By Aadi Mankodi, 1st Year Mathematics MSci
Writing a personal statement that catches the attention of top universities is no easy task. Yet, mine led to offers from Cambridge, Warwick, UCL, and King’s College London. It wasn’t luck or magic—it was all about strategy, thorough research, and attending Oxbridge webinars.
I’m Aadi, a first-year maths student at King’s, and in this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned to help you craft a standout personal statement. Whether you’re aiming for Kings, or another leading university, consider this your ultimate roadmap.
The New UCAS Changes
UCAS now asks you to respond to the following questions:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?
Why do you want to study Mathematics?
Think from the perspective of an admissions offer. They are looking for students who:
- Have tackled challenging concepts
- Enjoy proof (a major part of university maths)
- Are powered by curiosity to research further into a topic of their interest
The answer to this question must be unique. Avoid cringe clichés like “Maths is the language of the universe” or “Since I was 2, I always loved maths” (you know this is completely untrue). Instead reflect on your own experience. You probably know exactly why. Perhaps it’s the adrenaline rush from solving tough problems, or your love for proving results. Maybe it’s the real-world applications of maths, or the sense of reward after cracking a difficult problem.
Follow your motivation with super curricular experiences that inspired your further. These are academic activities that go beyond the syllabus (I have made a list at the end of this post).
Here are some examples:
“At A-level I was fascinated by complex numbers. I was amazed at how introducing I can facilitate rotation. Inspired, I watched a video by Veritasium on how complex numbers are related to the wave equation due to Euler’s formula. I am intrigued by results like the fundamental theorem of algebra, and I’d like to learn how to prove such powerful results at university.”
“Probability was my favourite module. This led me to read probability at university level, through the book “Understanding Probability” by Henk Tijms. It gave me an insight into building probability from first principles and axioms. I recently proved the Birthday, and St Petersburg paradoxes. I am eager to study probability at a higher level.”
“Studying linear algebra at A-level amazed me. Learning about vectors and their ability to compute areas of parallelograms or shortest distances in R3 was exciting. To challenge myself, I worked through Richard Earl’s Oxford notes and practiced Gauss-Jordan elimination. A STEP question I tackled (2022, Paper 3) led me to derive the Rodriguez rotation formula, which I thoroughly enjoyed.”
“Studying differential equations made me realise how useful they are. Researching further, I read a Khan Academy article on how the logistic curve can model populations in Biology. I’d love to learn more about such applications at university.”
Notice how these are highly technical. I recall a Cambridge professor saying “your peer shouldn’t fully understand the maths in your personal statement”. Obviously, make sure you know what you are talking about.
Finally, now is also a good time to include any future career plans and how maths fits in.
“I aim to work in quantitative finance, where I can apply mathematical models to real-world problems. Studying mathematics at university is the first step toward achieving this goal.”
How have your qualifications and studies helped prepare you for mathematics?
Talk about your A-levels or equivalent qualification. This should be your shortest section.
“Through my A-levels in maths and further maths, I discovered how abstract concepts model real-world events. For example, calculus governs phenomena ranging from motion to economics. Physics cemented this belief, as I often went beyond the syllabus to mathematically prove results, like formulae for simple harmonic motion. Recently, I used differential equations to solve problems on radioactive decay.”
If applicable, mention any additional qualifications or achievements.
“To challenge myself further, I am preparing for the STEP exams. I particularly enjoy applying pure mathematical techniques to solve applied problems. As faculty ambassador, I also worked closely with teachers, providing feedback and helping organise events to promote maths among younger students. Additionally, I participated in the Maths Olympiad, which honed my problem-solving skills.”
Keep this section concise. Don’t include your A-level grades. Admissions tutors are more interested in your supercurriculars, as your academic qualifications are already listed elsewhere in your application.
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?
This is where you can really stand out. Focus primarily on supercurriculars—activities that demonstrate a passion for mathematics beyond formal education.
Here are some resources to inspire you:
- 3Blue1Brown
- Tom Rocks Maths
- Numberphile
- Khan Academy
- Cambridge Lecture Notes
- Oxford Lecture Notes
- Paul’s Online Math Notes
- Cambridge Reading List
- Towards Higher Mathematics: A Companion, Richard Earl
- Nrich Maths
- Physics Hypertextbook
- MIT Opencourseware Lectures
- Edx Courses
- How To Think Like A Mathematician, Kevin Houston
Some more ideas:
- Start your own maths blog
- Tutor GCSE maths
- Do a maths course on MIT OpenCourseWare, or EdX
- Write an academic paper on an investigation of your own
- Participate in competitions
Make sure to include what this experience taught you, and how it will make you a great candidate:
“I tutored GCSE maths students, which taught me how to communicate complex ideas in simpler terms. This experience reinforced my understanding of fundamental concepts and helped me appreciate the importance of clear reasoning in mathematics.”
While less important to top universities, extracurriculars (music, sport, etc.) can add personality to your application.
This is exactly how to craft a personal statement for top universities. By focusing on your passion for mathematics, highlighting your supercurricular activities, and demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, you can create a compelling narrative that sets you apart. Best of luck on your application!
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