Mathematics and statistics 2026 personal statement guide

With a subject like maths and statistics at university, motivation is 90% of the battle – so anything that demonstrates your motivation and enthusiasm for the subject will go down well. Whether you love exponentials and logarithms, trigonometry, algebra or probability, get that passion and interest for the subject across, as well as telling admissions tutors something about what makes you as an individual tick. 

General advice about writing your personal statement

What do admissions staff at universities and colleges want to see?

Guidance and examples you can use

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

This is your opportunity to showcase your passion and knowledge of your chosen subject area and to demonstrate to universities and colleges why it’s a good fit for you and your future ambitions.

Examples:

• Admissions tutors love to see anything that shows the depth or breadth of your interest in maths and statistics, and especially your interests in the subject beyond the A level (or equivalent) syllabus – like any books you’ve read, clubs you’re part of, or especially any maths challenges you’ve been involved in.
• The University of Bristol looks for applicants who can show participation and success in mathematical competitions: 'There are many of these competitions, whether local, national, or international, and the more recent your participation and the greater the success you attained, the more weight it carries’.
• Tutors also like to see a bit of spark and originality. For example, what first inspired your interest in maths and statistics, or better still, what currently inspires it? Whether you’re a Rubik’s cube whizz, you love SimCity or you’re into programming, try and get your unique interest across.
• Also, give a sense of which aspects of maths you especially like and why. Is it algebra, calculus, statistics or something else?

Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to shout about the relevant or transferable skills you’ve gained from your formal education and highlight your understanding of how they will help you succeed in this subject area.

Examples:

• Think about subjects or projects you’ve done that show attributes such as logic and reason. Maybe you carried out a chemistry experiment or a statistical modelling project in geography which required those skills.
• Mention anything specific you’ve learned that you can reference, and how it may help you during your degree, such as learning a programming language in information technology (IT) or managing a project in physics.
• Have you done any online courses to boost your knowledge in the subject? For example, why not try Subject Spotlights or Virtual Work Experiences from Springpod to grow your skills and interest?
• You could also demonstrate your self-motivation and ability to focus through describing your study and revision techniques or extracurricular activities, such as learning a musical instrument.

Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

This is your chance to talk about any other activities you have undertaken outside of your formal education, or personal experiences which further demonstrate your suitability for the course. This section is likely to be highly personal to you and anything you do include should reflect on why you’re including it.

Examples:

• What hobbies do you have that require problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills? Perhaps you enjoy playing Minecraft, The Talos Principle or Zachtronics games, or maybe you enjoy puzzles, chess or sudoku.
• Think of any jobs or work experience you have and what relevant skills you’ve picked up. If you’ve worked in a fast-food restaurant or a busy bar, you’ll have learned great teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills – even better if you had responsibilities involving financial transactions or cashing up.
• If you play a sport, do community work, or enjoy singing or acting in your spare time, demonstrate how these interests illustrate your drive, commitment, enthusiasm, and your potential to excel.
• Also, show some evidence of knowledge you’ve gained beyond the A level (or equivalent) syllabus. For example, maybe talk about something you’ve seen or heard in the media that struck you as an example of good (or bad!) statistical analysis or reporting.

How to set yourself apart

The key to setting yourself apart in your application is to remember how important the ‘personal’ bit is to your personal statement. What makes you, you?

Try to give tutors a sense of your personality through talking about any outside interests that offer an insight into who you are. 

Think about your personal and family life and what it says about you. If you’ve had to share a room with your siblings throughout your teens, what skills has that taught you, like compromise, and being able to focus in spite of distractions!

Talk about books you like, movies you watch, cinema or theatre trips you enjoy, sports you play, or charities you volunteer for. It's not just about studying – universities are also communities, and it's great if you can show how you'll contribute to university life. 

Some more tips to consider

1. Passion for the subject: Write about what first sparked your interest in maths and statistics, what areas of maths you’re particularly interested in, and where you see your degree taking you. 
2. Examples of your relevant skills: Can you describe situations where you’ve demonstrated relevant skills like problem-solving, analytical skills, research, planning, and project management?
3. Making your work experience count: It’s not just what you've done but how you've reflected on it. If you work-shadowed in an accountancy firm, public sector organisation, or engineering firm, that's great – but it will have zero impact unless you spell out what you personally gained from it. 
4. Transferable skills: Whether through extracurricular or supercurricular activities, work experience or a part-time job, you’ll have lots of skills that will be relevant to your course. Try to think outside the box – ok, so you’ve got to Grade 8 in piano; can you explain how that has helped with your self-motivation, commitment, and time management?