MA Economics Mathematics & Statistics Personal Purpose

Exploring the interconnected world of MA Economics: a vibrant illustration showcasing the integration of mathematics, statistics, and personal purpose.

I have always been drawn to subjects that require logical and critical thinking. At school, Mathematics was my primary academic focus for this interest; however, studying Economics at A-Level has allowed me to view the world differently. It has motivated me to stay informed about current global issues by regularly reading The Economist and keeping up with current affairs. I understand that Economics impacts and transforms everyone’s lives, and with a true grasp of Economics, I will be able to achieve my goals.

Reading "The Undercover Economist" and "A Free Lunch," which simplified the world in terms of supply, demand, and competition, intrigued me by showing how many significant global issues can be traced back to these basic theories. What captivates me more is that every theory or policy has two sides. I find great satisfaction in identifying the weaknesses in economic policies, analyzing, and evaluating the secondary effects and unintended consequences.

Currently, I am thoroughly enjoying participating in the Bank of England Times Target 2.0 challenge as an enrichment activity. In our team, we analyze and evaluate information from various sources, using different data sets to determine the extent to which the economy is facing capacity constraints on the supply side. We also stay updated with economic developments in the UK and global economy to decide on interest rate adjustments in April. Working in a team of four, we must present our decision and be questioned by a panel of Bank of England representatives. This challenging work has enhanced my communication and data analysis skills.

Given the significance of Mathematics, particularly Statistics, in Economics today, I believe my passion for Mathematics will be highly advantageous. Having a natural aptitude for Mathematics, I have endeavored to cultivate it by taking AS Further Mathematics this year. My favorite area of pure math, calculus, will be especially useful in microeconomics, for example, to derive individual budget constraint curves. As Mathematics and Statistics become increasingly crucial in business, finance, and the economy, studying and understanding their applications in these areas would be very fulfilling for me.

One of my main aspirations is to speak a foreign language fluently and eventually live and work in France. Participating in the French Exchange last year, I was captivated by the culture and way of life. My proficiency in the French language improved significantly, and I gained confidence and developed people skills. I believe that full immersion in a language is the most effective way to learn about that language and culture, and I would like to expand my knowledge of French by pursuing study/work abroad opportunities. Throughout my academic career, I have been actively involved in school life, taking on several roles that developed my sense of responsibility and maturity, such as peer mentor, school council representative, and Deputy Head Girl. Outside school, I am participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and am close to completing my Silver Award, which has required dedication, perseverance, and commitment as we have faced many challenges organizing and completing it. I have been an assistant athletics coach for a group of under 11s, which improved my confidence and patience. I developed entrepreneurial skills and an awareness of how Economics connects with business on the smallest scale from my venture on eBay, buying and selling stock, and from working with my mother to set up and run her payroll business.

I believe that my past academic performance, work, and experiences outside school, along with my personal qualities of determination, ambition, and commitment, will help me succeed at university. I look forward to the opportunity and challenge of fully engaging in a thriving university department.