Personal statement - mentioning subjects???

3

For question 2 for the personal statement should I mention my A level subjects as there’s been mixedopinions online about it? I’m taking Maths Geography and Biology and I am thinking of applying for accounting or mathematics. I do have other things to talk about if I don’t talk about subjects as they do take up 3 long sentences which links the skills in my subjects to accounting.

Reply 1

04MR17

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post

by Jessica0088

For question 2 for the personal statement should I mention my A level subjects as there’s been mixedopinions online about it? I’m taking Maths Geography and Biology and I am thinking of applying for accounting or mathematics. I do have other things to talk about if I don’t talk about subjects as they do take up 3 long sentences which links the skills in my subjects to accounting.

I don't think it would be worthwhile trying to string together a connection between biology and accounting. I'm sure there is one, but I don't think it would be adding a lot of value to your application. The better PSs I read talk about studies they've been doing that isn't compulsory - that is what best shows commitment from the applicant.

Reply 2

‎♡₊˚ ୨୧・₊✧

12

for mine, i only linked my a levels if i had already naturally done something related to that subject as part of my supercurriculars. for example, i'd looked into a specific part of chemistry that i was interested in, and it was related to something i'd covered in chem a level. so i started the paragraph saying how i'd been curious about this topic in chemistry, and that lead me to explore it in my own time. but make sure you're not just listing stuff you've done in class as everyone who studies an a level subject has done the same things, so it doesn't make you stand out. it's only if that a level lead to a deeper exploration of some kind that i think you should mention it, otherwise, leave it out

Reply 3

Jessica0088

OP

3

Original post

by ‎♡₊˚ ୨୧・₊✧

for mine, i only linked my a levels if i had already naturally done something related to that subject as part of my supercurriculars. for example, i'd looked into a specific part of chemistry that i was interested in, and it was related to something i'd covered in chem a level. so i started the paragraph saying how i'd been curious about this topic in chemistry, and that lead me to explore it in my own time. but make sure you're not just listing stuff you've done in class as everyone who studies an a level subject has done the same things, so it doesn't make you stand out. it's only if that a level lead to a deeper exploration of some kind that i think you should mention it, otherwise, leave it out

Thank you

Reply 4

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

9

Original post

by Jessica0088

For question 2 for the personal statement should I mention my A level subjects as there’s been mixedopinions online about it? I’m taking Maths Geography and Biology and I am thinking of applying for accounting or mathematics. I do have other things to talk about if I don’t talk about subjects as they do take up 3 long sentences which links the skills in my subjects to accounting.

Hey @Jessica0088

My advice would be to show your motivation for the course and the skills/experiences that make you a strong candidate. Question 2 is your chance to shout about the relevant or transferable skills you’ve gained. More UCAS info here.

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Mentioning A-level subjects can be useful if they directly relate to the course (Maths in your case) and help demonstrate relevant skills (e.g., problem-solving from Maths or analytical thinking from Geography).

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However, I wouldn't go into too much detail or list all the subjects. Instead, focus on how your experiences (academic or extracurricular) have developed skills that connect to accounting or mathematics.

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If you already have other strong examples to show your interest and abilities, you can keep the subject references brief or skip them entirely. Admissions staff value quality over quantity.

Here's one way to approach it: “Through studying Maths, I’ve developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which I enjoy applying to real-world scenarios for example... Then move on to other experiences that show your enthusiasm.

I hope that helps,
Mandi - The Uni of Law

Reply 5

marcus.0

10

For the best universities, they want to see as little intracurricular talk as possible (Imperial says they want 80% supercurricular, 20% extracurricular, 0% intra). If you have lots more to talk about, subjects are the first thing that should go. :smile:

Reply 6

Kingston Trenyce

Official Rep

11

Original post

by Jessica0088

For question 2 for the personal statement should I mention my A level subjects as there’s been mixedopinions online about it? I’m taking Maths Geography and Biology and I am thinking of applying for accounting or mathematics. I do have other things to talk about if I don’t talk about subjects as they do take up 3 long sentences which links the skills in my subjects to accounting.

Hi there.
Thars a great question and you're right there's alot of mixed advice out there about whether to mention your A level subjects in your personal statement.

Generally you don't need to list your A levels by name, since universities can already see them in your UCAS application. However it can be useful to mention them briefly if they directly link to the course you're applying for or demonstrate relevant skills. condense the sentences and as you are applying for accounting and mathematics skills like problem solving can be used to link your A level subjects with the course for example.

Trenyce (Kingston Rep)

Personal statement - mentioning subjects???

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