Mathematics with physics degree personal statement example (1e) Cambridge offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

It is rare for my attention and curiousity to be completely captivated, and for so long, by anything. But this is the case for mathematics, physics and for most of the phenomena they directly describe. There is a beauty to mathematics; a beauty that is particular to something which is not only autonomous, but also fundamentally simple and true. This can be seen in anything from Euler's identity to Schrodinger's wave equation. I think that if one is to have an interest in any part of their existence, it is natural for one to have an interest in mathematics.

Calculus is an excellent tool for any mathematician or physicist, as it is the study of change. When I was first introduced to calculus, I was not completely convinced by everything that was proposed. Berlinkski's 'A tour of the Calculus' was a refreshing book which I enjoyed, as it presented a far more rigorous case for the concepts behind both integral and differential calculus. I often find that I am unsatisfied in mathematics unless I am given a fundamental proof or I am able to come up with the proof myself, this is one reason why I would consider myself an independent worker.

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

Another wonderful book was Bradley's 'The algebra of geometry', which I enjoyed as it went far beyond my schoolwork. I particularly enjoyed studying triangles outside of Cartesian coordinates, and found that areal coordinates simplified many of the problems greatly. Projective geometry also supplied a fascinating natural continuation to my interest in shapes. Although this book proved challenging to finish, due to my preference to try and solve or prove what is mentioned in the book independently, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. This is also something I find which is distinct to maths; it has an eternity associated with it, so that mathematicians from different ages may struggle and accomplish the same problems independently.

Mathematics lends itself naturally to challenging and interesting tests. In school, one of my favourite academic challenges was the British Mathematics Olympiad. The competition gave me motivation to study hard in other areas of maths from a young age. I have qualified for the first round three times to date, and the second round once. I also enjoyed the competition of the British Physics Olympiad, where I have won a bronze and gold medal, including a top 50 finish. To demonstrate my understanding of A-Level maths, I also sat the first STEP paper in June, and was awarded the top grade, S.

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

Ahead of my 2 week work experience at XXXX, where I would be working with MRI machines and X Rays, I read up on the history of electromagnetism and nuclear physics in Croppers' 'Great Physicists'. It was intriguing to learn that the roots of such brilliant work lay in heated arguments, suspected plagiarism and chasing red herrings. Particularly inspiring was Joule's history; where a common brewer happened across the mechanical equivalent of heat simply through curiousity. Einstein's story is similarly humble, and may suggest that breakthroughs are more reliant on an intense obsession and a slightly unorthodox, yet experimentally based, view on a problem or phenomenon.

Of my other interests, my favourite is also mathematical. Music has been beautiful to me for as long as I can remember. I have gained distinctions in both grade 8 theory and in my practical grade 8 exam for the clarinet. Playing as part of a group is also something I treasure; I have been a member of the Welsh youth orchestra for three years.

I have represented XXXX in rugby for the past two years, and I have represented Wales four times for athletics. I greatly value training and keeping my body healthy, as well as the thrill of competition. As head boy this year, and prefect last year, I am organised, courteous and helpful. However, my priority is always academics.

I have confidence in myself to be able to perform well at University and I know I will appreciate the opportunity to learn yet more maths and physics.

Grades achieved:

• Top grade S on STEP paper
• Bronze and gold medal on British Physics Olympiad
• Distinctions Grade 8 theory and Grade 8 practical clarinet

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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