could never be married with something as abstract as philosophy. I utterly disagree. If it weren't for logic we would not question it, and if it weren't for the endless questioning we would not strive to find answers. Mathematics rests upon a series of undeniable facts that 2 follows 1 and 3 precedes 4. However, philosophy may question- Do these definite quantities exist or has man created them to create a kind of sense?

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

From an early age, it was evident that I had a passion for learning. At the age of 5 I asked my mother for an Atlas because I was fascinated by other countries. I began reading and writing quite young and have continued to fuel my passion. This hunger has allowed me to develop excellent academic abilities.

From placing 25th in Ireland in a Junior Maths Competition to achieving top grades in my A-Levels I continue to strive to better myself and fulfill my potential. I find it hard to accept a concept without yearning to know why or how. This is perhaps the reason I chose my A-Level subjects. Each is concerned with primary patterns and rules.

In Maths, I enjoy tackling a complex differential equation. In Biology I am constantly in awe of the intricacy of processes such as photosynthesis and in Physics I relish learning about fundamental particles. However, complementing my ever-growing knowledge of facts, I developed a broader, often sceptical mind. Such things as the existence of God and the paradox of good and evil have encouraged me to ponder basic ideas and question the world around me.

In addition to numeracy, I discovered that I also had a flair for literacy, particularly French. After excelling at GCSE I was awarded a Cup at the Prizegiving ceremony at school. Before the GCSE exams though, I had mastered enough French to allow me to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg. As part of European Studies, our class won a competition to participate in the Euroscola Programme. Regardless of nerves and anxiety, I managed to address the Parliament successfully and it proved to be a worthwhile experience.

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

As well as my studies I was active in many other areas of school. I was elected by my peers and teachers as Senior Prefect, which involved organising activities for the school and liaising with teachers and staff. I enjoyed this responsibility and it improved many skills from diplomacy and teamwork, to organisation and confidence. I also acted twice as a facilitator in the "Big School" programme whereby older students assist a group of junior students in team challenges and exercises. This challenged my patience, understanding and authority but allowed me to be more sensitive to the younger students.

I have also gained invaluable experience without books. Working as a sales assistant for 2 years has improved my budgeting and I developed a professional approach towards authority and my duties. I have worked under pressure while dealing with large sums of money and kept calm while managing irate customers. I have become very comfortable working in a team and taking a more active than passive role. I embrace all tasks and thrive on reaching demanding standards. The decision to take a gap year before university was late and unforeseen. Personal reasons why inserted here. With this extra time, I plan to gain more work experience to give me a better idea of what I want in life and I plan to give myself more financial security when I finally leave home next autumn. I believe that my excellent education and desire to learn have stood me in good stead to pursue my interests at university.

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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