Mathematics with management degree personal statement example (1a) international applicant

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Everyone and everything around us is a part of business, and even the air around us has economic worth. I wish to be an entrepreneur in the future, and I look forward to learning business in finer detail. I want to further study Mathematics as I am truly fascinated by the way it works and comes together. I hold the enthusiasm, creativity, perseverance, and patience to study Mathematics and Business in greater depth.

Studying Business at university is therefore a dream.

I am fascinated by sequences and series, and probability, as they can be used to calculate the capital return of complicated payback schemes and expected long-term profitability from a risky project such as entering a new market or gambling. I appreciate that statistical models can be used to help generate key performance indicators to assemble objectives and to set benchmarks.

I anticipate both the academic focus of degree level Mathematics and Business and social life of university. I trust that a university degree will act as the foundation of a successful career in the world of business.

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

Studying A levels in Business Studies and Mathematics prepares me for university as it helps me to improve my researching and writing skills. Taking Business Studies has been a great experience as I study the likes of break even charts and the effects of market economics on businesses. I am now more decisive and observant as I look at the pros and cons of different plans before making a decision.

AS Mathematics has opened my eyes to a new world of which I was previously unaware. Initially, I was not prepared and I had a few setbacks - I had not realised the significance of hard work at this time. I dealt with the issue by gradually starting to work more in depth, which sparked an interest in doing well in my studies.

Working on the statistics module in Mathematics was the initial trigger that made me realise my attraction to Mathematics. As a result, at the end of year 12, I was awarded a commendation for improvement in Mathematics. Consequently, I am now strongly determined and persevering to get the best grade I can possibly achieve through hard work, and I am going to enjoy this journey to reach my academic limits. I have realised the importance of effort and determination, and have become significantly more motivated to surpass my predicted results.

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

To add to my interest, I have read books like ‘Screw It, Let’s Do it’ by Richard Branson. Particularly, this book has taught me that a positive attitude can be very beneficial in the business world. For instance, studying Business with a negative approach will restrict my mind-set.

Last summer I went on a Business trip to Thailand where I learned about the importance of tourism to a country’s economy. Living in Hong Kong gives me great opportunities to see how business affects a society. For example, the growth in English-language based firms in Hong Kong leads to the general population in Hong Kong speaking better English than before.

As well as focusing strongly on my studies, I also regularly engage in sports such as badminton, basketball and athletics. A recent accomplishment was coming first in the 100m sprint at my school’s annual sports day. As part of an international and culturally diverse school, I have learned to be more open minded and less judgmental of other cultures.

I have performed dances at annual school events like the Diwali Ball, and have performed a drama production for charity.

I am technologically literate as I like to read about new technology online and am fluent in HTML which I have used to create many websites including one for a company. Creating this company website has taught me to be more independent as I had to research the parts that were unfamiliar to me and meet a deadline which was important for the company. It also taught me the usefulness of testing before publishing, as it needed major correction when it was put online.

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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