Applying to Cambridge for maths and I just don't know how to write my personal statem

I have some things I can talk about (project about a 3d renderer and stuff about some number theory research project I did). The issue is I don't know how to phrase anything because I'm not really sure how to get my passion across. I don't know if it's a good idea to just say some super specific maths and just say 'I find that interesting'. I also don't want to be too vague so that it doesn't seem like I don't know what I'm actually talking about. (Also, by this point how near to done should I be with my ps considering the October deadline cos I'm kind of panicking now)

Reply 1

mqb2766

21

Original post by DrWhoZombie

I have some things I can talk about (project about a 3d renderer and stuff about some number theory research project I did). The issue is I don't know how to phrase anything because I'm not really sure how to get my passion across. I don't know if it's a good idea to just say some super specific maths and just say 'I find that interesting'. I also don't want to be too vague so that it doesn't seem like I don't know what I'm actually talking about. (Also, by this point how near to done should I be with my ps considering the October deadline cos I'm kind of panicking now)

There are some supercurriculum ideas at
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf
and I realise its getting close to the deadline / youre asking more about how to write it rather than what to do, but the groupings might give a starting point about what to put on. Smilarly is there a teacher / person you can show a draft to?

You could try and say what you find interesting about maths and think about how each of the things youve done provides the evidence. So number theory is a good one as its largely outside the normal curriculum, proof is central to it and its possible to ask simple questions but the maths that underpins the answers can be quite advanced/novel.

Have you done any competitions like ukmt or ritangle or project euler. If so talk about them, did you do ok, what did you find interesting ....

Have you read any books/watched any videos. If so, what was new/interesting/...

Similarly for the other topics in the list of supercurriculum items.

Its possible to overthink the personal statement. It doesnt need to be outstanding for cambridge and theyre unlikely to go through it during the interview. The main thing is to prepare for the interview tests and step as theyre more important. So maybe get a quick draft done and come back to it in a few days / discuss it with someone and refine it a few times. Dont dwell on it.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Okay this is for Oxford but might still be useful as it has good explanations of how to incorporate this stuff into a PS - Guide-to-Super-curriculars.pdf (ox.ac.uk)

Applying to Cambridge for maths and I just don't know how to write my personal statem

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