how to start an economics personal statement

Sample Economics Personal Statement (admitted to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in economics. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top economics school PS should look like.

You might also be interested in reading this Statement of Purpose in Economics  that got admitted to Harvard, Yale and Princeton.

Sample Personal Statement Economics

“Flick…chuggachuggachuggaa…puttt-putttt-puutttttt…rizzzz…”

The sounds coming from near the doorway may have startled an outsider but were barely noticed by the people lounging on charpoys and mooras (wicker stools). With the atmosphere abuzz with their chatter, the sputtering sound of the diesel generator lent more time to catch up as the bulbs lit up and fans whirred on throughout the haveli (palace) on an otherwise hot evening. But on days when it refused to crackle, my grandmother would enkindle gas lanterns filling the veranda with hissing sounds and soothing moonlight rays.

I still cherish these memories from my childhood trips to XYZ, my native village, some 450kms from the closest city. At the time, the short sojourns from Kuwait felt rather adventurous. However, the perspective turned wrong when I permanently moved to XYZ. Due to unannounced electricity breakdowns, we would find ourselves groping in the dark to the closest candle stand while sweating in the scorching summer.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, the occasional power breakdowns segued into a full-blown crisis of the decade. Over the next seven years, we witnessed unprecedented power outages averaging 15-18 hours daily. People weren’t just lamenting the loss of mental peace; they were mourning the monetary losses worth billions of rupees translating into 1.5% of GDP.

Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself in a position to alleviate the situation. As Deputy Administrative Head of the Government’s Economic Affairs division, I administer a departmental budget worth $500 million. I am currently undertaking solarization projects. A recent shift towards renewables has occurred after public unrest during the early decade led to hasty investments in thermal-based power plants. Unfortunately, seven years later, we are still reeling from the aftermath of a bitter public backlash as we have the lowest regional electricity consumption per capita.

In addition to high tariffs, the energy sector has been marred by the accumulation of circular debt of $30 billion. This has been caused by multiple factors, such as electricity theft, transmission losses, and non-payment of dues. Having worked in Economic Affairs Division, I have also been part of a team that took massive power sector reforms, including:

• elimination of subsidies
• policy formulation on electricity theft and conservation 
• overhaul of sectoral regulatory bodies
• privatization of distribution companies et al.

However, as the Program ended, so did the reforms.

Regrettably, negative externalities from these energy woes have had spillover effects on all socio-economic sectors. The environment has especially poorly been affected by the process for the lack of an integrated generation and transmission policy framework in the renewable industry. Being a lower riparian state has also exacerbated climate change. We face extreme weather conditions – floods, droughts, smog, and diminishing water tables. Unable to agree on water issues not covered under the Indus Water Treaty has led to regular skirmishes and legal battles in the International Court of Justice.

Given the background, my country’s economic and Energy woes require a holistic understanding of the subject. This makes Economic policy specializing in Energy the right choice for my graduate studies. Furthermore, I can become an effective leader and economist in the sector through the interdisciplinary pedagogical approach covering policy, economics, management, law; practical skills; quantitative and qualitative analysis within an international context.

My aim is socio-economic development in tandem with confidence-building measures and strategic partnerships with the neighboring countries. Studying at Oxford will provide this learning opportunity in and out of the class as I will interact with some of the most brilliant minds worldwide and work in teams with them. I also look forward to student-led events, conferences, guest lectures, field trips, and panel discussions to augment my understanding of supranational political demands. This will help me lead economic policy reforms for the next 25 years.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

How to Write an Economics Personal Statement: Guide for 2022

When I was applying to university, there was very little publicly available advice on economics personal statements.

Several teachers give contradicting advice on personal statements. 

Often the advice from teachers is flat out wrong. This is especially a problem in some state schools.

How should you create your personal statement, if everyone is giving you different advice?

Now I have more experience with helping students with their economics personal statements.I have helped students specifically with economics personal statements for the last seven years.

You need one source of advice, all in one place.

How to Write your Economics Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide

I have put everything I know about economics personal statements in one guide. We start with five key steps and develop these in significant detail.

Avoid the most common mistakes in economics personal statements.

Get advice on each stage of writing, from what activities to include to how to write paragraphs and structure your piece.

Save time sifting through conflicting advice and examples.

Click the blue button below to purchase the economics personal statement guide:

More on the Economics PS Guide

The guide contains:

• An overall process to writing your statement, broken down into five steps.
• Reasons to study economics at university.
• Examples of economics activities you can include in your statement, including books, competitions, lectures and more.
• The importance of supercurricular (not the same as extracurricular) activities.
• How to pick activities.
• How to write about your activities.
• Common mistakes to avoid.
• Notes on introductions, conclusions and extracurricular activities.
• How to structure your PS.
• Recommended timelines

Schools and colleges often give poor advice on personal statements. I see this in the students I have previously advised on their personal statements. This is more likely to be an issue in state schools. 

Thus state schools and colleges can contribute to unequal outcomes for students in state schools versus private schools. See Shuker (2014) and Jones (2012) for academic evidence of how schools contribute to differences in personal statement quality. For example, Jones remarks on how state school students are likely to receive less help in writing personal statements and have fewer relevant activities to discuss.

What if you could receive high quality advice on your economics personal statement, all in one place? This is precisely what I intend this guide to offer.

What other students have to say

For more reviews, see my tutoring profiles on the following websites here and here (please kindly note I am not taking on any students at this time).

My name is Tom. A few key facts about me:

• Studied Economics at Cambridge at undergraduate and Master’s level.
• Advised students on economics personal statements for the top universities for the last seven years.
• Over 1000 hours as an economics tutor. Have held the top search position for economics tutors on two platforms. 
• Now my main focus is this website. My goal: provide economics advice and information to as many people as possible. (Please note that as a result, I am not currently taking on private tuition students).
• Also have experience working as an economist.

For more personal statement and university application tips for economics, click the link here . 

Lucie Shuker (2014) ‘It’ll look good on your personal statement’: self-marketing amongst university applicants in the United Kingdom , British Journal of Sociology of Education, 35:2, 224-243, DOI: 10.1080/01425692.2012.740804

Jones, S. (2012). Is the personal statement a fair way to assess university applicants? The Sutton Trust.

How to Write an Economics Personal Statement

Many students are unsure of how to write an Economics personal statement as they haven’t written one before. Starting your personal statement can be daunting, but you are not alone! We are here to give some pointers for students wishing to study Economics at university, particularly those applying to UK universities via UCAS. We have separated the process into three stages – research, writing and editing.

What to Research for your Economics Personal Statement

What to include in your economics personal statement, how to edit your economics personal statement, research your economics courses.

Research is vital for writing your Economics personal statement. First, you should have good knowledge of the Economics courses you are applying to. How does the university describe the Economics course (e.g. how Mathematical is it?). What content does the course include? Will your interested area in Economics be taught in the course?

Research Advice on How to Write an Economics Personal Statement

Second, you may want to read Economics personal statement examples from past applicants. This will give you some information what a good Economics personal statement includes, and what you should aim for. It is also good to look up any advice on writing personal statements. For example, this article you are reading! LSE also provides some general advice to writing any personal statement.

Research Which Aspect of Economics you are Interested in

Finally, you should research into the topic in Economics that you are interested in, which we will discuss more below. Google Scholar is a great way of searching for academic papers/essays regarding a specific Economics topic you want to learn more about. Another option may be to look through any suggested texts/reading for the university course you are applying to – does any topic in particular catch your eye? Finally, our article on Economics books to read for your personal statement may also help.

An Economics personal statement consist of many different components, and we explain the reason behind including each one in the sections below.

Area of Interest in Economics

In your statement, more than half of it should be used to show academic interest for a key topic/theme in Economics. The topic can be an extension to A-Level/IB syllabus that is slightly more advanced, or it can be something that will be explored further at degree level. This shows your understanding of Economics, and is a good opportunity to impress the admissions tutor with your enthusiasm. Remember – if you are interested in studying Economics, you should be self-motivated to learn more than what you are required to! Ideally, the topic/theme should also be tied to your personal reason to study the subject. This will make your interest more genuine, consistent and convincing. Have a specific topic in mind? Ask us about it !

Your Opinion on Economics

It is all well and good to explain what aspect of Economics you are interested in. However, that is not enough – admissions tutors would want to know your opinion on the issue/concept you discussed. They want to understand if have processed and understood what you have learnt, rather than just regurgitating it. It also demonstrates your ability to think and evaluate about a topic in Economics critically, showing independence of thought.

Motivation to Study Economics

Of course, you need to specify why you wish to study your subject in your statement. It is important to figure out a good reason here that is relevant to you personally, in order to stand out. Avoid generic reasons like ‘I wish to study Economics to understand the world better’ or ‘I wish to study Economics as my father works in finance’. Think deeper – what is it that is uniquely different about your environment, or what you experienced, that causes you to be interested about Economics?

Interest in Mathematics

For most, if not all Economics courses, there is a large amount of Mathematics involved. This is because Economics pursues a more scientific approach via Mathematical Modelling and Econometrics at higher levels of study. Hence, it is important for you to demonstrate your interest in Mathematics, and the use of it within Economics. You can reduce emphasis in this component if the course you are applying for involves less Mathematical modules.

Extra-curricular activities

It is important to include some extra-curricular activities relating to Economics, as it demonstrates your interest in the subject outside of your studies. Ideally this can relate to your area of interest in Economics and your motivation to study the subject. The activities can range from anything such as reading books on Economics , attending Economics events, to having a related work experience. If you want to include any experiences not relevant to Economics to show what you are like as a person, that is certainly acceptable, but should be less than 25% of your statement. Ask our Economics admissions advisor a free question below if you would like to know more about the various activities, and how to write about them.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Ask Wilfred a Free Question on GCE, IB or GCSE Economics * Email * We will answer your question by email and send you relevant notes/materials for your Economics course. Email Ask

After a first draft, it is important for you to get someone to review your Economics personal statement. This can help give you an objective perspective on what others think. Show it to your careers advisor at school, your Economics teacher, your Economics classmates, maybe even parents/siblings that have gone through a similar process. Of course, those who have more exposure to the subject may be a bit more helpful, like someone who applied for an Economics degree a few years ago. If you need professional, personalized advice on your Economics personal statement, you can reach out to our qualified admissions advisor for suggestions. After receiving feedback, you can edit your personal statement accordingly, taking into account each reader’s unique perspectives. You will then have to compare the suggestions and decide which parts/sentences to keep, change or remove. After many changes/edits your personal statement will finally be concise, unique and polished enough for submission!

You may also like

UK BSc. Economics Entry Requirements – 2020 Entry

Are you choosing which UK university BSc. Economics course to apply to? The table below shows BSc. Economics entry requirements for GCE […]

Economics Books to Read for Personal Statement

Need suggestions on Economics books to read for your personal statement? In fact, most students applying for a BSc. Economics degree course […]

How Much Maths is in Economics at University Level?

Many students hesitate about studying Economics at university level because they are worried about the amount of mathematics involved. This article aims […]

Economics Personal Statement Example

Applying to study a UK BSc. Economics degree but not sure how to approach your UCAS Economics personal statement? On this page, […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top Tips for a Cambridge Economics Personal Statement

Cambridge economics personal statement – top 10 tips: dos and don’ts.

The Cambridge Personal Statement is a crucial component of your 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. 

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Economics Personal Statement Cambridge tips. This includes dos and don’ts– for your Cambridge Economics Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

General Advice for Cambridge Personal Statement

The economics course at Cambridge is a comprehensive course that covers all types of economics: core, pure, and applied. Furthermore, the course at Cambridge is also engineered in a manner that allows students to use techniques and schools of thought from other related fields This includes sociology, statistics, mathematics, politics, and history.

Hence, your Cambridge personal statement should clearly demonstrate that you understand that the course is not only theoretical but also includes a significant portion of mathematical reasoning and knowledge. Furthermore, when planning out your Economics personal statement Cambridge admissions tutors will be looking for you to research Cambridge’s achievements in economics and include it in your writing to illustrate your interest in economics. 

Additionally, when you are crafting your Economics personal statement, you would most likely also be applying to four other university courses. This may result in your statement being vaguer. The University of Cambridge is aware of such and will require you to fill out an ‘Online Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)’. This is shortly after submitting the UCAS application. So make sure you’ve created another condensed version of your Economics personal statement that you can directly submit to Cambridge.

Top 5 Tips for your Cambridge Economics Personal Statement

1. demonstrate that you are well-read in economics ..

Cambridge does not presume prior knowledge of Economics (after all, you are going to Cambridge to study it!). However, being familiar with Economics terminology as well as its basic principles would give you an edge over other applicants. Furthermore, being well-read in the field also signals to the examiner that you are interested and passionate about the subject. You would take the initiative and seek out knowledge on your own if you are truly passionate about the subject! If you don’t know where to start, you can access Cambridge’s recommended preparatory reading list on their website, or through this link here: Prelim Reading . Furthermore, remember that you are not restricted to books! This could also be in the form of news articles – The Economist, The Guardian, The New Yorker, Vox, The New York Times, etc. are all great places to start. You can also read magazine columns. Or it could even be in other forms of medium such as podcasts, documentaries (available on accessible platforms such as Netflix!), or even Youtube videos. Watching an economics documentary instead of your usual prime-time TV show would be a great way to incorporate learning into your everyday lifestyle.

2. Demonstrating that you are proficient or interested in Mathematics .

Although it is not immediately obvious for an Economics course, the Economics course at Cambridge assumes and requires students to be proficient in Mathematics. Fret not, they only require you to have fully mastered your course syllabus and material at the A-level Mathematics level before commencing your studies. However, showing that you are proficient and interested in Mathematics would help you both in your application and if you end up pursuing the course as there are definitely mathematics components in the course. For example, if you take further mathematics, you would benefit from knowledge in Further Pure Mathematics as well as Statistics. Participating in mathematics competitions or having done work in statistics would be useful in your application as well as course.

3. Focusing your application on your interest in Economics .

Remember that in your Economics personal statement Cambridge admissions tutors are looking out for students who are interested and are a good fit for the course. Hence, it is always important to remember that in your personal statement Cambridge Economics should feature highly! Elaborate on your interest in Economics! You can do so by answering the following trigger questions: Why are you interested in Economics? Are there specific aspects of the course that interests you and why? Do you have any personal qualities or traits that would make you a good Economics student? Focusing your body paragraphs on certain aspects of Economics that interest you and why, or qualities that make you a good Economics student could be used as an overall structure when crafting your Economics Cambridge personal statement. Referencing relevant experiences and reflecting on them would also be useful when writing your personal statement.

4. Having a good structure for your Cambridge personal statement .

Using a good structure when writing your Economics Cambridge personal statement would be good to not only enhance readability but also allow you to not miss out on or forget certain points when crafting your personal statement. You can have a look at a Cambridge economics personal statement examples. But remember when looking at economics personal statement examples Cambridge admissions tutors are adept at spotting plagiarism so looking at it to gain an understanding of structure rather than content is a good option.

A good structure could look something like this: Introduction– A short 3-4 lines briefly mentioning the main reasons why you are interested in Economics, or how you started becoming interested in the course. Next, your body paragraphs can focus on traits that you have that would make you a good economics student, or specific details or aspects of the course that interests you. Each point could be one body paragraph, and you can support and elaborate on each point with examples (such as competitions that you have participated in, books surrounding those concepts that you have read, societies that you have been a part of, etc.) You can then conclude by summarising the important points you want your Cambridge admissions tutor to remember and take away.

5. Giving yourself sufficient time to write your Cambridge Economics personal statement .

It might seem impossible to start crafting your Economics Cambridge personal statement, especially when you are staring at a blank word document and you have no idea where to start. If you are experiencing writer’s block, you can start by listing down all your achievements and experiences. You can then list down details or aspects of the course (you can easily research this!) that interests you, as well as a separate list of qualities that an economics student should have. You can then match your experiences to any points from the two lists, and use each match as a backbone when fleshing out your body paragraphs!

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Economics Personal Statement

1. having a poor or incorrect understanding of the course.

Many students who apply for a course at university have a misguided or misinformed idea of the course that they would be studying. This is because their impression of the course is from hearsay or what they see in films, or they assume that it would be the same as the subject they studied in high school. For example, especially for economics, students would not expect the amount of mathematics or statistics that are part of the course.

Having a good understanding of what you are in for can also benefit you when writing your personal statement. For example, you can explain how parts of your interest or personality align well with specific or general aspects of the course. This signals to the Oxford admissions tutor that you understand what you are applying for and that you are interested and are a good fit for it.

2. Making your Economics personal statement an economics essay instead of elaborating on your interest or story

Although it is helpful to mention economic theories in your personal statement when you are trying to explain your motivation to study economics, or when elaborating on the books that you have read, ensure that you do not turn your whole Economics personal statement into an economics essay. Keep in mind that what the Cambridge admission tutors are looking out for when they are reading your personal statement is to understand why you want to study economics, and what makes you the perfect fit for the course. Even if you found a really difficult or obscure economics theory, talking at breadth about it rather than focusing on your story would put you at a disadvantage– these tutors would be experts in their field, and if they wanted to learn more about a particular theory, they would pick up a textbook instead of your Economics personal statement!

3. Using too much jargon or using vocabulary that you are not familiar with

You might think that using unconventional vocabulary or fancy terminology would make you sound or appear intelligent. However, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terms, this would actually work against you instead of helping your application. This is because your personal statement could end up sounding unnatural, wordy, and hard to read. Think about it this way– explaining a difficult concept in simple words is more impressive than using a difficult word incorrectly! Furthermore, Cambridge admissions tutors would be reading hundreds of Economics personal statements a day– If your Cambridge personal statement is full of jargon and tough words, it would be difficult for them to understand what you are trying to convey to them. You would not way your ideas to be lost in translation, so make sure you communicate in a simple and effective manner! Always value clarity over vocabulary.

4. Not reflecting on any experience that you mentioned in your Cambridge Economics personal statement

Your experience is only as valuable as what you have taken away or learnt from it. Especially when you are mentioning experiences that are not directly related to that of Economics, you should always mention how it is relevant to your application to Economics– whether it be your interest in it or certain personal qualities that you have. If you want to mention a particular experience that you have, however, you are unable to link it to Economics, you can think about how it has led you to develop certain transferable skills. For example, if you have done a lot of community service or volunteered at a charity, you can talk about how this has led you to be interested in learning more about Economics policies or theories that could help with inequality or poverty.

5. Only give yourself enough time to write a singular Cambridge Economics personal statement

Never expect to only write one Cambridge personal statement, and that being the final draft that you would be submitting. Your first personal statement that you craft would not be your best one, and you should always give yourself enough time to constantly improve and write multiple drafts to further improve it. After writing a draft that you are proud of, it would also be good for you to leave it aside and not think about it. After a week, you can return to it with a fresh mind, and you would be able to note out errors or aspects of it that you would like to further refine. You can also let seniors, friends, or your school’s career guidance counsellor proofread your Economics personal statement for them to give a more objective view and perspective on your personal statement. Their feedback could be immensely helpful, as sometimes we might not be the most objective person when telling our own stories. However, do remember to not share your Economics personal statement with anyone, as this could lead to unnecessary plagiarism problems!

Still got a question? Leave a comment

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Advice and feedback from our expert tutors on writing a standout personal statement

Prepare for your interview with the help of our expert Oxbridge tutors, who will personalise your sessions according to university and college

This comprehensive course includes tutorials, sample scenarios and model answers and award-winning strategies!

Related links

• FREE Applying to Oxbridge Course
• FREE Applying to Law Course
• FREE Applying to Medicine Course
• FREE Oxbridge Admissions Test Past Papers

Book Your Consultation

Searching . . .

Just start typing....

• Your ambitions
• During your study
• After you graduate

Up: Home > Your ambitions > Economics Personal Statement

• Economics Personal Statement

A personal statement is up to 4000 characters or 47 lines where you tell a University why you are a suitable candidate for the course. Unfortunately, there is no way of guaranteeing a place on your chosen course but a combination of a good personal statement and the right grades will certainly give you a good chance.

To offer you something useful, we asked senior Economics lecturers around the country what they like to see in an Economics personal statement;

1) Ensure the personal statement is grammatically correct and without spelling errors . Applicants have time to prepare and go over their statement over and over, as well as to get help from their teachers, parents etc. Sloppiness of this kind gives the worst possible impression .

2) Keep paragraphs short and to the point. This is easier to read than a big body of text – admissions officers are unlikely to spend a long time reading over the statement, so make the key points stand out.

3) I see little need to innovate by writing bizarre things so as to stand out – keep things clear, relevant and to the point, also statements such as ‘I have dreamt of studying Economics from when I was a small child’ are completely implausible and all too common! Show enthusiasm for the subject but back it up with evidence of this , such as relevant books you have read (but make sure you have indeed read them before an interview…if caught out lying, looks very weak – you would be surprised how often this happens), issues in the media or current affairs that interest you etc.

Emphasise the reasons why you’re interested in and want to study, Economics . What is it about the subject that makes you want to spend 3 years specialising in it? What especially appeals? If you’ve studied Economics before you might talk about some of the areas you’ve found most interesting; if not, then explain how you came to want to study it. I think this is an exercise that’s of value notwithstanding the personal statement: students who’ve thought carefully about their choice are more likely to make the right one and ultimately to enjoy success with their degrees . Both with this and more generally on the personal statement, be honest (for your own sake as much as the selector’s, remembering that any exaggerations and poorly thought out statements are likely to be exposed in the event of any interviews ) and resist the temptation to write what you think the selector wants to hear (e.g. “I have always loved Economics ever since I was 2”) or to try and flatter (e.g. “I welcome the chance to study at your esteemed institution”); both are likely to sound insincere, won’t convince and will therefore, add little value. Just be yourself, and be both interested and interesting!

Paragraph 1 – give a general introduction of why you wish to study Economics; this might include a particular aspect of the subject that fascinates you (though explain why), when your interest was peaked and how a degree in Economics fits in with your future career aspirations.

Paragraph 2 – give a brief account of why you are suitable for the degree(s) in questions, highlighting relevant A-level courses taken and aspects of them that were of interest. Give academic and non-academic reasons -applicants tend to focus on what they would take from the opportunity to study towards a particular degree- it is nice to explain how they hope to contribute also to the social fabric of the university and interaction within the course/degree.

Paragraph 3 – give evidence of interest for Economics by listing one or two popular Economics books (e.g. Freakonomics, Superfreakonomics, the Armchair Economist, the Bottom Billion…the list goes on) that you have read. Rather than giving an implausibly long list of books read, focus on one or two (or three if the course is a joint honours degree with other subjects) books and (this is crucial…) identify how the book/particular chapter/treatment of a particular issue fuelled your interest in Economics, in particular, what questions it raised in your mind that a degree in Economics would help answer.

Paragraph 4 – describe (briefly) any work experience/voluntary work, highlighting any aspects that are relevant to Economics. A few lines on hobbies or sporting activities could also be included – perhaps to show perseverance of enjoyment in interacting with others. Some interests e.g. debating, are arguably of more relevance than say, golf.

Somewhere in the statement – if applying from overseas, list the qualifications attained in English language and perhaps say a few words on how studying Economics in the U.K. is of particular value to you.

Paragraph 5 – list any awards, prizes etc attained or participation in things like the Model UN or Duke of Edinburgh awards. Some applicants are involved in Target 2.0 and in doing so get a first-hand feel of the role of monetary policy and how interest rates are set and inflation targeting. These are relevant to the statement.

A statement that follows the structure above should give enough information to satisfy most readers and should appear structured, well-written and clearly thought out.

Vague statements of interest with broad sweeping statements of unbridled enthusiasm for the subject lack credibility if not backed up by specific activities/books read/courses taken etc. In my view, a straightforward personal statement that gets all the core points across in a coherent way serves the purpose best.

Previous: How do I apply?

Next: Disability and access requirements

Share this:

• What qualifications do I need to study Economics?
• Joint honours
• Where can I study Economics?
• How do I apply?
• Disability and access requirements
• Why study economics?
• Other useful sites

Hosted by The Economics Network at the University of Bristol . All rights reserved.

Browser does not support script.

• Undergraduate
• Executive education
• Study Abroad
• Summer schools
• Online certificate courses
• International students
• Meet, visit and discover LSE

Personal statement

The quality of an applicant's personal statement is very important at LSE. The School does not interview for places so this is an applicant’s only opportunity to demonstrate they are a good fit for the course. Applicants should consult the advice here, as well as advice from UCAS when preparing to complete this section of their application. 

Please note that writing a personal statement following the guidelines below does not guarantee an offer of admission. Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE. 

LSE does not accept additional or supplementary personal statements. We can only consider the personal statement submitted via UCAS.

Writing your personal statement

We expect that your submitted Personal Statement is structured and coherent and that you fully utilise the space available on your UCAS application form. We expect that you have checked spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your Personal Statement flows in a logical order. We expect that your Personal Statement is entirely your own original work. We reserve the right to reject your application where it has been found that a statement has significant similarities to a previous submission or has been created with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Before you start writing, do your research

Before you start writing your personal statement, you should visit our course guides . These guides give information on the course content of each of our undergraduate programmes. 

When assessing your personal statement our Admissions Selectors will look at how well your academic interests align with the LSE course. So, for example, the Anthropology Admissions Selector is likely to prefer a statement which focuses mainly on social anthropology - which is taught at LSE - over one which suggests the applicant is very interested in biological anthropology, or a combined degree with archaeology, as these courses are not offered at the School. 

Similarly, a personal statement which shows an interest mostly in modern international history (the focus of LSE’s International History course) is likely to be more competitive than one which shows a significant interest in ancient history, as LSE does not offer any ancient history units.   

If you are applying for a range of slightly different courses, we recommend that you focus your personal statement on the areas of overlap between them, so that your statement appeals to all of your UCAS choices. It is important to note that LSE does not accept replacement or supplementary personal statements. 

What to include in your personal statement

Your personal statement should discuss for the most part your academic interest in the subject you wish to study. One way to think about the personal statement is to reflect on what we expect from LSE undergraduates: we ask them to learn about topics relevant to their course, through reading or other experiences, and then discuss the ideas they have encountered in academic essays. This is the skill we look for in the personal statement and we recommend at least 80% of your statement should be dedicated to this type of academic discussion. 

How you show your wider engagement with your subject is entirely up to you. Our Selectors look for students who can best reflect on the experiences and academic ideas they have encountered through the opportunities available to them, not those who have had the best opportunities. If you are not sure where to start, you could try listening to podcasts of LSE public events or look in the prospectus for examples of suggested reading. Remember we are interested not just in a list of what you have read/encountered, but evidence you have reflected on the academic ideas. 

To help you begin, there are several questions you could think about:

• Why have you chosen the course? What attracted you to the subject? Which aspects of the subject have interested you sufficiently to want to study it at degree level? Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on? What are the big issues in the subject, and what do you find most interesting about them? What are your thoughts on these topics?
• Have you developed your subject interest outside of your school studies? For example, have you undertaken any additional reading to broaden your knowledge of the subject? Have you attended lectures or explored online material relating to the subject? What did you find interesting in your reading/in the lectures you attended and what are your thoughts on the topics covered?
• Have you gained any skills from your other school subjects that complement your application to study your chosen subject? Have you had the opportunity to undertake work experience relevant to your application? If you did, how did this experience give you a wider understanding of the topics you will study at university?
• Have you attended any schemes or activities at LSE or other universities, such as Summer Schools, Saturday Schools, LSE Choice, etc? What you have learned from these? Have they furthered your knowledge of or interest in your chosen subject?

If you are applying for deferred entry, as well as thinking about the questions listed above, you may also wish to indicate (briefly) why you are taking a gap year and what you plan to do during the year. 

If you are applying as a post-qualified student (ie, you have already received your final results), you may wish to mention briefly what you have been doing since your exams. 

Please note : You are not expected to simply answer all of the questions above; these questions are merely intended to give you some guidance as to what to think about when writing your statement. 

Extra-curricular activities

At LSE you are admitted to study a particular degree course so the majority of your personal statement − at least 80% − should focus on your academic interest in that subject. Many students like to include some details of their extra-curricular activities such as involvement in sports, the arts, volunteering or student government. As our Selectors are most interested in your academic interests, we recommend that no more than 20% of your statement is spent discussing extra-curricular activities. 

Applying to combined degree programmes

LSE offers a number of combined degree programmes. If you are applying to one of these programmes, you are advised to give equal weighting to each subject in your statement. For instance, if you are applying to our Politics and Economics degree, you must show evidence of interest in both subjects; a statement weighted towards only one aspect of the degree will be significantly less competitive.

Example of a poor personal statement

"I have always dreamed of coming to LSE since I was young. It has been a dream of mine to study at this institution, which is well renowned for its social science courses.  

I am currently studying History, English and Business and Management at Higher level and Italian, Maths and Chemistry at Standard level in the International Baccalaureate, and feel that these subjects are providing me with a solid background for university study.  

I want to study History because I want to be a world class Historian, and feel that this degree will help me. I am especially interested in Ancient History, particularly the history concerning the Roman Empire. I am fascinated by the way in which the empire was run, and the events that led to its downfall.  

"I was the captain of the school football team, and this has taught me the importance of working together as a team, and allowed me to prioritise my time between my studies and football practice. I feel that this has provided me with the experience to successfully balance my academic and social life, and I plan to continue this balance whilst at university.  

It is my dream to become an alumnus of the School, and I am sure that as I am the top student of my class, you will offer me a place."  

This brief example of a personal statement is poor. The applicant has mentioned an interest in history but they have not discussed this in depth or shown any evidence of wider engagement with the subject. Where the applicant does talk about history, the discussion is superficial and focussed on ancient history, which LSE does not offer as part of our history course. 

The applicant has specifically mentioned LSE, which is likely to be unattractive to their other choices, and has wasted space listing their International Baccalaureate subjects, which would be shown in the qualifications section. The applicant has described how a history degree will help them get the job they later want, rather than what they are looking forward to studying during the degree. 

The applicant has reflected on the transferable skills they have developed leading the football team. This is good, but it would be nice to see the same level of reflection applied to academic topics - this student has spent more time talking about football than about history. 

UCAS reference Your teacher's reference: what we're looking for

Watch this presentation LSE Admissions Specialist Paul talks about personal statements

Study at LSE webinars Watch our Personal Statement FAQs webinar

Explore our Virtual Undergraduate Open Day Resources, guidance and videos on applying to LSE and more

Use our programme finder Explore our undergraduate degrees

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course search & discover.

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

University of Kent

South East England · 96% Recommended

Ravensbourne University London

London (Greater) · 88% Recommended

University of Surrey

South East England · 98% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

West London Institute of Technology

WLIoT provides students with higher technical skills that are demanded by employers, learn more here!

Surrey has been shortlisted for the University of the Year 2023 - find out more here!

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, statement advice.

What to include in a Personal Statement

Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement example economics personal statement.

Are you a strategist, analyst and problem solver?

Stay ahead of the trends with Economics at the University of Kent

Economics Personal Statement

My interest in studying economics is born from my growing up in the wake of an economic crisis that affects both my present and my future. The huge rise in unemployment and poverty that followed the great recession are things that mean my generation face a great struggle as we leave education and enter the working world. Economics is a subject grounded in that which effects the lives of people all over the world today; it is constantly evolving and growing and there is always more to be found and learnt which I believe makes it a truly brilliant subject. few other subjects have foundations in both maths and human nature, but I believe that economics is something which really allows people to see how the two connect.

I spent a lot of time reading about world events and watching the news, and learning about the horrors and troubles faced by the entire world all the time is something that fuels my passion for economics. I believe that as far as we have come as a race, there is still so much further we can go, and so many more ways we can improve, by growing and learning, the lives of people around the globe. I think studying economics at university can help me to change the world – to truly effect lives and improve them for the better, to narrow the wealth gap that allows few to live in luxury and many to suffer poverty, when that need not be the case.

At AS-level I studied Mathematics, English Literature, Physics and Economics. Studying economics at as-level was one of the first times if truly encountered the subject, and learning it with little to no prior knowledge only made it that much more interesting to discover. I find both micro and macro economics hugely intriguing to learn, as both play a part in the way that countries are run globally, and I feel that understanding and employing knowledge of both are essential for the betterment of societies everywhere.

Although I used to believe that maths, while enjoyable for me, had no roots in the real world, economics is something that really showed me how very much it does. This means that I am very keenly interested in the mathematical side of maths –  econometrics is one of my favourite disciplines within economics. I find it so interesting because it seems to me that using these models and equations we can predict humanity’s behaviour, and almost tell the future. In that regard one can almost see economics as being magical; it incites a passionate interest me and I would love to take the subject on to a deeper knowledge.

I recently did work experience at a management practice, which helped me develop my organisational skills and taught me a lot about businesses and management, two areas which are heavily entrenched in economic theory. I spent much of my time there working closely with the manager and owner of the company, and learnt directly from him what it took to start up and effectively run his business. Many of the things I learnt from him were echoes of that which I learnt from economics, and the reality of how theory is applied in the real world is another reason I want to study economics so much.

I’ve always been passionate about trying new things and learning new skills, and generally try to overcome any challenges that come my way without backing down. As a member of a girls guiding unit I learned a lot about how to work as part of a team, and also gained leadership skills as I entered the senior section and I worked for my young leaders qualification. Working towards my gold Duke of Edinburgh award has taught me a lot about long term commitment and dedication, and has motivated me to pursue many different new interests, such as Ju Jitsu lessons. The pursuit of this martial art gave me a lot of new self confidence as I learnt self defence, and it has also taught me a lot about self discipline.

Recommended Course

Recommended Statements

Submitted by anonymous

Economics and Management Personal Statement

Economics attempts to understand and address many of the world’s most serious problems. I would like to en...

Economics and Finance Personal Statement

Over recent years I have developed a passion for looking at current events and how they affect the economy...

My desire to study Economics at university stems from my interest in the incredible pace of change in the ...

The dynamic consumer society we live in is governed by many different factors, which I have developed a fa...

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Uni of Kent

417 courses

Ravensbourne

Uni of Surrey

437 courses

Uni of Roehampton

268 courses

West London IoT

Northeastern Uni

Goldsmiths, UOL

273 courses

Uni of Sunderland

200 courses

Uni of Portsmouth

542 courses

Queen's Uni

411 courses

Cardiff Met Uni

304 courses

Middlesex Uni

469 courses

245 courses

Uni of Chester

399 courses

Uni of East London

317 courses

Uni of Winchester

161 courses

Uni of Suffolk

109 courses

Escape Studios

Swansea Uni

780 courses

238 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

419 courses

528 courses

Coventry Uni

445 courses

Uni of Bradford

197 courses

Uni of Leicester

267 courses

Uni for Creative Arts

323 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

327 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

336 courses

Heriot-Watt Uni

208 courses

Staffordshire Uni

272 courses

414 courses

Uni of Westminster

Anglia Ruskin Uni

460 courses

Kingston Uni

378 courses

UWE, Bristol

249 courses

Leeds Arts University

Uni of Essex

797 courses

Wrexham Uni

168 courses

355 courses

Uni of C.Lancashire

438 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

458 courses

Uni of Brighton

253 courses

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Bath Spa Uni

295 courses

Edge Hill Uni

243 courses

Uni of Hull

Nottingham Trent

539 courses

Edinburgh Napier

184 courses

Uni of Reading

393 courses

Find the latest from Uni Compare

University of Roehampton

Interested in studying Engineering? Roehampton are building a new sustainable engineering and technology building - learn more here!

Goldsmiths offers creative, cultural and social courses - click here to learn more!

• Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPE 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Economics 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Modern Languages 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Land Economy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Psychology 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge English 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Human Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge History 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Geography 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Philosophy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Classics 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Architecture 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge HSPS Programme 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biomedical Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Engineering 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Natural Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Maths 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Computer Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Physics 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPL 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Veterinary Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Chemistry 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biology 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biochemistry 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Dentistry 24/25 Entry
• IMAT Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Can’t Find Your Subject?
• Law Interview Programme
• PPE Interview Programme
• Economics Interview Programme
• Oxbridge Medicine Interview Programme
• Natural Science Interview Programme
• Engineering Interview Programme
• Maths Interview Programme
• Dentistry Interview Programme
• Medicine MMI Interview Programme
• Our Guarantee

Our Students

Student Success Stories

• University Access Scheme
• New Tutor Application Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Free Expert Consultation
• +44 (0) 208 068 0438
• [email protected]

SCIENCE PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

HUMANITIES PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

GET STARTED

Can't find your subject?

OXFORD TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

CAMBRIDGE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

MEDICINE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

View Our Free admissions guides & resources

How UniAdmissions Cracked The Oxbridge Formula

Applying for Oxbridge is an opportunity seldom approached correctly. So how do you enter the top 16% of a strong cohort of applicants that get an offer? Discover how UniAdmissions get 2/3 of our students in.

When Do 2024 Medicine Offers Come Out?

When do UK Medical School Interviews start and when do they release their final offers to applicants? Find out all the dates for 2024 medical school admissions in this helpful guide.

Inside The UniAdmissions Portal: The UA Advantage

UniAdmissions students have access to the world's first dedicated Oxbridge admissions preparation platform, and this guide will help you discover exactly how the Portal will help you get your offer.

Discover all guides

ABOUT UNIADMISSIONS

Learn about who the world's first Oxbridge prep school are.

Learn about the Portal; the heart of our Programmes.

UniAdmissions' Foundation

The Foundation is our charitable arm to support disadvantaged students.

Students & Tutors

Discover who a UniAdmissions student is and our admissions criteria.

Learn about our high-performing Oxbridge tutors.

We're proud of our alumni. Read about their journey with UniAdmissions here.

Admissions Resources

Free Admissions Guides

Visit our Learning Centre and read our in-depth free guides.

We are the world's biggest Oxbridge application publisher. Learn more here.

Teachers Learning Hub

Learn about how to help your students get their place at Oxbridge.

Get Started

• Access Student Portal
• Oxbridge Programmes
• Open Day Webinar
• Tutor Application Form
• Common Questions
• Download Our Prospectus
• Book Consultation

Successful Personal Statement For Economics & Management At Oxford

Last Updated: 22nd 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 an Economics and Managment applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Economics and Management Course at Oxford examines issues central to the world we live in: namely how the economy and organisations function, and how resources are allocated and coordinated to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate the many disciplines of E&M. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

The World’s First Oxbridge Preparatory School

Welcome to UniAdmissions, the world’s first Oxbridge preparatory school with an Oxbridge success rate of 57% and with over 500+ UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford and Cambridge.

Performing well in the TSA is crucial for your application. Our Economics Premium Programme prepares you to score highly through one-to-one tuition sessions, intensive courses, and more.

Economics and Management Personal Statement

Economics is the study of now. I view it as the study of the psychology of the people who dictate our lives. The world around us is shaped by the fundamental concept of supply and demand, wants and needs, goods and services. What grips me is that everything I have studied I can apply to real life. Discussions about inflation, for example, are so applicable since its current status is active in the world of pricing; the price of a Big Mac and “Burgernomics” is something to which I can relate from my travels.

The statistical aspect of economic analysis is closely linked to my interest in Mathematics, thus I will take an Econometric route on option modules. This scientific approach to what is otherwise a field-based solely on individual theories and concepts interests me, as I find quantitative analysis much more accurate and reliable than qualitative theories. As an example, I relish analysing more Econometric models on the A-level Course: like Profit Maximisation calculations.

Despite this, Economics intertwines both Maths and Philosophy on a regular basis. I recently read an article from the Guardian by George Monbiot, which discussed the cost-benefit analysis model and whether nature could be quantified as a tangible asset, and how this would benefit neo-liberals in their perpetual quest for profit. This is just an example of how Econometric analysis does not always deliver such verisimilitude where the figures given are ambiguous. This is what is unique about Economics: there is no right answer to the question ‘Is there a right answer?’ The concept of there being methods of analysing the psychology of and nature behind the way that the interface between consumers and producers operates seems to exceed all other subjects in terms of interest.

I find it peculiar that a subject that has such a ubiquitous undercurrent in our society is so undefined and obscure; it is undoubtedly this which draws me to it. Consequently, I strive to keep up with Economics in the modern world by reading the “I” and “Guardian” newspapers, and “The Economist” magazine regularly. For wider background reading I have read Marx’s “Communist Manifesto”, Tim Hartford’s “The Undercover Economist” and “Too Big To Fail” by Andrew Ross Sorkin.

Sorkin’s book provided a gripping, in-depth insight into the world of investment banking and entrepreneurship – I finished the book in a matter of days. His book has inspired me to enter the investment sector. Upon graduation I would like to become an investment banker or negotiator, hence I am in the process of trying to arrange some work experience with the London Metal Exchange.

I completed a programme of work experience with Linden Homes this summer, through the Career Academy Programme on which I am enrolled. It was a six-week internship during which I gained a firm understanding of a construction company’s place within the national economy. I enjoyed spending valuable time in a variety of departments within the firm. I also have work experience planned in Belgium in 2013.

Additionally, I participate in a multitude of extracurricular activities. My team and I finished second in the national UMPH Business Competition; in Year 11 my team set the school record for the Enterprise Day Challenge and for three consecutive years my team won the Grimsby Inter-School Quiz without loss. Furthermore, I am part of both the Franklin College Debating Team and the weekly “Blue Sky Club”, where students meet to discuss current affairs.

Recently, a particular subject of interest has been the US election. We frequently discuss the debates and the candidates, covering subjects like their political viewpoints and how it will affect both our lives and those of the American public – plus the potential Economic ramifications of the possible outcomes. With a genuine zeal for the subject and an ability to relate my studies to the real world, I am convinced that I will thoroughly thrive at degree level Economics.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

The student gives a good insight into their academic interests and what’s inspired them to develop over time. They also demonstrate a passion for the subject, not only by stating their interest in it but by further explaining what interests them and why they would make a good candidate to study it at university. The student is already accomplished and explains well what they’ve gained from their various extra-curricular activities.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The writing is weak and, at points, unnatural. The forced interjections of examples and unusual adjectives make it read like a student attempting to write a formal and formulaic exam essay. They would do better to write in their usual style, even if it is somewhat informal; this will allow them to better express themselves and they will come across as more interesting to those reading it. More importantly than this, however, at times, the student fails to keep up their otherwise good level of detail, and the writing becomes list-like.

This is particularly prominent when they discuss books they’ve read to develop their understanding of economics. Although they expand on one of these, they do so in little detail. Interviewers are unlikely to be impressed by simply mentioning that you’ve read a book – any student applying for degree-level economics is able to read The Communist Manifesto, for instance – but they will be impressed by your response to it and what you gained from the experience of reading it. Unless you expand on these details, a list of books you’ve read does nothing to contribute to the statement.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This statement is strong, except where it discusses academic work. The detail here was likely sacrificed in favour of expanding further on their extra-curricular activities and their particular areas of interest. However, they have limited discussion of their study of various classic economic works so severely that it fails to add anything to the piece. The statement would, therefore, benefit from a more balanced approach to the various areas of the student’s life.

We give this Economics Personal Statement a 4/5 as they have clearly projected their passion for the subject onto paper – the most important part of a strong Personal Statement – albeit this was at the cost of other factors that should have been covered in more depth.

And there we have it – an Oxford E&M 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.

Our Free Personal Statement Resources page is filled with even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford E&M application.

With our  Oxbridge Economics Premium Programme we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , achieve a highly competitive TSA score and teach you how to  Interview effectively.

Discover our  Oxbridge Economics Premium Programme  by  clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

AI Writing & UCAS Personal Statements: What You Need To Know

When it comes to writing in the 2020s, AI-Generation has become one of the most important issues for many industries,…

Cambridge Announces the ESAT to replace the NSAA and ENGAA

In 2023, it was announced by the University of Cambridge that many of their established admissions tests would stop being…

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

As a teacher, you will support students with their UCAS Personal Statements every year, but what about Personal Statements for…

UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

On January 12th 2023, UCAS announced that the traditional Personal Statement would be replaced by a multi-question form for university…

Writing an Economics and Management Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we…

Successful Personal Statement For Computer Science At Oxford

Read through a successful Computer Science Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why…

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

• We cracked the Oxbridge formula . Find out what we discovered here.
• Looking for application support? Don't work with a random tutor. This is what you need to know first.
• Get up-to-date Oxbridge advice with our webinars. Follow our Open Days led by our experts and stay updated.
• Begin your Oxbridge journey with UniAdmissions through our programmes of support by clicking here.

How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Economics and accounting personal statement example.

Accounting to me is not just a subject, but a life skill. It invokes not only the core disciplines of business and economics but it provides these in both a local and global context.

I see Accounting as an international common language between businesses, to analyse accounts and influence future decisions companies will make.

The application of business within the accounting degree has been one of the major pulling factors that have influenced my decision to study the subject.

After studying GCSE business and discovering the accounting and finance aspect of it, I have become fascinated to learn more, going on to extend my knowledge of the subject by reading outside of the school environment.

As an avid reader of the Accounting blog on the tutor2u website, I have gained a good grounding in the fundamental application of accounting, especially in the way websites such as ‘facebook’s’ growth is driven by their own growth through advertising, and the fact that their books and accounts continue to stay cash flow positive, despite their impressive rate of expansion.

I am particularly interested in the law aspect of the course and how decisions made can influence an individuals’ desire to defraud their accounts to avoid taxation, and the often extensive amount of time it takes to bring these people to justice.

Although initially studying psychology may not seem to have a direct influence on accounting, I feel the knowledge I have learnt about the interaction of people’s behaviour in social situations will help me greatly. This would especially be within the aspects of the course that involve management methods and organisational behaviour.

By studying Economics at A level I have found that it has had a profound effect on accounting.

The understanding I have acquired of the financial world as a whole has provided me with a strong awareness of international sections of the course. The barrier for trade inside and outside of the EU and how this affects profit margins, with relevance to extra costs on balance sheets is one example.

This awareness will help equip me to have a better understanding of real world accounting situations, where I hope to find my self in the future.

Last summer I was accepted on a two week work experience placement at the Bank of England to do shadowing and accounting of my own, however due to circumstances beyond my own control, it fell through, much to my disappointment. Nevertheless I have tried to keep in touch with current Accounting developments through the newspapers and internet.

I am currently completing my silver Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and I am planning an eight day trip, alongside “World Challenge Organisation”, to Norway next summer for my Gold expedition. The trip will be funded entirely through the money my team raise. I feel these experiences have helped me develop valuable life skills such as the desire to achieve, self-confidence and discipline.

I believe that these skills I have learnt will provide the perfect platform for a degree in accounting and aid me on into the workplace. I also play hockey for the North of England and have captained both Yorkshire and South Yorkshire sides as well as my School and Club teams.

Hockey is a major part of my extracurricular life, giving me teamwork and leadership skills and I feel I could contribute greatly to a wide range of university activities.

I look forward to studying accounting at degree level. This will allow my interest in the subject to flourish. I hope to immerse myself fully in the experience and challenges the university will provide.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by ash4932 for application in 2011.

ash4932's Comments

I believe that this a one of the best personal statements around i hope to use this to help others. I received 5/5 offers last year with this but unfortunatly missed out on my grades by 4 marks i have applied again this year and within a week i had 4 conditional offers. Hope this helps!

Related Personal Statements

Universities.

Sun, 10/07/2011 - 20:20

to which universities have you applied for? Is Oxford, Cambridge and LSE one of them?

P.S.: It is really nice one

It is a very strong and

Fri, 19/07/2013 - 16:51

It is a very strong and smooth personal statement, what I wanted to know was how my offers did you receive once to sent out the personal statement to your chosen universities?

Add new comment

Advertisement

Supported by

Inflation Was Hotter Than Expected in March, Unwelcome News for the Fed

The surprisingly stubborn reading raised doubts about when — and even whether — the Federal Reserve will be able to start cutting interest rates this year.

• Share full article

+3.8% excluding

food and energy

+3.5% in March

By Jeanna Smialek

A closely watched measure of inflation remained stronger than expected in March, worrying news for Federal Reserve officials who have become increasingly concerned that their progress on lowering price increases might be stalling.

The surprisingly stubborn inflation reading raised doubts among economists about when — and even whether — the Fed will be able to start cutting interest rates this year.

The Consumer Price Index climbed 3.8 percent on an annual basis after stripping out food and fuel prices, which economists do in order to get a better sense of the underlying inflation trend. That “core” index was stronger than the 3.7 percent increase economists had expected, and unchanged from 3.8 percent in February. The monthly reading was also stronger than what economists had forecast.

Counting in food and fuel, the inflation measure climbed 3.5 percent in March from a year earlier, up from 3.2 percent in February and faster than what economists anticipated. A rise in gas prices contributed to that inflation number.

This week’s inflation figures come at a critical juncture for the Fed. Central bankers have been hoping to confirm that warmer-than-expected inflation figures at the start of the year were just a seasonal quirk, not evidence that inflation is getting stuck well above the 2 percent target. Wednesday’s report offers little comfort that the quick early 2024 readings have not lasted.

“It is what it is: It’s a stronger-than-expected number, and it’s showing that those price pressures are strong across goods and services,” said Blerina Uruci, chief U.S. economist at T. Rowe Price. “It’s problematic for the Fed. I don’t see how they can justify a June cut with this strong data.”

Policymakers have made it clear in recent months that they want to see further evidence that inflation is cooling before they cut interest rates. Fed officials raised borrowing costs to 5.3 percent in 2022 and mid-2023, which they think is high enough to meaningfully weigh on the economy. Central bankers forecast in March that they would cut interest rates three times this year.

But Fed officials do not want to cut rates before they are confident inflation is on track to return to normal. Lowering borrowing costs too early or too much would risk allowing price increases to pick back up. And if households and businesses come to expect inflation to remain slightly higher, officials worry that could make it even harder to stamp out down the road.

That threat of lingering inflation has become a more serious concern for policymakers since the start of the year. Inflation flatlined in January and February after months of steady declines, raising some alarm at the Fed and among forecasters. Going into the year, investors expected the Fed to cut rates sharply in 2024 — perhaps five or six times, to about 4 percent — but have steadily dialed back those expectations .

Stocks dropped sharply after the inflation release as investors further pared back their expectations for lower rates. Following the report, market pricing suggested that many investors now expect just one or two cuts his year.

The S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite each closed nearly 1 percent lower on Wednesday. The Russell 2000 index, which tracks smaller companies, was down nearly 3 percent.

Investors would like to see lower interest rates, which tend to bolster prices for assets like stocks. But the Fed might struggle to explain why it is cutting rates at the current moment: Not only is inflation showing signs of getting stuck well above the central bank’s target, but the economy is growing at a fairly rapid pace and employers are hiring at a robust clip.

In short, the Fed’s policies do not appear to have pushed America to the brink of a recession — and in fact, there are signs that they may not be having as much of an effect as policymakers had expected when it comes to growth.

While the Fed officially targets Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation , a separate measure, the Consumer Price Index report released on Wednesday comes out earlier and includes data that feeds into the other metric. That makes it a closely watched signal of how price pressures are shaping up.

The inflation report’s details offered little reason to dismiss the gauge’s continued stubbornness as a fluke. They showed that housing inflation remains firm, auto insurance costs picked up at a rapid pace and apparel prices climbed.

Monthly changes in March

Motor vehicle insurance

Gasoline (all types)

Motor vehicle repair

Hospital services

Meats, poultry, fish, eggs

Electricity

All items excl. food and energy

Tobacco products

Rent of primary residence

Nonalcoholic beverages

Food away from home

Medical care commodities

Fruits, vegetables

Alcoholic beverages

Physicians’ services

Piped utility gas service

Dairy products

New vehicles

Airline fares

Cereals, bakery products

Used cars, trucks

Motor vehicle maintenance and repair

Meats, poultry, fish and eggs

All items excluding food and energy

Tobacco and smoking products

Nonalcoholic beverages and materials

Fruits and vegetables

Dairy and related products

Cereals and bakery products

Used cars and trucks

In a development that is likely to be especially notable for Fed officials, a measure of services inflation contributed to the pickup in annual inflation. Policymakers watch those prices closely, because they can reflect the strength of the underlying economy and because they tend to persist over time.

The question, increasingly, is whether Fed officials can cut interest rates at all this year in a world where inflation appears to be flatlining.

Ms. Uruci said that with every month inflation stays stubborn, the Fed may need to see more convincing evidence — and a more sustained return to deceleration — to feel confident that price increases are genuinely coming under control.

Kathy Bostjancic, Nationwide’s chief economist, predicted that rate cuts could now be delayed to this autumn, if they happen in 2024 at all.

“We now think September, if they start to cut rates, is more likely than July,” Ms. Bostjancic said. The new report “shakes the confidence that inflation is on this downward trend.”

If the Fed does not cut rates soon, the election could make the start of reductions more politically fraught. Central bankers are independent of the White House and typically insist that they do not make policy with an eye on the political calendar.

Still, cutting in the months just before the election could put policymakers under a partisan spotlight : Former President Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has already painted possible rate cuts as a political ploy to help Democrats. Lower rates tend to help incumbents, since they bolster the economy.

But the current economic moment is a politically complicated one.

Consumers dislike rapidly rising prices, and inflation has been dogging President Biden’s approval ratings for months. That said, consumers have become less concerned about them in recent months as the pace of inflation has come down from its peak in 2022.

At the same time, some Americans are chafing against high interest rates, the medicine the Fed uses to cure rapid inflation because they make it more expensive to borrow to buy a house or make other large purchases.

Mr. Biden has struck a concerned tone about high prices and tough housing affordability conditions in recent months, while pinning at least some of the blame for recent rapid inflation on corporations.

He reiterated that message on Wednesday, while saying that he still expects to see rate cuts this year. Mr. Biden’s comments amounted to a forecast rather than a prescription, but they were unusual coming from a White House that usually avoids talking about Fed policy out of respect for the central bank’s independence.

“We have dramatically reduced inflation down from 9 percent to close to 3 percent,” Mr. Biden also noted.

Jeanna Smialek covers the Federal Reserve and the economy for The Times from Washington. More about Jeanna Smialek

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Commerce

Was this page helpful, by the numbers: continuing to outpace expectations, u.s. economy gains over 300,000 jobs in march.

GDP and Personal Income Rise in All 50 States and the District of Columbia

Job creation in March exceeded expectations, with 303,000 jobs added to the U.S. economy, according to the latest report from the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nearly 15.2 million jobs have been created under President Biden and unemployment has remained under 4 percent—the longest stretch in 50 years.

In addition, according to the latest statistics from Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, both real gross domestic product — or GDP—and personal income increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in the fourth quarter of 2023. GDP increased in 18 of the 23 industry groups, with manufacturing and retail leading growth nationally. Construction activity, meanwhile, grew in 45 states and the District of Columbia.

For 2023, real—or inflation-adjusted—GDP increased in 49 states and the District of Columbia, while current dollar personal income increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GDP increased in 17 of the 23 industry groups, with retail, professional, scientific, and technical services, and health care and social assistance, leading contributors to GDP growth nationally for the year. Wages also continue to rise. According to BLS, over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.1 percent.

“Over 15 million jobs have been created since President Biden took office and we continue to see economic growth in all 50 states and the District of Columbia,” said Secretary Raimondo. “That’s an extraordinary story of progress and a clear testament of President Biden’s commitment to building the economy from the middle out and bottom up.”

As part of his  economic agenda , President Biden is committed to creating more jobs in the United States and an economy that works for all Americans. For more information, see President Biden's statement on the March Jobs Report.

By the numbers is a blog series that showcases the Commerce Department’s economic indicators and how they impact the American economy.

Share this page

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

Israel vows to respond to Iran attack, weighs next steps during 'significant 24-hour period'

What we know.

• The U.N. Security Council met to discuss and respond to Iran's attack, where Secretary-General António Guterres said "it's vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations in multiple fronts in the Middle East."
• President Joe Biden convened a meeting of G7 leaders where they "condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel," the White House said .
• The attack yesterday was in retaliation for the April 1 Israeli bombing of its consular building in Syria, which killed two of Tehran’s top commanders. Israel will respond to Iran’s attack, but no final decisions about the size or timing of the response have been made, an Israeli official told NBC News .

Coverage on this live blog has ended. Please check here for the latest updates.

Blinken spoke with Middle Eastern leaders today about Iran's attack on Israel

Abigail Williams

Rebecca Cohen

Blinken spoke with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan today about Iran's overnight attack on Israel, spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

In his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Blinken reiterated that the U.S. will continue to support Israel but does not want escalation in the region. The pair agreed that a coordinated diplomatic response is crucial.

Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry also agreed on wanting to avoid escalation and on the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response, as well as the need to get humanitarian assistance into Gaza, to protect Palestinians and achieve a cease-fire deal that also releases the remaining hostages.

Blinken and Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, discussed similar topics, agreeing that escalation should be avoided and on the need to end the crisis in Gaza, leading to a solution that "provides lasting peace" for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Blinken thanked Jordan for leading the way on getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza, including through joint efforts with the U.S. to airdrop deliveries over the enclave.

Hostage families remain focused on securing freedom for remaining 133 hostages

Anna Schecter

Hagar Brodutch, who was kidnapped by Hamas along with her three children, endured another terrifying night yesterday during the Iranian missile attack.

This morning, she said she is hoping for a swift end to war.

“We had a horrible evening and night. I just wish the war would be over already. We can’t stand it anymore,” Brodutch said via WhatsApp.

She and her children were kidnapped from kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct. 7 and held captive for 51 days in Gaza.

While in captivity, Brodutch also cared for 4-year-old American Abigail Eden, whose parents were killed by Hamas. Brodutch and Abigail were freed in a prisoner exchange on Nov. 26. More than 100 people still remain in captivity.

Daniel Aloni, a former hostage who was freed with her 5-year-old daughter, Emilia, on Nov. 24 said she worries the rising tensions with Iran could divert attention from the hostages in Gaza. 

“I don’t know how Israel will choose to respond to the massive attack carried out yesterday by Iran,” Aloni said. “However, I hope we do not get dragged into an escalation in the region, as a regional war would divert attention from the 133 hostages still held by Hamas under dire conditions, injured or ill, in Gaza." 

The Hostage Family Forum, a group that represents the families of hostages, said in a statement today that amid the stress and anxiety of last night’s attack, the focus should still be on the remaining hostages who have been held for more than 190 days. 

“The fears and emotions we all felt pale in comparison to the terror, dread, despair, loneliness, cold, physical and mental torment the 133 hostages held by Hamas have endured for 190 days and nights,” the forum said in the statement. “We reiterate our calls for the international community to do everything possible to secure the release of all 133 hostages before more innocent lives are tragically lost.”

Israel to lift restriction on educational activities tomorrow

Israel said it will resume educational activities throughout the country tomorrow, reversing restrictions that were placed last night ahead of Iran's attack on the country.

Iran doubles down on right to self-defense in U.N. Security Council address

Alicia Victoria Lozano

Iran has a right to defend itself after Israel’s attack on a consular building in Syria this month. That was the clear and stern message delivered to the U.N. Security Council today by Amir Saeid Iravani, the representative of Iran. 

“It was entirely in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to defend itself,” Iravani said of yesterday's aerial attack against Israel. “These actions were necessary and proportionate.”

Iravani said Iran acted in accordance with international law following the April 1 attack, first by engaging the Security Council on April 2 and then by not targeting civilians in its aerial offensive yesterday. 

He denied allegations that Iran has proxies in the region and said it does not seek escalation or war. 

Israel, on the other hand, has shirked its global responsibility by attempting to "use lies, manipulate the narrative and engage in a destructive blame game,” he said.

“They ignored the underlying root cause of the situation in the region,” he went on, referring to the deaths of more than 33,000 people in Gaza since Oct. 7.

Iravani also chided the U.S. and its allies for shielding Israel “from any responsibility for the Gaza massacre.” He said the Security Council has failed to enforce international law and has allowed Israel to continue attacks on civilian targets. It must take “urgent and punitive measures to stop genocide against people of Gaza," he said.

Israel says world 'cannot settle on inaction' at U.N. meeting

Israel's representative to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, said at today's meeting that Iran's attack "crossed every red line."

He emphasized that Israel "reserves the legal right to retaliate."

"We are not a frog in boiling water," he said. "We are a nation of lions. Following such a massive and direct attack on Israel, the entire world, let alone Israel, cannot settle for inaction. We will defend our future."

Erdan also called on the council to take action, describing Iran as "the world's worst human rights violator."

"Action must be taken now, not for Israel's sake, not for the region's sake," he said. "But for the world's sake."

Western hypocrisy ‘almost embarrassing to watch,’ Russia says at the U.N.

Doha Madani

The Russian diplomatic envoy to the United Nations criticized a double standard at the Security Council as states condemn Iran for its attack on Israel but did nothing when Russia asked to meet after the April 1 strike in Syria.

Vasily Alekseyevich Nebenzya told fellow member states that they were witnessing "a display of hypocrisy and double standards, which it's almost embarrassing to watch." He described an attack against a diplomatic representation as a "casus belli," or act of war, under international law.

"And if Western representation had been hit, you would immediately have rained down reprisals and would argued that you were right about this in this very chamber," Nebenzya said. "And this is because for you everything that has to do with Western representations of Western systems is sacred and needs to be protected."

He called on all parties to exercise restraint, noting that Iran has indicated it considers the matter concluded and saying others should follow suit.

France and U.K. condemn attacks on Israel, blame Iran for destabilization

Both representatives for France and the United Kingdom laid blame on Iran's region for destabilizing the region, condemning Tehran's barrage of rockets against Israel.

"The scale and nature of Iran's heinous assault, the first direct attack from Iran on Israel soil, poses grave risks to the security and stability of citizens across the Middle East," U.K. Ambassador Barbara Woodward said.

Woodward said that it was imperative for all parties to "exercise maximum restraint" and that the U.K. welcomed actions to deter Iran. France's representative, Nathalie Broadhurst, reiterated the country's condemnation of Iran.

"In deciding to undertake such an unprecedented act, Iran crossed a new threshold in its destabilizing action and is risking a military escalation for which it would be responsible," Broadhurst said. "We call upon Iran and its allies to at long last, and without further delay, see their destabilizing activities throughout the region."

Neither country addressed the April 1 attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus.

Aiding Israel, Ukraine is 'vital' for the West, Sen. Schumer says

Julie Tsirkin

Top congressional leaders appear united in providing unfettered funding to Israel and Ukraine through a national security spending package that could come up for a vote this week. 

Biden spoke with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York in a phone call today. Speaking to reporters after the call, Schumer said the U.S. needs to remain “ironclad” in its commitment to Israel. 

“We need to help Israel,” he said, adding that the country spent over $1 billion defending itself against an attack by Iran.

Echoing Johnson’s comments earlier, Schumer touted the bill as the best way to continue aiding Israel and Ukraine against outside threats.

“There was a consensus on the phone among all the leaders that we had to help Israel and help Ukraine, and now hopefully we can work that out and get this done next week,” he said. “It’s vital for the future of Ukraine, for Israel and the West.”

The countries speaking at today's U.N. meeting

Saba Hamedy

We've already heard from the secretary-general and council members from:

• Sierra Leone
• United Kingdom
• South Korea

Other speakers who remain include council members from:

• Switzerland

Representatives from Israel, Iran and Syria will also address the group.

Security Council is obligated to hold Iran accountable, U.S. says

U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood urged the Security Council to "unequivocally condemn Iran's aggressive actions" and vowed to pursue additional measures to hold Iran accountable at the body.

"The Security Council has an obligation to not let Iran's actions go unanswered," Wood said.

Iran is "broadly" complicit in the Oct. 7 attack with its support of Hamas, Wood said, and the country's regime has "flagrantly" violated international law by arming proxy militias. Wood told the council that the U.S. aims to de-escalate the situation but that Iran's actions cannot go unanswered.

"This Iranian support contributed to the current crisis in Gaza. Colleagues, these and other reckless Iranian actions are not inherently defensive actions against other member states," Wood said. "Given the threats Iran’s aggressive actions pose for international peace and security, we have a collective responsibility as members of the Security Council to ensure that Iran complies with the council’s resolutions and ceases its violations of the charter."

'Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,' U.N. chief says

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened today's Security Council meeting by urging de-escalation for the sake of global stability.

"We have a shared responsibility to work for peace — regional and indeed global security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war," Guterres said.

He criticized both Iran's attack on Israel and the attack on the Iranian Consulate compound in Damascus, Syria, this month. He reminded all parties that they have a shared responsibility to promote peace, facilitate the return of hostages still in Gaza and establish a humanitarian cease-fire.

"It’s time to step back from the brink," Guterres said. "It’s vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations in multiple fronts in the Middle East. Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price."

Israeli air force intercepted dozens of aerial threats from Iran

Israeli defenses thwarted dozens of unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles and other aerial threats Iran launched last night, IDF officials said in a statement on Telegram. 

Only a few missiles made it into Israel. Nevatim Airbase, one of the largest air bases in Israel, and a road in the Hermon area, three hours away, suffered damage. Operations at the air base were not affected, according to the statement.

Biden tells Netanyahu Israel shouldn't retaliate against Iran

Watch MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell and Alex Witt discuss the latest on Israel’s assessment of Iran’s attack and what can be expected from the two countries.

Jordan’s foreign minister accuses Netanyahu of dragging West into regional war

Jordanian Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi warned the only way to reduce escalation in the region is to stop the war in Gaza, blaming recent spiraling regional relations on Netanyahu.

"We had warned that Netanyahu would try to create a confrontation with Iran to drag the United States and the West into a regional war so the focus would shift towards Iran and the world would forget Gaza," he told Al-Mamlaka news.

Safadi added that the challenge following Iran's retaliation yesterday is how to end the aggression so the world can refocus on Gaza. He said the ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to speak about the regime's criticism of Jordan's positions.

"We do not want an escalation with Iran, and we want good relations with it based on the principle of noninterference in internal affairs and respect for others," Safadi said. "Jordan is capable of protecting its interests. Iran’s problem is with Israel, not with Jordan."

Jordan, which hosts more than 2 million Palestinian refugees, has done more for the Palestinians than anyone else, including Iran, Safadi said.

Israeli fighter jets strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, IDF says

Israeli fighter jets struck numerous Hezbollah targets in Lebanon today in the towns of Kfarkela, Maroun al-Ras, Aita al-Shaab, Souaneh and Markaba, the military said in a statement.

The IDF said it targeted Hezbollah "military compounds and terrorist infrastructure" in some places and "threats" in others.

A Lebanese state news report said two missiles hit a home in Maroun al-Ras. It also said the area of Aita al-Shaab that was under artillery shelling was a residential neighborhood.

IDF spokesman: Israel weighing next steps during 'significant 24-hour period'

Israel is in a very "significant 24-hour period" and appears to be carefully weighing its next steps in response to Iran's attack, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said today.

Operational plans have been approved for both offensive and defensive actions, but Hagari declined to provide further details. Operations will continue in Gaza, and additional reserves will be called to join the fighting, he said.

Israel, along with an international coalition that includes the U.S., the U.K. and France, thwarted 350 exploding drones, rockets and cruise and ballistic missiles yesterday, he said.

"Iran, since the beginning of the war, wants only one thing — to escalate the region," Hagari said in English. "Until now, she worked through her proxies, but she has now revealed herself."

As Israel plans its response, he said, rescuing the 133 hostages being held captive by Hamas remains a top priority.

"We will not miss any opportunity to bring them back home," Hagari said. "This is our responsibility."

No final decisions made on how Israel will respond, official says

Raf Sanchez

TEL AVIV — Israel will respond to Iran’s attack but no final decisions have been made on the size or timing of the response, an Israeli official told NBC News.

“It is clear Israel will respond, the question is when and at what scale,” the official said after an hours-long war cabinet meeting.

The IDF has been asked to present additional options to decision makers. The official said that among the considerations were whether Israel needed to retaliate immediately or could afford to wait, and what impact any escalation against Iran would have on Israeli operations in Gaza.

Israel will respond to Iran's attack, according to government official

An Israeli government official in the prime minister’s office said no decision was made on exactly what Israel will do but that “the IDF will need to present options” and that “it is clear that Israel will respond.”

A second Israeli aide to another member of the war Cabinet said, “No one wants to see an escalation,” and that “it’s a very delicate time right now.”

Palestinians in Gaza react to Iranian attacks on Israel

After months of heavy bombardment, Gazans said they were able to get a few hours of reprieve from strikes as Israel fended off attacks from Iran.

“Any act that results in getting the Israeli occupation busy from Gaza is good for Gaza,” one man told an NBC News crew in Rafah.

War Cabinet meeting concluded after several hours, official says

TEL AVIV — Israel’s war Cabinet meeting has concluded after several hours of deliberation, an Israeli official told NBC News.

There were no additional details on what Israeli leadership discussed or whether any decisions were made.

An official previously told NBC News that this meeting is where policy issues would be "laid out" following Iran's retaliatory strike.

Los Angeles law enforcement agencies on high alert

Police and sheriff's departments in Los Angeles said yesterday that they are on high alert following Iran's attack on Israel.

"While there are no credible threats to Los Angeles at this time, we are committed to ensuring safeguards to houses of worship and sensitive areas throughout all communities in Los Angeles," the Los Angeles Police Department w rot e in a post on X .

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said his department is increasing patrol checks around "sensitive and religious sites" in the area.

Some 400,000 people with Iranian heritage live in the United States, and about a third of them, or 138,000, live in Los Angeles, according to a 2023 study published by UCLA. An estimated 565,000 Jewish residents live in L.A., according to a 2021 study published by the Brandies University Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies.

Iranian launches shot down by Jordan, U.S. and U.K. as well as Israeli military

While Israel's Iron Dome defense system was active in keeping the barrage of Iranian drones and missiles at bay, the country was assisted by allies and a neighboring state.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed this morning that the United Kingdom participated in a coordinated effort to fend off the attack. The Royal Air Force sent additional planes to the region already as part of its own missions in Iraq, Sunak said.

"I can confirm that our planes did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones," Sunak said today. "And I want to pay tribute to the bravery and professionalism of our pilots flying into the face of danger to protect civilians."

President Joe Biden also noted in his statement last night that he directed U.S. forces to combat the attack. The Jordanian government said today that it also struck down a number of incoming threats, according to The New York Times .

Jordan described its motivations as acting in the country's own defense, not on behalf of Israel, as the drones and missiles entered Jordan's airspace. Jordanian citizens have been largely critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, with large pro-Palestinian demonstrations taking place in Amman over the last few months.

Biden and G7 allies condemn Iran's retaliatory attack

The White House posted a photo on X today of President Joe Biden's video conference with G7 leaders this morning, saying leaders "condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel."

The G7 leaders issued a statement later reiterating their "full solidarity and support to Israel and its people."

"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation," the leaders said in their joint statement. "This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.

The leaders said they will also "strengthen" their "cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need."

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron condemns attack

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he condemned Iran's attack on Israel in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

"I made clear that Iran must stop these reckless attacks, de-escalate and release the MSC Aries," Cameron wrote in a post on X .

On Saturday, Cameron, the former British prime minister, called the attack "reckless," saying it will only "inflame" tensions in the region.

House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner: 'This is an escalating conflict'

The Biden administration is failing to draw a firm line with Iran and recognize it as a “malicious force” in the region, House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said on “Meet the Press.”

“I think the administration needs to take seriously that this attack has happened. It’s unprecedented and certainly it needs to be viewed as an escalation,” he said. “This is an escalating conflict.”

Turner said the U.S. must make it clear to Iran that it is prepared to defend Israel in a broader conflict but should not engage in direct military action.

“This administration is failing to say there is a red line," he said. "There should be a red line.”

To firm up that red line, the White House must put more pressure on Qatar and Egypt, which have acted as intermediaries with Israel since October, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said on CNN.

“It’s time for us to make it clear that Hamas does not have a future in the region and that the United States intends to be forcefully engaged on both sides to get them to the table, to get this resolved, and to get these hostages released,” he said. “I think that’s been happening privately, but I think it’s also helpful for it to be clear publicly that it’s not acceptable for Hamas to continue day after day the torture of hostages and their families.”

Meanwhile Israel should pause to assess damage from Iranian missiles and consult with close allies and partners before deciding on next steps, Coons added.

Hezbollah praises Iran for attack, says Islamic Republic exercised its 'legal right'

Lebanon's Hezbollah , an Iran-backed political party and militia, congratulated leaders in Iran for its strike on Israel, calling it a "brave and wise" response to the attack on the consulate in Syria.

A statement from Hezbollah went on to describe the attack as an exercise of the Islamic Republic's "natural and legal right." Hezbollah went on to say that the political objectives will emerge over time.

"The operation achieved its precisely defined military objectives — despite the participation of the United States, its international allies, and its regional tools in responding to the stunning attack," the statement said.

Hezbollah has been attacking Israel by firing over the shared Lebanon and Israel border since Oct. 8, a day after the Hamas-led attack on the country. While the militia has its own interests against Israel, it has repeatedly expressed support to the Palestinian people and is closely aligned with Tehran.

Speaker Johnson says he looks to provide more funding to Israel

House Speaker Mike Johnson will push a clean bill to fund Israel without offsets, he said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures."

"We’re going to try again this week," Johnson said, adding that he has not ruled out adding aid to Ukraine, as well.

Details of the package, which will be sent to the Senate in the coming days, are still being hammered out, he said.

Israel's president describes Iran attack as a 'declaration of war' in exclusive Sky News interview

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in an exclusive interview with Sky News that the country is not seeking war with Iran, but that it would defend itself.

“I mean, this is a declaration of war,” Herzog said. “Now because we are restrained and because we know the repercussions, and because we have deliberations with our partners, we are considering all options and I’m quite confident that we will take the necessary steps that are necessary to protect and defend our people.”

He added that Israelis are “not war seekers.”

The Iranian foreign ministry released a statement Saturday reiterating its position that the strikes carried out against Israel were “in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense.”

The ministry cited  Article 51 of the United Nations charter  and said that it responded to Israeli’s “recurring military aggressions,” including the strike of Iran’s diplomatic building in Syria earlier this month.

When asked by Sky News whether the April 1 attack on Iran's diplomatic building was "worth it," Herzog said that the attack hit a facility "nearby" the consulate, not the consulate building itself.

Israel has not taken responsibility for the strike but Herzog did not deny it when asked.

Analysis: Can Biden pressure Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran?

TEL AVIV — President Biden putting pressure on Netanyahu not to respond to Iran's overnight aerial assault begs the question: Can the U.S. persuade Israel not to retaliate against Iran?

History shows there is some precedent.

Let’s go back to early 1991 and the first Gulf War: Saddam Hussein began firing dozens of SCUD missiles from Iraq into Israeli cities. Two people were killed and there was terror across Israel that the missiles would detonate with chemical or biological warheads, causing mass casualties. 

Israel’s right-wing prime minister at the time, Yitzhak Shamir, was poised to order airstrikes in response. But President George H.W. Bush talked him out of it. 

Bush was concerned that an Israeli attack on Iraq would shatter the fragile diplomatic coalition the U.S. had built to take on Hussein — a coalition that included Arab states. That coalition went on defeat Iraqi forces, liberate Kuwait and halt the SCUD missile attacks on Israel.

It’s an example Biden and his aides may be looking to as they try to convince Netanyahu not to escalate further.

Arab officials worry Netanyahu could use this moment to start a wider war with Iran

Richard Engel NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent, Host of MSNBC's "On Assignment with Richard Engel"

Elizabeth Chuck

Mahalia Dobson

JERUSALEM — Two senior Arab officials tell NBC News they are worried that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could use this moment to start a wider war with Iran.

The concern comes amid pleas from across the Arab world for restraint in the region. Ayman Safadi, the Jordanian minister of foreign affairs, tweeted that an escalation of the conflict could push the "whole region into abyss of war," and said "the first step towards de-escalation is ending the Israeli aggression on Gaza & starting to implement the 2-state solution as it is the only path to security & peace for all."

Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, tweeted that the escalation between Iran and Israel "is nothing but a direct result of what Egypt has repeatedly warned about, about the dangers of expanding the conflict in the region as a result of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, and the provocative military actions being practiced in the region."

Other Arab officials urged diplomacy to prevent exacerbating tensions. In a statement posted on X, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the U.N. Security Council “to assume its responsibility towards maintaining international peace and security, especially in this region that is extremely sensitive to global peace and security, and to prevent the escalation of the crisis that will have serious consequences if it expands.”

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for "resolving differences through dialogue and through diplomatic channels, and for adhering to the rule of law and respecting the United Nations Charter."

War Cabinet meeting underway in Israel as government weighs response

Israel's war Cabinet is meeting now, a senior Israeli official told NBC News, noting that "policy issues are going to be laid out."

“From our perspective, the situation is ongoing and we don’t know if it’s over yet,” the official said. “We are still dealing with their proxies in the region and we are still in the middle of a war.”

Iranian leadership has said it considers its response to Israel concluded and that it acted in self-defense following the strike on its diplomatic facilities in Syria.

The Israeli official referred to the Iran attack as a “failure," adding that they believed Iran's regime made a mistake "by exposing itself to the world.”

GOP House Intel chair says 'there should be a red line' on Iran

Alexandra Marquez is based in Washington, D.C.

House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, criticized the Biden administration after a top White House official declined to say whether the Biden administration has a “red line” for getting directly involved in a conflict against Iran.

“There should be a red line," Turner said during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Asked during an earlier interview with "Meet the Press" about a potential "red line" for Iran, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, “We could sit here all day talking about what is and what isn’t a red line. I’m not going to do that.”

Turner called on the Biden administration to “take seriously that this attack has happened. It’s unprecedented and certainly it needs to be viewed as an escalation.” 

Still, Turner agreed, “I don’t think at this point that the United States should be engaged in a military action directly at Iran.”

International leaders condemn strikes on Israel

Fears of escalation into a regional war are top of mind for international leaders who urged restraint, many condemning Iran for its retaliatory strike and expressing solidarity with Israel.

Western allies, such as Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom, had harsh words for the Iranian regime. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accused Iran of "sowing chaos in its own backyard" while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the attack demonstrated "the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region."

Leadership in numerous other countries expressed solidarity with Israel, including leaders in Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Denmark, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria and France.

Some leaders expressed concerns about the spiraling tensions in the Middle East. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the country was following the situation "with the deepest concern." The United Arab Emirates released a statement through its foreign ministry pleading for restraint "to avoid dangerous repercussions" while urging diplomacy.

A few government leaders placed blame on Israel, with Russia backing Iran's own right to self-defense under the United Nations charter. The Russian statement went on to urge all parties to restrain themselves while reiterating that a failure to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will continue to bring tension.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he believes we are "now in the prelude to World War III" and wished for Israelis "to stop the madness of their ruler."

Fetterman says U.S. should unconditionally stand with Israel

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., says he is shocked by President Joe Biden's message to Israel that the U.S. will not participate in operations against Iran after it fired missiles at Israel.

"It’s astonishing that we are not standing firmly with Israel," Fetterman said on CNN Sunday morning. "There should never be any kind of conditions on all that. When a nation can launch hundreds of drones at Israel, I’m not going to be talking conditions, ever."

When asked if he thought Biden's warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the right call, he bluntly said: "I don’t agree with that."

"I just think we should follow and have Israel’s back in the situation," he added. "I don’t agree with the president."

China expresses ‘deep concern’ over Iranian attack

Jennifer Jett

HONG KONG — China expressed “deep concern” over the Iranian attack on Israel, describing it as “the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict” and calling for restraint by relevant parties to prevent further escalation.

“China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement today.

China has sought to serve as a mediator in the Middle East, an increasingly important source of energy imports for the world’s second-largest economy.

Scenes inside Israeli war Cabinet during Iranian assault

Max Butterworth

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, convened his war management Cabinet in the Kirya area of Tel Aviv late yesterday.

Former Russian president: An Israel-Iran war would hurt Biden's re-election prospects

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on the messaging platform Telegram that a war between Israel and Iran would hurt Joe Biden’s chance of being re-elected U.S. president.

“What is the difference for Washington between what happened in the Middle East and the events in ‘Ukraine’? America does not want a big war in the Middle East. And it tries to maintain balance and show restraint,” he wrote. 

“Killings in Gaza worsen Biden’s election prospects, and the war between Israel and Iran adds further uncertainty.”

Iran says it told U.S. and neighbors 'limited' attack was coming, summons Western ambassadors

Iran has sought to make clear this morning that it considers its exchange with Israel over, while warning against a response.

Tehran informed the U.S. ahead of time that it would launch a "limited" retaliatory attack against Israel for self-defense, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in the Iranian capital today. He also said that Iran's regional neighbors were given 72 hours notice that the retaliatory strikes were coming.

President Ebrahim Raisi said that his country's armed forces had "taught a lesson to the Zionist enemy." Raisi warned that "any new adventure will be responded with a heavier and regrettable response."

And Tehran said that it had summoned the French, British and German envoys over their reactions to the attack.

Pope Francis makes 'heartfelt appeal' against 'spiral of violence'

Deborah Lubov

Pope Francis addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East, calling for an end to the worsening violence.

"I make a heartfelt appeal for a halt to any action that might fuel a spiral of violence with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater war conflict," he said, speaking in Italian in public remarks after reciting the Regina Coeli prayer.

"No one should threaten the existence of others," he continued. "Instead, all nations should take the side of peace and help the Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side, in security."

The pope urged a cease-fire and for hostages to be freed.

"No more war, no more attacks, no more violence," he said. "Yes to dialogue and yes to peace.”

Some flights canceled following Iran attack on Israel

Iran's attack on Israel has caused some air travel disruptions in the region, with Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran canceling all flights through at least 6 a.m. local time Monday, according to Iran's semiofficial ISNA news agency. In Israel, a spokesperson for the Israeli Airport Authority said airspace was back open but that travelers should check with airlines to see if their flights had been rescheduled.

At least one airline, Lufthansa , canceled flights in advance of the attack, announcing on Friday that it had suspended flights into Tehran and Beirut through Thursday, April 18. It also suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv; Erbil, Iraq; and Amman, Jordan, through Monday.

Emirates Airlines canceled and rerouted flights immediately following the attack, but said it had resumed operations to and from Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq as of Sunday afternoon local time.

Analyst: Attack is a 'major milestone,' even if Iran intended it to be largely symbolic

Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel marks a significant moment in history, even if it was intended to be largely symbolic, according to an analyst with geopolitical risk advisory firm Eurasia Group.

"Make no mistake: even if #Iran intended this to be a telegraphed and (it would seem) largely symbolic show of force to restore deterrence, it has attacked Israel with missiles and drones for the first time," tweeted Gregory Brew, an Iran analyst.

"Alea iacta est, folks," he added , using a Latin term for "the die is cast."

Brew wrote that he "did not anticipate Iran would use its own missiles, from within its own territory, against Israel directly."

"A major milestone," Brew tweeted.

NSC's John Kirby: 'I won't get into hypotheticals' on potential retaliatory strikes against Iran

In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesperson, declined to confirm NBC News reporting that Biden told Netanyahu that U.S. will not participate in offensive operations against Iran.

"I won't go into the greater detail of the [president's] conversation with the prime minister [of Israel]," Kirby told moderator Kristen Welker.

"'We stand with you and your self defense,' that was the main message that the president delivered to the prime minister," Kirby added, also declining to mention any "red lines" for U.S. involvement against Iran.

He also lauded Israel for "an incredible military achievement" in shooting down incoming attacks from Iran last night and reiterated that "we don't seek an escalation. We don't seek a wider war in the region."

New York to increase security for Jewish communities

New York Mayor Eric Adams says he has directed the New York Police Department to deploy additional resources to Jewish communities and places of worship across the city “out of abundance of caution.”

“Our administration has also begun outreach to both Jewish leaders and elected officials across the five boroughs to keep them apprised of the situation,” Adams said in a post on X , noting that there is no direct or imminent threat to New York.

“Our intelligence and counterterrorism teams will continue to closely monitor the situation,” he said.

Quiet streets in Tel Aviv after Iranian attack

Paul Goldman

TEL AVIV — Traffic today on Route 5, one of the busiest roads into Tel Aviv, was much thinner than usual, as many people appeared to be staying home after Iran’s overnight attack. Sunday is the start of Israel’s workweek.

Some schools are on break for the upcoming Passover holiday, but children’s camps are closed due to the situation. Popular coffee shops are not as busy as usual, with plenty of seats available.

World cannot afford another war, U.N. chief says ahead of Security Council meeting

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the Iranian attack on Israel and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, citing fears they could escalate into a regionwide conflict.

“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,” he said in a statement last night. “I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”

The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today at 4 p.m. ET after a request by Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. The ambassador, Gilad Erdan, asked the council to condemn Iran’s attack on his country and to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organization.

“The Iranian attack is a serious threat to global peace and security and I expect the Council to use every means to take concrete action against Iran,” Erdan said in a post on X .

Missile debris lands in the Jordanian capital

Security agents stand around the debris of a missile that Jordanian forces intercepted over the capital, Amman, amid an unprecedented Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel.

Hamas rejects latest hostage deal proposal, Netanyahu's office says

Patrick Smith

Palestinian group Hamas has rejected a proposal to free the remaining 133 hostages taken from Israel on Oct. 7 last year, which set off the six-month-old Israel-Hamas war, Israel has said.

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Mossad intelligence agency said in a statement early today that a week after meeting with Israeli officials and three mediators in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, "Hamas responded negatively to the outline presented to it."

The Israelis said the rejection — which it said included "a very significant area of flexibility" from Israel — proves that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar "does not want a humanitarian deal and the return of the abductees."

The Hamas leader, the prime minister's office said, "continues to take advantage of the tensions with Iran and strive for the unification of the arenas and an overall escalation in the region."

Israel said it would continue with the goals of the war, to free the hostages and wipe out Hamas entirely.

Hamas confirmed in a statement on Saturday, reported by the Reuters news agency , that it had rejected the proposal. The group said it continued to work towards a permanent cease-fire as well as the "the withdrawal of the occupation army from the entire Gaza Strip."

Biden told Netanyahu that U.S. won’t support Israeli counterattack, official tells NBC News

Andrea Mitchell

WASHINGTON — Biden told Netanyahu that while the U.S. commitment to defend Israel is ironclad, it will not participate in offensive operations against Iran, a senior administration official told NBC News.

In their call last night, the official said, Biden told Netanyahu that since the Iranian attack appeared to have caused minimal casualties and damage, Israel should not retaliate against Iran.

Separately, a senior administration official and a senior defense official said earlier that top U.S. officials are concerned that Israel could respond quickly without thinking through potential fallout.

Israel thanks allies and says it's ready for more attacks

Israel's military is ready for further acts of aggression from Iran and said the international coalition of allies that defended the country from some 303 missiles and armed drones was standing firm.

“Bless you dear soldiers and commanders of the IDF and IAF. Bless the coalition of nations led by the US and @POTUS,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a post on X .

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner told Sky News today that the aerial defense operation, which involved American, British and French forces, was a "unity of reasonable players against the diabolical plan of Iran."

"This is a very, very serious act against Israel," Lerner said. "Together, united, we saved Israeli lives."

As for whether Israel would respond, Lerner said this was "a good question" and said the IDF is ready for any eventuality, but that the military would take its cues from the government, which is meeting today.

Ukraine condemns Iran, drawing parallels with Russian attacks as it pushes for new U.S. aid

Ukraine has condemned Iran's attack on Israel, drawing parallels with its fight against Russia as Kyiv presses its allies to boost its own aerial defenses, which have come under increasing attack from drones Tehran has supplied to Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that "Iran’s actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia’s actions threaten a larger conflict."

Zelenskyy called on the U.S. to “make the necessary decisions to strengthen America’s allies at this critical time," with new military aid for Kyiv held up by Republicans in Congress and Russia threatening a battlefield breakthrough.

His post came hours after the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed for the world to act "before it's too late."

"Just as #Iran attacked #Israel with Shahed drones last night, Russia simultaneously attacked Kharkiv in Ukraine with the same weapon," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X today. "Unpunished evil always returns and, if not stopped, spreads widely. The time to break this cycle of violence is now. Before it’s too late."

Biden ‘doesn’t believe’ that Iran attack ‘needs’ to escalate into wider war, says NSC’s John Kirby

Kristen Welker

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby joins “Meet the Press” as fears grow of a wider war in the Middle East following Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel.

Israeli girl, 7, in life-threatening condition after Iranian attack

A 7-year-old girl is in a critical condition after receiving severe head injuries in Iran's attack on Israel overnight, Israeli authorities said today.

"The condition of the 7-year-old girl evacuated from the scene last night has worsened and remains critical and unstable," said Yasmin Amos, a spokesperson at the Soroka Medical Center in the southern city of Beersheba, where the girl is being treated.

"She is suffering from severe head injuries, and her life is in danger." she said.

Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner confirmed to the U.K.'s Sky News earlier that the so-far unidentified girl was in a "life-threatening" condition.

The vast majority of the 300 missile and armed drones were intercepted by Israeli forces and their allies, including American, British and French forces.

Previous reports put the girl's age at 10.

Hamas and Palestinian militant groups praise Iran attack

Palestinian militant group Hamas has said Iran's barrage of more than 300 missiles and armed drones overnight was a "deserved response" for Israel's attack on Iran's consulate in Syria on April 1.

On its Telegram channel, Hamas said Tehran was exercising its "natural right" and was carrying out "a deserved response to the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus and assassinating a number of Revolutionary Guard leaders there."

Separately, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said Israel was humiliated and unable to defend itself. "The Iranian response to the zionist entity is a pivotal event that will establish new rules of engagement in the region," it said on Telegram.

The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, an armed faction in the Gaza Strip, also hailed the Iranian response on its Telegram channel today. Israel, it said, "is not deterred except by hitting it on the head."

‘A very scary night’ in Israel

JAFFA — In this coastal city to the south of Tel Aviv, the streets are quiet but calm. The beaches are empty and the skies above — which were noisy with fighter jets overnight — are largely still.

For parents across Israel, the deep fear of last night has given way to a more mundane daytime concern: how to keep kids entertained with schools and education centers closed across the country.

“All the parents are at home today because they’ve got no place to put their kids,” said Debbie Kay, a 49-year-old marketing manager whose teenage son was supposed to be at camp ahead of the Passover holiday.

“I feel very relieved. It was a very scary night,” she said, saying she was encouraged that Israel’s air defenses had largely repelled the attack. “We showed the world we’re not going to take anything from anyone and we have the strength to fight back. And our allies came through for us.”

She added that she hoped Israel would not strike back against Iran. “If we do something now, I think that would be stupidity and ego. I don’t think anyone here wants any more escalation.”

Netanyahu: ‘We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win.’

In his only public comment on the Iranian attack so far, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a post on X: “We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win.”

Iranian military chief says attack is over but warns of strikes on U.S. targets

The chief of staff of Iran's armed forces said today that while this weekend's drone and missile attack on Israel has ended, the regime will attack U.S. bases in the region if Washington takes part in any attack on Iranian targets.

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri told state TV: "If Washington participates in any attack against us, we will target its bases in the region and their bases will be unsafe."

Bagheri added: "If Israel attacks our interests we will respond with force and our next operation will be much bigger."

He said the missile barrage on Israel had ended only because "we are not willing to continue it," implying that Iran could have continued had it chosen to do so.

Separately, Hossein Salami, commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told state TV that the attack "could have been extensive," but was "more successful than expected."

Early morning scenes in Jerusalem

Civilians appear to be returning to normal life in Jerusalem this morning, after Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel overnight.

U.S. Embassy in Israel lifts shelter-in-place warning for employees

U.S. government workers and their families in Israel no longer need to take shelter after the threat of drone and missile attacks "diminished," the U.S. Embassy said in a statement early today.

The embassy however retains its previous cautious travel advice for U.S. citizens, which limits personal travel to between Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and no further south than Be'er Sheva.

Schools are closed across Israel today — Sunday is the first day of the working week is Israel — and many flights are canceled.

"The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning," the statement said.

Israeli defense minister: 'Campaign is not over'

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that the confrontation between Iran and Israel "is not over."

“The campaign is not over yet. ... We must be prepared for every scenario,” Gallant said in a statement released early today.

"Overnight, the whole world saw the true face of Iran — a terrorist state that attacked the State of Israel from a distance of 1,500 km and in doing so also attempted to employ all of its proxies," Gallant said in a statement released early today.

"On the other hand, the world also saw the power of a coalition, and how Israel, together with the United States and additional partners, stood together and thwarted this attack," he said.

Airspaces reopened in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq

Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq have reopened their airspaces after closing them last night amid the Iranian attack on Israel, Reuters reported, citing Jordan and Lebanese state television and Iraq’s aviation authority.

Israel reopened its airspace at 7:30 a.m. local time Sunday (12:30 a.m. ET), though flight schedules from Tel Aviv may still be affected.

Jordan is one of the countries believed to have taken part in the coalition intercepting Iranian drones and missiles that traveled through its airspace.

Iranians gather in central Tehran after strike on Israel

Demonstrators waving Iranian and Palestinian flags gathered at Palestine Square in Tehran early this morning, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel.Others gathered outside the British Embassy in the Iranian capital late last night.

Biden says he will coordinate a ‘united diplomatic response’ to Iran with G7 leaders

President Joe Biden said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the security of Israel.

Military forces followed Biden’s direction to help Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles, the president said. He also praised the country’s ability to fend off attacks as a sign to others who threaten the security of Israel.

“Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,” Biden said. “My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders.”

Though no U.S. forces have been attacked, Biden said America will “remain vigilant to all threats.” He condemned the Iranian regime’s attack tonight in the “strongest possible terms.”

Iran launched over 300 projectiles, Israeli military says

Rudy Chinchilla

Israel intercepted 99% of the more than 300 projectiles launched by Iran, and is ready for “any further developments and scenarios,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

Among the projectiles were some 30 cruise missiles, none of which made it into Israel, Hagari said in a televised statement. Only a “few” of the more than 120 ballistic missiles launched entered Israel, with the rest being intercepted, he added.

Some of the ballistic missiles hit the Nevatim air base, but they caused only minor infrastructure damage, and the base remained operational, Hagari said.

A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, but there were no immediate reports of other Israeli injuries or deaths, Hagari said.

“Iran did something very serious, very severe this night, as it pushed the Middle East toward escalation. We will do whatever is necessary in order to defend the citizens of the state of Israel,” he said.

Please update your browser.

We don't support this browser version anymore. Using an updated version will help protect your accounts and provide a better experience. 

Update your browser

We don't support this browser version anymore. Using an updated version will help protect your accounts and provide a better experience.

We’ve signed you out of your account.

You’ve successfully signed out

We’ve enhanced our platform for chase.com. For a better experience, download the Chase app for your iPhone or Android. Or, go to System Requirements from your laptop or desktop.

Credit Cards

Checking Accounts

Savings Accounts

Mortgage & Home Equity

Chase for Business

Commercial Banking

• ATM & branch

Please turn on JavaScript in your browser

It appears your web browser is not using JavaScript. Without it, some pages won't work properly. Please adjust the settings in your browser to make sure JavaScript is turned on.

Chase Survey

Your feedback is important to us. Will you take a few moments to answer some quick questions?

You're now leaving Chase

Chase's website and/or mobile terms, privacy and security policies don't apply to the site or app you're about to visit. Please review its terms, privacy and security policies to see how they apply to you. Chase isn’t responsible for (and doesn't provide) any products, services or content at this third-party site or app, except for products and services that explicitly carry the Chase name.