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Realising that mathematics consists of more than just arithmetic and algebraic manipulation proved to be my most important discovery. My fascination for the subject subsequently developed as I began to question what I was told in the classroom. Why should I simply accept that a certain method would work every time? It is my curiosity to explore the complexities of seemingly simple problems that drives me to study maths.
As an independent learner, I relish the freedom to explore a subject that has no limits - but mathematics provides me with more than just that. The satisfaction that comes from solving a once baffling problem and the adventure of finding my own solution are unmatchable in any other discipline.
Furthermore, the rigorous nature of mathematical proof is tremendously appealing; it provides me with the almost unique opportunity to develop an argument that cannot be challenged. My inquisitiveness has led me to read beyond the topics covered in school, thus deepening my mathematical understanding. I have recently finished Ian Stewart's "From Here to Infinity”, which opened my eyes to the various practical applications of maths; as well as to some of its beautiful, newer areas – topology, for example.
Yet most of all, it never ceases to stun me that so much amazing mathematics arises in comparatively simple contexts – such as fractals being applied to the length of coastlines. It is this omnipresent aspect of maths that captivates my imagination.
To develop my problem solving skills, I have tried to expose myself to as much mathematics as possible. Taking part in my school's team for Glamorgan University's sixth form maths quiz 2009 (which came 2nd out of over 30 teams) was a wonderful chance to tackle some interesting questions. Furthermore, teaching my older sister AS maths was profoundly beneficial, as it required me to explain ideas clearly - consequently developing my own appreciation of the concepts.
The most valuable experience has been doing STEP past papers and Anthony Gardiner's "The Mathematical Olympiad Handbook". Completing this style of question has taught me to approach maths from a fresh perspective and to realise that cracking difficult problems involves a great deal of logic and lateral thinking – skills I have greatly developed over the past year. After completing A-level Mathematics in a year, I now look forward to widening my knowledge through Further Maths and the additional AS, whilst continuing to explore the boundless areas of the subject.
However, mathematics is not my sole interest. I am a budding musician and have the role of principal clarinet in my school and county orchestras, as well as being a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Additional musical experience includes performing with Cambridge's Shadwell Opera Company at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer and will be playing at the Music for Youth Schools Prom at the Albert Hall this November with my clarinet quintet.
The amount of music in my life has greatly developed my personality, making me a more confident and well-organised individual. Moreover, maths and music possess an indisputable link, acknowledged even in classical times by the Pythagoreans. My enjoyment of both disciplines comes simply from my appreciation of deeper patterns and my desire to understand them.
As for my other A-levels, choosing to study French and German will open up countless opportunities to travel and be part of the international community. Most importantly, studying them has proved to be highly enjoyable! Languages will be invaluable preparation for the world outside of education, providing me with a different perspective to complement my mathematical focus. I look forward to starting a maths degree and know that it will be both an enjoyable and an insightful experience, which I will fully appreciate.
Universities Applied to:
- University of Cambridge - A*AA across Futher Maths, French and German; 1, 1 in STEP II and III - Firm
- Durham University - AAA
- University of Exeter - AA + Welsh bacc
- Imperial College London - A*A*A (Maths, Further Maths, French/German + A in Further Maths (Additional))
- The University of Warwick - A*AA + I in a STEP paper OR A*A*A + II in a STEP paper - Insurance
Grades Achieved:
- Mathematics (A2) - A*
- Further Mathematics (A2) - A*
- French (A2) - A*
- German (A2) - A*
- Further Mathematics (Additional) (AS) - A
- STEP Mathematics II - 1 (87)
- STEP Mathematics III - 1 (80)
Reviewer comments:
- Good start to personal statement, it is engaging and shows a committed interest to the subject.
- Great use of a book to show what interests the applicant about maths and its links to the skills required to study it.
- Third paragraph shows enthusiasm for mathematics and links to another book which is a great way to round off this section
- Good size of extra-curricular section, although a bit long. This section could be split into two for better reading.
- Suitable, formal tone
Student's comments
I hope this statement will give people who are worried about the PS a bit of confidence - it really doesn't have to be anything outstanding to get into Oxbridge!
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