Economics at uni (mainly wanting ideas on super and extra curricular)
Hi, I’m a year 12 student who’s looking ahead for university.
I mainly want to apply to Pure Economics but open to joint degrees with maths, politics and philosophy. And I would like to go to UCL, Durham or Warwick as my top choice.
I got 9987777666 at GCSE (8 maths and 7 language)
Currently predicted AAA in maths, economics, English literature, bear in mind that we’ve only started year 12 and these grades were based off very little data and we haven’t covered enough content. I’m aiming for 3 A* predictions but time will tell 🤷*♀️.
I go to a non-selective state school, the average grades are slightly above the national averages but I still far exceed my school ones. I believe I would be contextual as well (I have got into some university access programs but I’m unsure if that means I’m contextual).
Super-curricular (I’ve done):
- Maths masterclasses
- Banking work experience
- Watching economics debates
Super-curricular (I will do):
- University programs + taster lectures for politics, mathematics, philosophy and economics
- Read economics related books (I want to read more into behavioural economics)
- Essay competitions
I’ve heard your personal statement should be 70% super curricular and 30% extra curricular but to be honest I’m not sure what extracurriculars I can incorporate. I do musical theatre, debate society and book society but I don’t lead/do anything significant in those things. Admission tests how and when to prepare for that.
I mainly want to apply to Pure Economics but open to joint degrees with maths, politics and philosophy. And I would like to go to UCL, Durham or Warwick as my top choice.
I got 9987777666 at GCSE (8 maths and 7 language)
Currently predicted AAA in maths, economics, English literature, bear in mind that we’ve only started year 12 and these grades were based off very little data and we haven’t covered enough content. I’m aiming for 3 A* predictions but time will tell 🤷*♀️.
I go to a non-selective state school, the average grades are slightly above the national averages but I still far exceed my school ones. I believe I would be contextual as well (I have got into some university access programs but I’m unsure if that means I’m contextual).
Super-curricular (I’ve done):
- Maths masterclasses
- Banking work experience
- Watching economics debates
Super-curricular (I will do):
- University programs + taster lectures for politics, mathematics, philosophy and economics
- Read economics related books (I want to read more into behavioural economics)
- Essay competitions
I’ve heard your personal statement should be 70% super curricular and 30% extra curricular but to be honest I’m not sure what extracurriculars I can incorporate. I do musical theatre, debate society and book society but I don’t lead/do anything significant in those things. Admission tests how and when to prepare for that.
Reply 1
Hey! Firstly, you are in a really strong position, especially this early in Year 12. 🙂
Contextual status depends on several factors (postcode, school performance data, household income, etc.), not just access programmes, but being on access programmes can strengthen your application.
Your super-curriculars are exactly what admissions want to see. Maths masterclasses, banking work experience and engaging with economic debates is already good. Reading into behavioural economics is a great idea but make sure that when you write about these experiences you reflect on how this relates to your studies.
Essay competitions are also excellent because they show independent thought. About the 70% super / 30% extra curricular idea, remember that extracurriculars don’t have to just be leadership roles. Musical theatre, debate, and book society are all valuable. You just frame them in terms of skills.
I hope this helps and best of luck with your applications.
Mia (DU rep)
Contextual status depends on several factors (postcode, school performance data, household income, etc.), not just access programmes, but being on access programmes can strengthen your application.
Your super-curriculars are exactly what admissions want to see. Maths masterclasses, banking work experience and engaging with economic debates is already good. Reading into behavioural economics is a great idea but make sure that when you write about these experiences you reflect on how this relates to your studies.
Essay competitions are also excellent because they show independent thought. About the 70% super / 30% extra curricular idea, remember that extracurriculars don’t have to just be leadership roles. Musical theatre, debate, and book society are all valuable. You just frame them in terms of skills.
I hope this helps and best of luck with your applications.
Mia (DU rep)
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