While reading about the financial crisis of 2007-08, I was taken aback by the colossal linkage

between modern economic systems; by how a bubble burst in a particular industry – housing
industry – of a country had rippling effects for an entire continent as distant as Europe from
USA . Such an observation not only made me realize the power of economics, but it also ignited
in me a curiosity about how this power may be used by individual firms, or industries, to
influence entire economic systems, and consequently, it compelled me to pursue economics as
a subject at A Level. However, while I am fascinated by how economic theories confirm and
contradict each other, I hold mathematical reasoning as even more sacrosanct and consider it
as the scaffold that supports economic models. This relationship is reflected by the fact that the
investigation of most economic theories, such as the theory of consumer behavior, requires
mathematical and statistical analysis, before laws, such as the equimarginal principle, can be
formulated. Hence, I am allured by, and yearn to explore, the mathematical aspect of
economics.

At A Level, I chose courses that would aid me while pursuing higher education. Economics and
its applications, such as the game theory, have helped me interpret complex arguments, such
as how firms strategize in an oligopolistic market. Mathematics and Further Mathematics, while
satisfying my eagerness to comprehend complex mathematical reasoning, have provided me
with the tools of statistical analysis such as regression lines and correlation and have thereby
enabled me to apply quantitative methods while evaluating economic models. Similarly,
psychology has helped me to better understand human behavior and thus analyze consumer
behavior and spending decisions more capably. In addition to this, I am a peer tutor at my
school for AS and A2 Economics and Mathematics and the regular teaching opportunities that I
experience have further consolidated my grasp of, and passion for these two subjects, thereby
inducing me towards my choice of university degree.

My interest in these subjects has prevented me from limiting my studies to school curriculum
only. As a member of my school’s debate team, I have participated in several Model UN
Conferences and this has not only augmented my knowledge of global economic events such as
the ‘Eurozone’ crisis, but has also enabled me to better analyze economic developments such
as how repealing the Glass-Steagall Act ironically exacerbated the crisis. Similarly, I have
participated in various mathematical competitions such as the Kangaroo Math Competition and
have thereby learned to effectively apply mathematical knowledge through diverse approaches.
It is primarily this commitment towards the study of economics and mathematics that enabled
me to achieve a city-wide distinction in Economics and a world distinction in Additional
Mathematics in my O Level Exams; and has compelled me to pursue such a challenging
university course.
Moreover, as the mayor of my school’s student government, I am responsible to organize
school events, often with restricted financial outlays, and this has provided me a practical
acquaintance with the core objective of economics – organizing and allocating resources
efficiently. Furthermore, such a position of leadership has taught me the principles of teamwork
and delegation, which, I believe, will enable me to undertake dynamic group assignments and
work more capably with my peers at university.

After completing my studies, I intend to eventually work in my country as a Financial Analyst,

and hence consider UK to be the most appropriate destination to seek higher education from,
due to its status as the financial hub of Europe. Moreover, I believe that the study of
mathematics, along with economics, at undergraduate level will enable me to develop strong
analytical and quantitative skills, and thereby help me significantly in pursuing such a
professional career.