How to write an economics personal statement... and other subjects too!

The biggest mistake students make with their personal statement is not including unique examples to show their interest in the subject. Here are my key tips to stand out from the crowd:

1. Show don't tell ❌ I've been really interested in economics since I started studying microeconomics at A-level... ANYONE CAN SAY THIS ✔️ To further my interest in economics, I have read "INSERT BOOK". I learnt ... THIS IS SPECIFIC
   

2. Read academic papers, attend lectures, listen to podcasts It can be difficult to get started, but these are all great ways to demonstrate your interest over and above the A-level syllabus
   

3. Write no more than a paragraph relating to your extra-curricular activities It is extremely likely that the person reading your personal statement will be a member of the ACADEMIC faculty. They are interested in your ACADEMIC interest in the subject, not whether you are an academy level footballer. Besides, how can you compare someone who is a "head prefect" with someone else who volunteers at an elderly home?
   

4. Don't worry too much about your writing style Everyone writes differently. Don't worry too much about writing in an overly-academic style (third-person, sophisticated vocabulary).
   

5. DIFFICULT: try to get work experience in a related field

The personal statement below led to offers from LSE, UCL, Warwick and Nottingham. I was offered an interview at Cambridge, but I was rejected 🥲. If I were to write this again, I would tone down the language as I think it's a little difficult to read.

"As a poker player, game theory is an area of academia that bears both theoretical interest and practical relevance. Fundamental to game theory is the combination of two seemingly

incompatible disciplines which define economics- mathematics and psychology. Interpreting the unpredictable behaviour of your opponent appears highly subjective; however, quantifying these assumptions requires the precision of math. The scientific approach to a subject as diverse as human behaviour results in considerable variety within economics.

The co-existence of human unpredictability within a rational economic framework is a

paradox of economics detailed in Alex Brummer’s “The Crunch”. His analysis of falling

confidences and the resultant financial market collapse was a poignant example of the

fallibilities inherent to economic modelling. I attended a lecture by Lord Eddie George regarding the credit crisis which further suggested that the impending situation was undetected by regulatory authorities. Identifying the sustainable balance between laissez-faire and interventionist policy is as much a question of morality as it is a mathematical problem. By studying economics at university level, I hope to gain an appreciation of both these aspects. This will establish the foundations for a role in public policy making- a career path I am strongly considering. My proficiency in math means I am well suited to the econometric component of the course, whilst my writing ability will allow for the presentation of cogent accounts.

I am currently developing an academic magazine for sixth form pupils. It is intended to

promote the knowledge of a chosen discipline above the confines of syllabus material. The

journalistic approach allows greater freedom to pursue a specific interest, whilst professional

publication yields a tangible short-term incentive. My contribution, other than promoting the

journal’s development, has been to write a series of articles based around both economics and the social sciences as a whole. This has proven to augment my knowledge of current affairs. Moreover, it is hoped that by relating economic concepts to student-specific scenarios, readers will appreciate the functional nature of the subject. Logistically, co-ordinating a project on this scale required both determination and tact. Nonetheless, witnessing the enthusiasm of fellow students was very rewarding.

Through attending the “Eton College Universities Summer School” I was afforded a preview

of the intellectually rigorous environment common to university life. The opportunity for further independent learning was refreshing- a concept fundamental to the magazine. Moreover, both politics and economics were taught concurrently to engender a holistic appreciation of how policy makers operate in accordance to prevalent social influences. This was in contrast with my previous perspective of the discipline, a heavily delineated understanding of technical theories.

Upon reading Galbraith’s “A History of Economics”, I have furthered my understanding of the

subject. I was interested to see how changes in economic thought appear to derive from, rather than instigate, changes elsewhere in society. Following on from this, I wrote an article about the effect of information technology on neo-classical theory and the subsequent influence of behavioural economics.

I am a dedicated sportsman, having captained both the local football and cricket teams. In

addition to this, I was selected to play tennis for Berkshire. I relish the opportunity for leadership within team sports and enjoy mixing with people from outside of school. As a captain, I appreciate that personal issues cannot be allowed to influence team unity. Also, players must be acknowledged for their individual qualities. Although sport is one of many indispensable aspects of my life, I am capable of maintaining a strong focus on academic achievement."