Pure Mathematics Personal Statement Example

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.