What is a UCAS personal statement?
The UCAS personal statement plays a key role university application decision making process in the UK. It’s an opportunity for prospective students for undergraduate courses to showcase their skills, experiences, and motivations in writing for choosing a particular course. Through this statement, students must make a compelling case to admissions tutors as to why they are a suitable candidate for their course of choice. As students usually apply for more than one course, the statement has to fit the different courses equally well.
Format of the new UCAS personal statements
UCAS personal statements are changing from 2025. The format has changed and reflects changing expectations in UK higher education. Previously, students were asked to write one statement but now they must answer structured responses to three specific questions posed by UCAS. These questions are:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
This new approach, which comes into force in 2025, encourages a more standardised narrative, enabling applicants to better match their qualifications and fit for the course. The answers have a minimum length of 350 words and the total length must not exceed 4000 words.
What is UCAS?
UCAS, or the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an organisation which is responsible for administering applications to higher education courses in the UK. UCAS provides a single online platform through which students can apply to multiple universities and courses. It also has a supportive role, providing students with essential information and guidance throughout their application.
Why does UCAS use a personal statement?
There are various reasons why UCAS still uses a personal statement. It allows candidates to stand out from other with the same or similar predicted grades. It presents a personal narrative, based on specific questions set by UCAS, allowing prospective students to express their individuality, explain reasons behind their academic interests, and highlight experiences that they feel have prepared them for life at university. The UCAS personal statement helps admissions officers match students to courses where they will thrive.
Practice makes perfect
The new format if the UCAS personal statement should make writing it slightly more straightforward. There are now specific answers to be given, meaning that although these can be drafted and edited, they are to be completed in a specific format. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your school or college.
Review example statements
Looking at sample personal statements from previous applicants can provide useful insights. As this is the first year of the new format, schools and colleges will have to write their own sample statements to help. Students must use their own original ideas, but can ask for help where needed to ensure their ideas are coherent and match up to the course to which they are applying.
