| This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements. |
Economics When I was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our economy was at its worst: virtually no government intervention, overuse of the black market and barter economy, without mentioning the absence of a democratic society. Whilst reading biased articles cloaking the corruption throughout the authorities, I questioned myself as to why farmers, who ultimately produced the most amount of work, were starving. Why, a simple Congolese Franc was almost worthless in the UK. I asked my father, one of the many trying to fight the corruption at the time, if there was a subject explaining this. There was. It was called 'Economics'. This is why I wish to study economics, so I can fully comprehend the social sciences in society. Growing up in a world filled with numbers enabled me to greatly enjoy mathematics due to the challenges it gave me on a daily basis and its unique ability to apply itself to my everyday life. Doing mathematics A level helped improve my overall general logic, while the core maths and applied modules revealed the various types of mathematics, an example being game theory, and its application to economics in regards to collusions in oligopolies. Studying philosophy opened my mind to incredible dimensions of possibilities. For example, Immanuel Kant's moral arguments raised head-scratching questions about the reality and society we live in, even questioning an individual's moral obligation in everyday situations. I am finding economics at A2 intriguing and simultaneously exploring. After about a month of lessons, I decided that six hours a week wasn't enough. So, I took the time to discover more about economics throughout my first year of AS in which I read Stephen D. Levitt's 'Superfreakonomics'. The book further inspired me upon the subject by showing the limitless possibilities economics can be applied to. An example being how the government's deregulation on abortion caused crime rates in the United States to decrease. Levitt's ability to simply explain seemingly complex issues was inviting, and easily intrigued me. Recently, I read Roger Lowenstein's 'The End of Wall Street'. The author revealed the issues behind a global recession, and the anxieties businesses and workers were faced with daily. By reading this book it presented a fair answer as to why our generation has often been labelled by our predecessors' mistakes. With a degree in economics, I intend to develop several additional skills including problem solving, essay writing and practical skills including leadership in a business environment. The year in industry choice will give me an excellent opportunity to experience life as an economist, whilst helping me secure my career choice in the future.
I am a very independent student, everyday I remain in school until 7pm to revise my subjects and complete my homework. This shows my ability to excel independently. I also speak fluent french, due to my congolese heritage. Joining St. Ignatius sixth form, I immediately joined the rugby team. Being a member of a disciplined sport taught me a vital skill- organisation. Early morning training sessions and using teamwork to our advantage showed me how to successfully communicate with others in order to achieve objectives. Also, our team wasn't always victorious. Although disappointment comes to mind at first, the will and determination to come back twice as hard taught me my favourite saying 'We are never defeated unless we give up'. Several peers and I arranged a debating society, which occurred every fortnight, from after-schools and lunch hours to discuss current affairs. As a senior member of the debating society, I developed several skills, including the ability to successfully deliver speeches, swiftly respond to questions and to attract the audiences' attention. In addition, I am also a prefect. Being appointed a prefect has given me self-responsibility, time management and how to truly be a man for others.
Universities Applied to:
- University Of Essex - Offer ABB
- University of Kent - Offer ABB Insurance
- University Of Exeter - Offer/Rejection
- University of Surrey - Offer AAB Firm
- University of Keele - Offer ABB
Grades Achieved:
- Mathematics (C/*) - Grade- *
- Economics (C/*) - Grade *
- Philosophy(A/*) - Grade *
- Further Mathematics(E/*) - Grade *
Comments
Although grades are an important factor, the personal statement can save you into getting offers like it did for me :D.
