Personal Statement Write a brief (1,000-2,000 word) statement addressing the following two questions: 1.

What are your reasons for undertaking graduate study at the University of Maryland? Indicate, if appropriate, any specific areas of research interest. You may wish to discuss past work in your intended field and allied fields, your plans for a professional career, or how you developed your interest in or knowledge of your chosen subject. 2. What life experiences you have had that you feel have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree at a large, diverse institution such as the University of Maryland? Among the items you might care to include would be your financial, community and family background, whether you are the first person in your family to pursue a higher education, or any other factors that you feel would contribute to the diversity of our academic community. You may also wish to give the graduate admissions committee some examples of your determination to pursue your goals, your initiative and ability to develop ideas, and /or your capacity for working through problems independently.

Mathematics personal statement

I have always been fascinated by my mathematical studies and, having a flair for the subject, there was never any doubt that I would choose mathematics as a degree. It is a pivotal subject on which so many others depend (such as physics and chemistry). I relish the challenge of problem solving that mathematics provides. For me, it is an endlessly intriguing subject, as the discipline appears limitless, allowing so much scope for further study and research. Having studied all four branches of the syllabus, I believe I am a well-rounded mathematician. Pure mathematics is my personal favourite because of its focus on thought processes and problem solving techniques. As I am the sole candidate for further mathematics in my year group, I am studying it without support from school. Having no lessons has meant that I have had to develop an independent, self-reliant approach to mathematics, which I believe is invaluable, especially when faced with a system of learning where the emphasis is placed on the student rather than the tutor. Due to clashes in my sixth form's timetable, I studied AS physics at a college in Leeds city centre. Although this meant travelling several times a week during school hours, I still thoroughly enjoyed the subject, as it allowed me to apply mathematics to different situations, and I am continuing to study it for A2. Last year, I qualified for the British Mathematical Olympiad, run by the UKMT, which I hope to qualify for again this year. I also enjoy reading books of a mathematical nature, allowing me to extend my mathematical knowledge beyond the content of my A-level courses. I recently represented the school in a national debating competition, arguing the case against the right to privacy for public figures. I also work for the sixth form paper. I have participated in several school concerts and productions as a member of the choir and as a violinist, at which I am Grade 5. Last year, I also captained three form groups in the Year Nine Music Festival. This entailed organising a choir, an ensemble (which I conducted) and several soloists, rehearsing for several months at breaks and lunchtimes and finally performing in the competition.

I have worked voluntarily in a primary school as an assistant to the Year Four class teacher. While I was working at the school, it underwent an OfSTED inspection, as did the teacher of the class I was designated to. During one of the class inspections, I was entrusted with groups of students, teaching them how to use the data logging equipment, for which I was favourably mentioned in the report. For the past year, I have been working part-time in the busy restaurant of a large department store in Leeds. Although not being particularly high on mathematical content, it has provided me with an opportunity to improve my ability to cope under pressure and my recent performance review has quoted me as a "hardworking, trusted and well-liked member of staff". However, I have now finished this job in order to concentrate on my A2 studies. I would love to pursue a career in the field of mathematics and I believe my choice of institutions matches my capabilities as well as my aspirations to become a successful mathematician.

Pure Mathematics Personal Statement

Mathematics is beautiful to me because of the deep and meaningful ideas touched upon by it, the vastness of these ideas, the clearness and elegance of their representation. Mathematics gives me the ability to apply knowledge by approaching things logically, and thinking clearly. Compared to any other fields of knowledge, mathematics is the only one where all that we know has been proven to be true. I believe in empirical knowledge, and that you can never truly understand something without having experienced it first. This is why I not only think, but act. I have tried many different activities, including art (different drawing techniques and sculpture), music (I play six instruments and have studied music theory), dance (oriental, salsa, ballet, and modern), various sports (swimming, badminton, horse riding), and yoga. I enjoy discovering new things, and to ease communication am currently learning Spanish, in addition to the three languages that I am already fluent in. I have also done a year of Latin, and 4 years of German. Travelling extensively has allowed me to use my linguistic skills. I have a broad cultural base, having lived in Russia, and Belgium, and going to the European school. The school in particular has been excellent, not only because of the broad curriculum but also the multicultural community I was exposed to. In addition to the mathematics I do at school, I have read around the subject and am going weekly to lectures at the University of Brussels. I have also been able to take part in three mathematics competitions: the UK Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (2002, 2003), and the International School Mathematics Teachers Foundation competition (2003). I am interested in all the sciences, especially biology, genetics and astrophysics. I have also some knowledge of artificial intelligence, for I have taken part in three big AI conferences (AAAI-01, IJCAI-03 and EMSCR-02), and of the international business sector connected with the space and aviation industry. I am currently the director's assistant and webmaster at the International Institute of Applied Technologies.

After dancing, and drawing, my favourite activity is reading. I mainly read scientific works. However I also enjoy books which explore cultural and anthropological perspectives, and those on history and philosophy. My ambitions are to have an interesting life, acquire knowledge and use my potential to the fullest.

Maths personal statement

Mathematics is a subject that I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout my school years. The challenge of thinking and the process of logic always attract me to Mathematical problems, however difficult and regardless of the form in which they come. I am enjoying my courses of A-Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Latin, General Studies and Statistics (AS). In addition, I was somewhat disappointed not to be able to take History at A2-Level, but only at AS-Level, since I have found History to be a challenging, yet rewarding subject. I am keen to readup on different areas of Mathematics, in addition to those covered at A-Level, such as Topology and Number Theory, little of which is studied in-depth at A-Level. In addition, I enjoy reading contemporary Mathematics books, such as 'The Man Who Loved Only Numbers', the biography of Paul Erds; a man who particularly inspires me. I have also taken part in National Mathematical Challenges and Olympiads, exams that I particularly enjoy participating in. As part of a school initiative set-up by myself, I now tutor one outstanding Mathematician in the Lower 6th Form. I am trying to challenge him beyond the syllabus and explain the ideas and methods that I have learned over the past few years, helping me to develop my ability to communicate mathematically with other people. I take great pleasure in attempting challenging, non-standard problems that require a substantial amount of thought and ability. In this respect, the books 'The Mathematical Olympiad Handbook', STEP papers and similar publications have provided me with a great number of demanding problems that I have enjoyed attempting. I enjoy Mathematics and feel that the elegance and logic of the subject is the reason for my desire to study it at a more advanced level. I realise that Mathematics is extremely important in daily life and in the systems in which we live and, as such, I believe a Mathematics degree, whilst being enjoyable and challenging, would give me a good platform on which to base a career of my choice. However, a longterm ambition of mine is to work towards a doctorate in Mathematics, something that I am determined to try to achieve. Aside from Mathematics, I am interested in Classics. I am studying Latin at A-Level, enjoying the challenge posed by difficult 'unseen' translations, as well as reading our set authors, including Cicero, Catullus and Ovid. I have also been involved in some extra-curricular Latin in the form of Prose Composition, additional translation of Latin texts and the International Latin Exam (on which I achieved a perfect score). As a member of the school community, I believe that I have been able to contribute greatly. I play for the school rugby and cricket First teams and I enjoy playing cricket and tennis recreationally, being a member of local clubs for both sports. I have represented the school in county chess tournaments, captained the general knowledge team and have recently been appointed as a school prefect. In such a way, I feel I have been able to develop my leadership skills and to build up my confidence and my sense of responsibility.

I am greatly looking forward to the transition from School to University because of the independence and opportunities that University life will offer. I believe that the challenge of studying and developing my Mathematics to a higher level is going to be one that I will thoroughly enjoy.

Mathematics BSc Personal Statement

Mathematics still remaind as my most favorite subject. Having it as a compulsory subject for five years and one of the subjects I have chosen for my college semester, studying it made me realize just how important it is applied in everyday life, from basic counting to solving complex practical problems. Even in other subjects such as Physics and Accounting the basics of Mathematics is essential. I developed my interest in Mathematics when I was in Primary Six, although during that time it was the least favorite subject since I always failed and only manage to get a D. Taking tuition classes and doing homework helped me to improve my skills. I found that during a revision test I got the highest score, much to my classmates and my teacher's surprise. This somewhat sparked my interest in the subject and having to feel this sense of achievement made me to be even more successful and more competitive, which I still continue up till now. When I was told to take the Careers Interest Game I found out that my personality exactly fits the career I wanted to pursue prefer to work with numbers, tendency to do a lot of paperwork in a short period of time, obedient, etc. Compare to writing essays in my Sociology or Literature class, I found it more exciting to work with numbers and solve more questions (especially in algebra and trigonometry) with using different types of formulas. Not only do I know there would be one correct solution, it's challenging the fact that we can apply so many formulas to a certain question. This is the reason why I would like to take Mathematics as my course and eventually taking a career of teaching in the secondary/college section, simply because I am enthusiast in Mathematics. Mathematics aside, not only do I want to become a great teacher but also a caring and loving individual. As I have a sense of pride when achieving a high satisfying mark, I will truly value the sense of achievement on teaching the students this subject I love and show them just how exciting yet challenging this subject is. Moreover it would such an honor to watch them progress and grow into educated and well-mannered people that every parent should be proud of. During my college semester I participated in Karate Club (an extra-curriculum activity provided by the college) where I was appointed as the second Vice President. Not only do I gain an improvement in enhancing my social skills and helping others, I learnt the values of discipline, self-esteem and teamwork as well as time-management, organizing activities and taking in responsibilities. I also took part in cheerleading-dancing on our college's yearly Sports Day in supporting one of the teams. When it comes to hobbies aside from reading in a quiet environment, I am also enthusiastic in Anime a phenomenon that is famously known throughout the world. It is by this that I was introduced to a world of cosplay; a hobby centered on dressing as characters from anime, video games, comic books, etc.). Recently I participated in cosplay with other people for a group gathering. New faces, new personalities brought a challenge yet it helps to strengthen our devotions towards anime and also meeting new people helps me to socialize and interact better. I always consider myself to be proficient in terms of communicating and listening, which I believed to be a good quality especially involving in teaching. Even so, I would like to improve my English skills at the university overseas by interacting socially with different kinds of people. I look forward into going to a university and gain independence, as well as the necessary skills and experience to pursue my career to be a successful Mathematic teacher.

Financial Mathematics personal statement

In the financial sector, decisions must be made in split seconds that can result in either vast profits or significant losses. The collapse of Lehman Brothers, demonstrated to me the vulnerability of all businesses as the size and level of profit does not matter as poor decisions can still create loss. Making financial decisions is intriguing to me as I ultimately would like to apply my mathematical ability into a career in finance. The concept of investment is interesting to me as it involves calculated risks which depend on an array of mathematical equations to ensure that companies make well informed decisions on how they invest their money. When studying mathematics and finance at university I am keen to understand how to make viable financial decisions and calculate these risks in the context of different business models. I enjoy the challenge of studying Mathematics as I am able to apply mathematical skills to solving real life problems. An example of this is using trigonometric identities to model scenarios that allow informed predictions to be made. Studying business has allowed me to apply financial calculations to various organizational case-studies. Learning how to identify an organisation's cash flow and the breakeven point of a business has helped me to understand the importance of financial reporting to create a successful business. In both business and ICT I have developed an ability to plan a project effectively using critical path analysis, PERT charts and a Gantt chart which are powerful tools to illustrate complex project schedules. Whilst studying Economics, it developed my ability to think logically by studying the topics of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Understanding markets and the reasons for market failure was particularly interesting as I was able to learn about a wide range of factors that have an impact on micro and macroeconomics. I have taken every opportunity to learn about the financial sector by taking part in the Student Investor Challenge. I carried out various analyses on share data developing my analytical skills. Regular communication was required to the team of my ideas with mathematical reasoning to identify industries to invest in and the long term benefits of doing this. I have applied my passion of mathematics by tutoring pupils GCSE mathematics on a weekly basis. In addition I also worked on a mathematics leadership team to deliver a day of Olympic themed maths challenges for 200 pupils in year 7. As a member of the school council, I represent my fellow students and discuss ways to improve the student experience at my school. Furthermore I have regularly worked as an ambassador for my school working at parents evenings and open days. Taking on this additional responsibility demonstrates my dedication and organisation skills that would be vital to apply to degree level study. I am a hardworking and committed student and have managed complicated situations in handling finance and customer service through setting up my own family clothing business, working in McDonalds and in Boots. I continue to develop my confidence and leadership skills through taking part in stage performances and volunteering in my cultural society where I have been involved in dancing, hosting parties and singing. I also have a strong interest in music which has expanded my mathematical ability, comprehensive and reading skills by playing instruments such as the piano and guitar. I am an active individual; I have been awarded Community Sports Leadership Award and I enjoy participating in taekwondo, basketball, yoga and dance. I am excited by the vast career opportunities a degree in financial mathematics provides. In particular I am interested in applying my degree to predicting and forecasting financial opportunities and decisions. I am a highly motivated, organised and committed student that possesses the passion to become a successful mathematics and finance graduate at your university.

Personal Statement:Mathematics 3

TSR Wiki > University > Applying to University > Personal Statement Library > Mathematics 3

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1 Mathematics Personal Statement 2 Comments

2.1 General Comments: 2.2 Comments on the statement:

Mathematics Personal Statement

Maths has always best my first and foremost favourite subject since I was introduced to the most basic concepts of maths from an early age by my father. Such an early start has allowed me to develop my own interest in the subject in my own time. Not only do I enjoy the challenge of problem solving, but I also take great satisfaction upon arriving at the correct answer. Although the majority of maths is done in school, I also spend a certain proportion of my own leisure time to examine mathematical problems from "www.nrich.maths.org.com", as well as the booklet "Advanced Problems in Mathematics" by Dr S.T.C. Siklos Over the last couple of years, I have seen the importance and relevance that mathematical techniques have in everyday life, and I believe that further enhancement of my knowledge in this subject would allow me to be more successful in my future career. I believe that I am well equipped to follow this programme, as I am currently studying A-Level Mathematics and AS- Level Further Mathematics, taking modules in Pure Maths, Statistics, and Mechanics. I consider the course to be suitable as the extra year gives me the opportunity to study the subject with a greater level of specialisation, which is ideal if I wish to pursue a career as a professional Mathematician. I consider that the versatility of a mathematics degree will allow me to widen the scope of future career paths instead of restricting me to a particular to one. The Master of Mathematics choice also allows me to tailor the programme to suit my personal area of interest, which is Pure Mathematics By attending a couple of the maths taster courses held on offer by the University of London Summer Schools programme, confirmed that I would like to pursue a career in the field of Mathematics; perhaps as a professional mathematician or as an accountant, as this is a field that I am particularly considering The two taster courses I attended, ("Exploring Mathematics", a two day event held at Royal Holloway and "Women in Mathematics"held at UCL) not only allowed me to gain a greater sense of independency but also shows my commitment to the subject Outside of the entire maths field, I have shown commitment by attending Chinese- Cantonese lessons on a weekly basis at a Chinese School in central London from the age of 4 and only recently stopped attending. In a previous

Summer job at 'The Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture Centre' not only did I gain a greater understanding and insight into the herbal medicinal trade, but I also learnt the basics of conversational Mainland Chinese. Outside of the family, I have put by Cantonese lingual skills to practise on holidays to Hong Kong as well as at 'New World Noodle House' The varied nature of my previous paid employment has given me a wider view of the different vocations as well as sustained my self- sufficiency. This summer, spent at a telemarketing company, 'Business Advantage', as well as being an active part of the 'Sixth Form Council'and 'Think Force', has made me more confident in expressing my opinions, and enhanced my listening skills During my time in the Sixth Form I have given some service back to the school. I was previously Prefect in Year 11 and was also a 'Big Sister' in the school's 'Big brother, Big Sister' scheme which enables the interaction between the upper and lower schools, as well as help the lower years settle into the school. I find this work rewarding, especially as it is entirely selfless.

Comments
General Comments:
This PS requires a lot of work. It focuses too much on "doing it for the career", so it doesnt convey any of the applicants actual interest or love of maths beyond they like pure maths, which they've not extended to say why. It is important to mention specific areas of interest and explicitly discuss why they interest you. There is too much focus on extracurricular activities at the expense of mathematics: at least 2/3 of the PS should be specifically about mathematics.

Comments on the statement:

Maths has always this cant be true, as it would technically mean since being a baby best my first and foremost favourite subject since I was introduced to the most basic concepts of maths from an early age by my father. This sentence is awkwardly worded Such an early start has allowed me to develop my own interest in the subject in my own time. Surely all [UK based] children have an early introduction to maths when they're 3 years old at nursery school? And anyway, its not important how early the interest started, whats important is that it is still the case now. Not only do I enjoy the challenge of problem solving, but I also take great satisfaction upon arriving at the correct answer. Why do you enjoy both of these? loving the process is just as important as getting the right answer. Although the majority of maths is done in school, I also spend a certain proportion of my own leisure time to examine mathematical problems from "www.nrich.maths.org.com", as well as the booklet "Advanced Problems in Mathematics" by Dr S.T.C. Siklos. need a full stop at the end of a paragraph. The website bit can go, as well as the book. If they are staying, they shouldn't be in the introduction, for one, but it doesn't really say much about the applicants engagement with maths. The intro is the

place to place an interest in context - where did their interest come from and why? They've hinted at this with their father, but this can be extended, as all kids are introduced to maths very early, so what was it about their father's take and presentation of maths which made them love it? As this is the part that doesn't happen to all children, not the being introduced to maths part. Over the last couple of years, I have seen the importance and relevance that mathematical techniques have in everyday life, like? and I believe that further enhancement of my knowledge in this subject would allow me to be more successful in my future career. Why? What do you want to be? Anything related to maths or just that a good grasp of maths is needed for any career? Although, to be honest, its best to just focus on interest in the degree, rather than usefulness in future careers. I believe that I am well equipped to follow this programme, as I am currently studying A-Level Mathematics and AS- Level Further Mathematics, taking modules in Pure Maths, Statistics, and Mechanics. They will see all this on your UCAS form, you are just wasting valuable space here. Plus, every other applicant will have at least A Level Maths, so its not necess ary to mention. I consider the course to be suitable as the extra year gives me the opportunity to study the subject with a greater level of specialisation, This should only be in if the applicant is applying to all 4/5 year courses where they'd get a MMaths, if they have any 3/4 year ones it needs to go which is ideal if I wish to pursue a career as a professional mathematician. Should only be a capital when its a proper noun. Also, what is a professional mathematician? Be specific when mentioning careers, if they are mentioned at all. This hasnt given any sort of feel for the sorts of interests the applicant has in mathematics, which is crucial to convince the admissions tutors that they want to do it and that they are good enough to get an offer. I consider that the versatility of a mathematics degree will allow me to widen the scope of future career paths instead of restricting me to a particular to one. I would reconsider your usage of the word "consider". You could even write this as "The versatility of a mathematics degree ...". Adding the part about "instead of" also feels slightly redundant. The Master of Mathematics choice also allows me to tailor the programme to suit my personal area of interest, which is pure mathematics Why this area over mechanics etc.? How can you show your interest in this area (extra reading, interesting problems etc.)? This paragraph doesnt really tell the admissions tutors anything that they wont already know: that a maths degree is good for jobs, and that the masters course will give them more specialisation. The applicant should focus on WHY the LIKE maths and what parts in particular. By attending a couple of the maths taster courses held on offer by the University of London Summer Schools programme, confirmed that I would like to pursue a career in the field of Mathematics; perhaps as a professional mathematician or as an accountant, as this is a field that I am particularly considering This sentence doesnt make grammatical sense. Also, its still focusing on careers, so doesnt really add anything. The applicant has gone from saying they want to be a professional mathematician (if such a thing even really exists, apart from in academia) to maybe an accountant.

The two taster courses I attended, ("Exploring Mathematics", a two day event held at Royal Holloway and "Women in Mathematics" held added a space here at UCL) not only allowed me to gain a greater sense of independence this isn't a word but also shows my commitment to the subject As it stands, this doesnt add anything. What should be focused on is what they got out of the course: how did these courses develop the applicants knowledge of maths at uni? Why did it further their interest in maths generally and in studying it at degree level? Outside of the entire maths field, this is awkward wording and the admissions tutors will know that obviously every applicant has a life outside of maths, with non-maths related interests! I have shown commitment by attending Chinese- Cantonese lessons on a weekly basis at a Chinese School in central London from the age of 4 and only recently stopped attending. That's just rather odd! also, did the candidate enjoy the course?? In a previous summer job at 'The Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture Centre' not only did I gain a greater understanding and insight into the herbal medicinal trade, but I also learnt the basics of conversational Mainland This is odd, mainland Chinese isn't a language, I assume they mean mandarin, as cantonese is also spoken on the mainland (plus loads of other variants!!) Chinese. Outside of the family, I have put by Cantonese lingual skills to practise on holidays to Hong Kong as well as at 'New World Noodle House' The applicant doesnt really need to mention a noodle house! This is too long to talk about Chinese when the applicant is applying for maths. The varied nature of my previous paid employment has given me a wider view of the different vocations as well as sustained my self- sufficiency. Im not sure that one job can give this wider view. Also, this is awkwardly worded. This summer, spent at a telemarketing company, 'Business Advantage', as well as being an active part of the sixth form council and 'Think Force', has made me more confident in expressing my opinions, and enhanced my listening skills This is a rather nothing paragraph, again, the applicant could condense the previous two paragraphs into two sentences and still convey all of the main points. During my time in the sixth form I have given some service back to the school. I was previously Prefect in Year 11 and was also a 'Big Sister' in the school's 'Big brother, Big Sister' scheme which enables the interaction between the upper and lower schools, as well as help the lower years settle into the school. I find this work rewarding, especially as it is entirely selfless Really? Hardly anything is entirely selfless. The final paragraph is the last thing that an admissions tutor will read. The final statement this applicant has made comes across as saying something along the lines of "I am a selfless person", and although you are supposed to be positive about yourself, this can come across badly. Try instead to have your final sentence giving a strong case for accepting you on their course. A conclusion also shouldnt bring in anything new about the applicant: it should sum up what has already been said.