successful ppe personal statement

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Successful Personal Statement For PPE At Oxford

Last Updated: 16th April 2020

Author: Adi Sen

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a PPE applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The PPE Course at Oxford brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding the world around us, developing skills useful for a wide range of careers and activities.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate the many disciplines and perspectives of PPE. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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PPE Personal Statement

I have been fortunate enough to have spent half my life overseas and to have attended eight different schools in five different countries and as a result I have engaged with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. Having enjoyed these experiences immensely, I am determined to build on this foundation by studying for a degree that will increase my understanding of how trans-national and cross-cultural transactions work. One of the key factors in these transactions, undoubtedly, is human nature.

I was very interested, therefore, to read Jonathon Wolff’s ‘An Introduction to Political Philosophy’, particularly the contrasting interpretations of the ‘state of nature’ that rose dependent on the interpretation of mankind. In my experience there is a parallel between inter-personal and international relations and I want to understand the ways in which states and people operate. My background has made me more aware of complex international issues, such as Australia’s current problem in reconciling the fact that its major trading partner has the potential to become its biggest adversary. Because of my interest in this situation I delved deeper into China’s rise, through the medium of an extended project which discussed whether China poses any threat to the USA. Research for this project caused me to question whether there is any justification for the Western ethical preference for a ‘free’ economy over command economies. This work made me realise that I need economic knowledge in order to better understand the complexities of international relations and encouraged me to fast track an A level in economics.

My research touched on the question of the apparent commonality of cultural morals and delving into this issue led me to reflect on the arguments for universal morality that J.S. Mill presents in ‘Utilitarianism’. His claim that public convictions and general happiness are the basis for a viable moral authority appears to reflect the operation of democratic governance. I would argue, however, that there is a strong, external ethical pressure that acts regardless of happiness, a knowledge of base morality that is followed for its own end. The complexity of such issues has always appealed to me, which is perhaps why I was so enthused by the mathematical elements of philosophical logic that Blackburn presents in ‘Think’. The notion of reducing rational questioning to formulaic equations was completely new to me and I found it very compelling. I was equally intrigued by the attempts, particularly of Descartes in ‘Meditations’ and Anselm in the ‘Proslogian’, to develop an irrefutable argument based purely on reason; the notion of an a priori argument that could establish what empiricism cannot is a profound possibility. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in unknown and foreign situations. This probably stems from my travels across the globe, which took me from childhood in Moscow to my more recent time in Canberra.

Through school and college I have sustained an ability to balance my academic studies with a hectic social life, part-time jobs and my sporting commitments. I have been elected to the captaincy of two football teams and have played a consistent role in promoting youth involvement, through coaching a junior football team and being involved in the Olympic FLAMES programme. I am happy to lead or work within a team and can negotiate with difficult individuals, whether they are complaining customers or disaffected youngsters. I am eager to pursue a career path that will take me into an international and cross-cultural environment. This is why I feel strongly drawn towards a degree where I can use my experiences and ambitions to better prepare myself for the multinational market of the future. I want to develop an academic arsenal which will best establish me as a positive contributor in an increasingly trans-national, interlinked world – where global understanding looks set to become an essential attribute.

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

The student demonstrates a clear interest in all three subjects and does especially well in linking the three together, detailing how their interest in one politics issue lead to studying Economics, which lead to readings in Philosophy. They give the impression of an individual who has naturally come to the conclusion that PPE is the right area of study for them and they back this up substantially with both their personal history and academic studies.

The balance between discussing their academic interests and other areas of their life is just right, and they use the latter to reinforce their worth as a student. The statement flows naturally while the conclusion rounds it off nicely with a look to the future and what they wish to do with their degree.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

At times, the student dwells on explaining their exact response to each book mentioned and their current position on each area of study. This is not particularly useful as those reading it will be more interested in how you think and how your reading developed your thought, rather than whether you, for example, tend towards consequentialism or deontology, as you don’t have nearly enough space in a personal statement to back up a philosophical position in any substantial or interesting way.

The statement also ought to be broken down into smaller paragraphs. This will improve the overall structure and will make for a much more natural read.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is an excellent statement edging very closely to 5 stars; it ties the three subjects together and clearly conveys why each is personal to the student and what they want to achieve by studying them.

The candidate ought, however, to focus more on how their background has affected their way of thinking, rather than listing their positions on various issues.

Finally, the formatting could have been improved to make it easier to read, but this is a smaller point. 

And there we have it – an Oxford PPE Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors. 

Remember, at Oxford, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Check out our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

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• PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example

Below you can read a great personal statement for the Oxford course in PPE. The candidate successfully applied and was invited to interview at Oxford .

PPE Oxford Personal Statement

As I wandered the halls of Westminster, clutched my dictionary while watching Question Time, and poured over economic reports trying to grasp the principles within, I realised that I wasn’t indulging mere childhood curiosity – I was allowing my destiny to find me. 

My thirst to understand the machinery of society was unquenchable, leading me to explore the intersections of politics , philosophy , and economics from my early days. I peppered my grandfather with wide-eyed questions on the impacts of policies as he recounted stories of spearheading union protests. 

I ploughed through dense biographies of iconic leaders and treatises on rights by enlightenment thinkers, enthralled by their ability to reshape reality as my multi-coloured highlighters etched Rousseau’s Social Contract and my fingers folded page corners of Friedman’s Capitalism and Freedom, I knew I was forging the first wrinkles into my brain that would one day house a masterful command of PPE.

This led me to choose A-level subjects – History , Economics, and English Literature – that would provide relevant conceptual foundations and prepare me for the rigorous PPE course. Achieving predicted grades of A*AA has equipped me with sharp analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, and articulate communication proficiency to succeed at Oxford .

My passion for politics was sparked by my grandfather’s involvement in trade union campaigns that opened my eyes to labour rights issues. As an inquisitive child, I peppered him with questions about policy impacts that he patiently answered, nurturing my intellectual curiosity. 

This led me to proactively expand my knowledge by watching documentaries on sociopolitical movements, reading biographies of leaders like Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi fighting oppression, and following writers like Thomas Paine advocating radical reforms. I was fascinated by the power of political philosophy in inspiring real-world transformation.

An opportunity to intern with an MP at the Houses of Parliament allowed me unique insider perspectives on British politics. I closely observed the law-making process, party dynamics, and constituency responsibilities which reinforced deeper theoretical lessons from academic study. Attending parliamentary debates sharpened my critical thinking abilities as I analysed the argumentative techniques employed. Interacting with MPs from multiple parties also enlightened me on the varying ideological approaches which influence policy decisions. This first-hand experience solidified my passion for the multifaceted world of politics.

My interest in justice led me to participate extensively in school debates where I relished intellectual sparring, rhetorical skill development, and the construction of rational arguments. As president of the debating society in Year 13, I helped mentor junior students on persuasive speaking and logical reasoning to guide the school to county finals wins. In national Model United Nations events, building strong positions on complex global issues based on geopolitical constraints further honed my critical analysis and problem-solving abilities that will aid in my PPE study.

PPE’s interdisciplinary nature offers the perfect platform to advance my multipronged interests. Oxford’s tutorial approach will stretch my thinking capacities through rigorous engagement with eminent experts at the frontiers of their fields. The vibrant, diverse student communities I interacted with on-campus visits also strongly appealed to me; just the sort of collegial yet competitively stimulating PPE environment I seek to fulfil my potential as I chart my path in public service. I am confident my proactive passion for politics, honed philosophical perspectives, strong economics foundations, communication and leadership skills, and fierce work ethic make me well prepared to thrive on this prestigious course.

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Top Tips for an Oxford PPE Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Oxford Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Personal Statement – Top 10 Tips : Dos and Don’ts

The Oxford Personal Statement is a crucial component of your PPE Oxford university application. It presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You would be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are. It also provides a platform to bounce off questions during your interview. 

Some of the Oxford interview PPE questions will be tailored to your personal statement and include personality and interests. Questions will also ask about your commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. Our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Oxford Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Personal Statement tips. These include dos and don’ts for your Oxford Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Personal Statement . 

General Advice for your Oxford PPE Personal Statement

Self-explanatory in its title, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics is a course that comprises three main branches.

Philosophy shapes and demands critical thinkers. The study of it involves a high amount of logical rigour, leading one to be extremely analytical.

The study of politics leads one to have a strong knowledge base on the political systems worldwide. It also delves into their impact on communities and societies at large. It allows you to not only understand but also evaluate and form an opinion on the priorities and choices of political parties. You will also learn how to explain the ideas and values that help to make such decisions and analyses.

Economics studies how three main stakeholders in our society (governments, consumers, and firms), make decisions in determining the allocation of scarce resources. 

These three branches complement each other well. The knowledge and skills picked up in each branch being transferable to the other. For example, the critical thinking skills that philosophy hones are extremely relevant and useful when studying politics and economics. The knowledge and skills from all three branches have great applications that help students understand the world around them.

PPE personal statements can be difficult to write. In your Oxford PPE personal statement, you must explain your interest and skills in each branch but in a limited word count. Furthermore, when planning your Oxford PPE personal statement, research Oxford’s achievements in PPE. Use it as a guide to illustrate your interest in the course. 

Top 5 Tips for your Oxford Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Personal Statement

Display in your oxford ppe personal statement that you can think critically and have good analytic skills.

A key quality that Oxford admissions tutors are looking out for in a PPE student is having critical thinking skills. You can illustrate this in your Oxford PPE personal statement by mentioning and reflecting on experiences that involve analysing data or formulating arguments. It is equally valuable for you to reflect on other types of achievements and experiences that you have. For example, if you have adopted a particular passion for a specific economic policy or theory, you can talk about why you started being interested in it. Is this linked to a personal interest in a greater societal problem such as that of reducing inequality or poverty? It is also advised to talk about what you have done to cultivate and grow this passion.

Focusing your Oxford personal statement on your interest in PPE and how you have the relevant skills for the course

The main purpose of your PPE personal statement and the top thing that Oxford admissions tutors are looking out for when reading your statement is to determine if you are going to be a good Philosophy, Politics, and Economics student. Being a good PPE student can be demonstrated in two main ways. If you are able to show that you are interested and passionate about the course. And, if you have the relevant skills that would make a good PPE student. You can show that you are interested and passionate about the course by talking about self-reading that you have taken the initiative to do. You can list specific details and aspects about the course that enthrals you. Equally, you can mention and reflect on experiences that you have undertaken to cultivate further your interest in philosophy, politics, or economics. You can demonstrate that you have the relevant skills that would make a good PPE student by talking about the experiences that you have done in the past. Reflect on how they have shaped you as a person. Try and extract a personal quality or trait from each of the experiences you mentioned. Then talk about how it would be relevant for PPE.

Being well-read in philosophy, politics, or economics

Oxford definitely does not require you to be an expert in your field of study. After all, you are applying to study PPE. So it does not make sense for you to be a specialist in it even before you have started. However, it would definitely be useful both to you as a future student as well as an applicant to have done preparatory reading. This would signal to your Oxford admissions tutor that you are passionate about the field of study. If you are interested in something, you would take the initiative to learn more about it on your own even without being pressured to! It would also signal to them that you are able to get through large volumes of text, a skill useful in any humanities course. If you do not know where to start, you can simply google Oxford PPE reading lists, you access one put together by one of the Oxford colleges here: Oxford PPE .

It is also good to keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to pick up a book. Reading can be in the form of magazine columns, news articles. Or even in alternative medium forms such as podcasts, Youtube videos, or documentaries. Some news sites that you can check out include Vox, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Economist, The Guardian, and many more.

Don’t burden yourself with reading textbooks. If you are truly interested in the course, there would definitely be a book or video out there that you will find enjoyable reading. Furthermore, reading news articles instead of scrolling on Tiktok, or listening to podcasts on your way to school instead of your usual playlist would be a great way to incorporate content into your everyday life that is not burdensome.

Only bring up experiences if you are able to draw the relevance to Philosophy, Politics, or Economics

There is little value in bringing up an impressive experience unless you are able to draw how it is relevant to Philosophy, Politics, or Economics. If you are bent on talking about an experience but find it difficult to draw the link to PPE, you can think about how it has inspired you to be interested in any of the three fields. For example, being heavily involved in mission trips and being a committed volunteer might not have a direct link to PPE. However, you can talk about how witnessing poverty and inequality has led you to be curious about learning more about the economical theories and policies that political systems use to reduce such destitution. You can then elaborate that this motivation has then led you to read up more on politics or economics or participate in related competitions.

Another way of linking a seemingly irrelevant skill is to talk about relevant skills or qualities that you picked up during your experience that are transferable and applicable as a PPE student. For example, if you were involved in a scientific research project, you could mention how this has led you to be comfortable and efficient in reading large volumes of information or research journals. This is a useful skill as a PPE student. Otherwise, you could also say that it has led you to recognise that there are always limitations and no theoretical model applies perfectly in real life. This is similar to economic or political policies.

Have multiple drafts before submitting a finalised version

Do keep in mind that your first draft would never be your best draft, so you should always buffer sufficient time that allows you to make multiple drafts. You can also seek feedback from seniors of the same course, friends. Or even school career guidance counsellors, and use their feedback to further refine your Oxford PPE personal statement. Even if they are not familiar with the subject, they could also provide valuable feedback on the readability and the clarity of your Oxford PPE personal statement. However, do take care when sharing your Oxford PPE personal statement with anyone, as you want to avoid plagiarism issues!

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Oxford Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Personal Statement

Only mentioning one or two branches of ppe, instead of all three.

The course that you are enrolling on consists of three different fields of study, each important in its own right. Hence, your Oxford personal statement should reflect this. It should signal to the Oxford admissions tutor that you have a strong understanding of the course that you are applying to. It should also show that you are a good fit for it. You can ensure that you do not miss out on any points that you would have liked to mention. You should also ensure that you can communicate all your points and relevant achievements within the limited 4000-character word count. To do this, you can frame your Oxford PPE personal statement with a good structure. For example, you could have 3 body paragraphs, each explaining your interest or relevant skill in each field.

Simply listing achievements and experiences without reflecting on them

Many applicants mistake the application process and think that Oxford is looking out for the most decorated student with the highest number of achievements. This is not the case. Instead, Oxford is looking out for the student who is the best fit for the course. This does not necessarily refer to the student who has the highest number of achievements. But rather the student who has the most relevant achievements explained and reflected in a way that shows that you are a good match for the course. Instead of simply listing or name-dropping an achievement, you should reflect on it and talk about how it has led you to develop certain relevant skills. For example, merely mentioning how you won your school’s debate tournament is not enough. You should talk about how it developed your ability to form coherent arguments and communicate them to a general audience. Oxford admissions tutors would not care if you started a non-profit and cured children from cancer. They want to know why you did the things that you did and what you have learnt from them. Also, how these skills would help you become a good PPE student.

Wasting precious word count on achievements that would otherwise be available on other aspects of your application

Do not waste your precious words on achievements or experiences that your Oxford admissions tutor would already know about you by reading it off other aspects of your application. For example, if you have achieved impressive grades at your GCSEs or your A levels, do not feel the need to go in-depth about it in your application. This is because this information would already be made available to your Oxford admissions tutor. They would already have considered it alongside your Oxford PPE personal statement. You can choose to talk about information that they would not otherwise have known about. For example, the societies that you were a part of or competitions that you have participated in or won. It could also be events that you have organised, or books that you have read.

Not starting early

If you are just starting out on your Oxford PPE personal statement and find it difficult to overcome writer’s block, you can start out by listing all your achievements. In a separate column, you can create a list of all the desirable qualities of being a PPE student. You can then list details and aspects of the course that interest you. Next, you can match up your achievements and experiences with the qualities and course details. Use each match as a backbone or inspiration when fleshing out your main body paragraphs.

Using vocabulary that you are not familiar with

You might feel that using difficult terms and fancy vocabulary is necessary. However, it is much better to use words that you are more familiar with in order to communicate your ideas more clearly to the Oxford admissions tutor. Furthermore, if you embellish your essay with too much unconventional terminology, it could make your essay wordy and hard to read. You want to get your thoughts across, so always prioritise clarity and readability before anything else!

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How To Prepare

See below for reading suggestions, advice on preparing for the TSA, and guidance on writing a PPE personal statement. For advice on which subjects to take at A-Level or equivalent, refer to the admissions requirements table  and the course webpage  (admissions requirements tab) on the University website. 

Introductory Reading

Applicants are not expected to have studied any philosophy, politics, or economics at school, but should be interested in the three subjects and be prepared to put their minds to problems of philosophy, politics, and economics presented to them. We recommend that applicants read widely around the three subjects to help prepare for applying. PPE tutors will look for commitment and motivation to the course, as well as evidence of academic potential. They will want to know that a student has really engaged with the three subjects and has a passion for studying them. We also recommend that applicants obtain a reasonable grasp of the workings of the social and political world in which we live. Reading a good quality daily newspaper is crucial to a successful application, along with watching and listening to news and current affairs programmes. Below are some useful introductory texts for the three PPE disciplines.

• Thomas Nagel, What does it all mean?
• Jennifer Nagel, Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction  
• Further reading suggestions are in the undergraduate FAQs section of the Philosophy Faculty website.
• Jonathan Wolff, An Introduction to Political Philosophy  
• Various authors, Developments in British (French, German, East European etc.) Politics
• Adrian Leftwich, What is Politics?
• Paul Krugman’s books
• Tim Harford's books
• Further suggestions are on the PPE course page  (reading suggestions tab) of the Economics Department website. 

Admissions Test

The TSA is a test of verbal, spatial and numerical reasoning, and also asks you to write an essay in order to demonstrate that you can construct a cogent and clear argument. Whilst no particular knowledge assumed, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the format of the test and try to do some practice. Further information about how to prepare for the test is in the TSA section of the University website. 

Personal Statement

Personal statements should show evidence of interest in PPE but not necessarily knowledge of the three subjects. PPE applicants are not required to have studied politics, economics or philosophy at school, and so we do not expect you to know about these subjects before applying. We would like to see interest in one or two of the three subjects and evidence of engagement with those, e.g. through extra-curricular reading. If it appears from your personal statement that you are applying for different but related courses elsewhere, this would not disadvantage your application. We are also pleased to see evidence of hard work, time management and persistence in learning (in any area). The personal statement is just one part of the overall picture, and for PPE applicants is of lower importance in shortlisting decisions compared to your TSA result, your qualifications, and the academic reference.

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A Guide to Effective Oxford PPE Personal Statement Examples

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Writing a personal statement for Oxford University’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program is an important task.

Your Oxford PPE personal statement examples should be to the course you are applying to. It should be giving insight into your motivations and interest in the subject. It should also demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to pursue this demanding academic program.

This blog post will provide tips on writing a compelling personal statement and examples of successful PPE student statements from previous applicants.

We hope these resources help you craft an impressive personal statement that will make your application stand out from the rest!

What Is an Oxford PPE Personal Statement?

An Oxford PPE personal statement is a written document that serves as part of the admissions process . It is into the University’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program. Your statement should provide proof of your interest in and commitment to the course.

Demonstrate any relevant experience or skills you may have acquired, and explain why you are the person for the program.

Tips for Writing an Effective Oxford PPE Personal Statement

1. research.

Before writing your personal statement, it is vital to research the course and understand what makes it unique from other political science degrees. Investigate any current topics related to the subject area, review past readings and assignments. Gain further insight into how this degree could help advance your academic career.

2. Show Your Enthusiasm

Let the admissions officers know that you are excited about pursuing this degree. State why you believe it is the right fit for your academic interests. Explain what makes this course unique to you and demonstrate how your goals could be achieved by completing it.

3. Be Concise

Keep your statement concise, clear, and direct. You want to communicate your interest in the subject matter effectively without wasting the reader’s time with unnecessary details or flowery language.

4. Proofread Carefully

After writing your personal statement, go over it with a fine-toothed comb. Look for any mistakes or typos which may have been overlooked during the writing process. This is especially important because even minor errors can lead to significant misunderstandings in the admissions’ office.

Successful Oxford PPE Personal Statement Examples

I am applying to the PPE program because it will allow me to study philosophy, politics, and economics in a stimulating environment. The combination of these three disciplines excites me, as it offers a unique approach to understanding complex issues from theoretical and practical perspectives. My previous studies have honed my analytical skills, allowing me to think critically about current affairs and their implications on society at large. With my enthusiasm for this research field and solid academic foundation, I am confident that I will succeed in the PPE program.

Throughout my academic and professional career; I have been committed to exploring the impact of politics on society. I have my experience organizing a political discussion forum to researching the links between economic development and inequality. This makes me passionate about understanding how policy decisions shape our lives. Oxford’s PPE program is the perfect place to continue this exploration as it offers an unparalleled combination of philosophy, politics, and economics courses. This will give me with the knowledge to pursue a career in public service or international affairs. With my strong interest in this field of study and to understanding its implications, I can make an invaluable contribution to the program.

Writing an effective oxford PPE personal statement requires thoughtful research, a clear understanding of the course content. And also an ability to communicate your enthusiasm for the subject matter. By following these tips and using examples from successful applicants, you can ensure that your application stands out from the crowd. It demonstrates why you are an ideal candidate for this program .

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Oxford ppe personal statement example (international student).

I have always been curious and inquisitive. So, I read. In books I found answers to most of my questions. But, most importantly, I found new ones. This laid the groundwork for my passion for Philosophy. Indeed, Philosophy is one of the few subjects where questions are perhaps more important than answers. Questioning is the essence of philosophical thought. In Philosophy there were no wrong questions, and, for some philosophers, not even wrong answers (at least, not fully justifiable ones). Philosophy, especially Political Philosophy, led me to Politics. Studying philosophers like Plato, Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Stuart Mill or Rawls, amongst many others, made me question the way we conceive power, liberty, justice, government or our political system.

With time, I also found another one of my passions: Mathematics, especially when applied to day-to-day life in subjects such as Physics or, most importantly, Economics. I’ve always loved the challenge in Mathematics, the feeling that the answer is there, and all one needs to find it is to think, to employ logic and use the analytical skills Mathematics itself develops. My own way of looking at the world has been shaped by this, as my thought process became more and more analytical. When I combined this enthusiasm with my interest for the world around me, and especially considering my interest in Politics, I became quite eager to study Economics, causing me to read and learn any way I could.

I have won and participated in many local, regional and national contests, representing my school and my region many times. Just two examples: I was my school’s representative at INOVA: Idea Contest, an entrepreneurship competition, where I reached the finals, earning an entrepreneurship internship with some of the top businessmen and women of Portugal in 2015; and, in 2018, I participated in the National Philosophy Olympiads, winning one of the side contests, the Philosophical Quiz. I was also one of the three students chosen to travel to Sicily as part of the Erasmus + programme in 2018. It was an unforgettable experience, where we had the opportunity to discuss our ideas for the future of the EU with colleagues with different nationalities, backgrounds and cultures.

Apart from the entrepreneurship internship discussed above, I have taken part in several summer programmes and been selected to various internships at Universities and research centres. In 2017 I was accepted at a summer course at the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest university, where I studied International Relations, particularly the Syrian Civil War and its origins, current geopolitical situation and its consequences, especially in regard to the refugees caused by the conflict. I found this course extremely interesting, in particular the classes on geopolitics, where we studied the various groups taking part in the conflict, in what is a very complex situation often over-simplified on the media. This course definitely turned what was already an interest into a definitive passion, as global politics have captivated my attention, leading me to research some more and to read works such as “Prisoners of Geography”, by Tim Marshall, which I found remarkably compelling, and which allowed me to see more clearly into the motive for Russia’s aggressive stance towards Ukraine and Poland, for instance, or China’s recent naval expansion.

During the summer of 2018 I had the opportunity to be selected for an internship at the University of Évora’s Cultural and Heritage Studies centre. During this week I worked in several projects, helping the researchers and learning from them. I went to the ruins of a Roman temple to study the mortar and the stones used for its construction, I collaborated in identifying Egyptian scarabs from Phoenician fakes, I studied the different tinctures used for the dyeing of Portuguese typical rugs (“tapetes de Arraiolos”), amongst many other things.

The same summer I studied at Nova School of Business and Economics’ Summer School, which was also an amazing experience. I had the chance to study modern, useful concepts with some of Portugal’s best professors in this area. I found the classes on Macro and Micro-Economics and Finance the most interesting, with Micro-Economics particularly being quite surprising. We studied rather recent concepts, such as “two-sided markets” and “network effects”, which none of us had ever heard of before. This summer school built upon my early fascination with economics as a theoretical discipline, connecting it with the more common, everyday aspect of economics.

Some of my additional interest are music, reading and writing in general, and student government. I have played violin for eight years now, having been to three orchestra internships and having concluded what is the equivalent of 9th grade (what is known in Portugal as Ensino Básico) in Music. I have been Leader of the Second Violins for my conservatory’s orchestra and I have concluded a 20 hour course which covered Musical History and Analysis of pieces from the 10th to the 21st century. Music is now a fundamental part of my life, and it has taught me much, from self-discipline and leadership to teamwork and an entirely new way of looking at the world.

I have written for an international, online publication named “The Youth Journal”, having contributed with articles about geopolitics, particularly in the Middle-East (Armenia and Kurdistan), the environment (overfishing) and science and technology (the new space race). This has definitively enhanced my researching and communication skills, providing me with experience in an international journalism setting.

Regarding student government, I was part of my Student’s Union administration and am now running for President of the Student Assembly (essentially the Assembly’s Speaker), and I have been either my class’ representative or deputy representative for most of my school career (currently I am my class’ representative). I am also running to be my school’s MP in the National Youth Parliament.

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Author's Comments

This site helped me writing this, so I thought I might help someone as well! A bit long, but got me into oxford, so I think it's alright,

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