--- title: How to ace the new UCAS personal statement (2025) description: "Discover tips for acing the new UCAS personal statement. Learn what a UCAS personal statement is, its format, and the role it plays. Includes practice and examples." url: https://owltutors.co.uk/how-to-ace-the-new-ucas-personal-statement-2025/ type: Advice article author: Holly (Owl Tutors tutor) published: 2024-09-06 updated: 2024-12-06 subjects: [University Admissions] compiled: 2026-11-11 --- # How to ace the new UCAS personal statement (2025) Navigating the new format of the UCAS personal statement requires a slightly different approach. Read on to uncover the changes for 2025, and how you can make the most of your personal statement and achieve your place at university. By [Holly](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutor/4070/) · 6 September 2024 · updated 6 December 2024 · 3 min read ## 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. ## About the author - **[Holly](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutor/4070/)**: From £110.00 per hour. 11 Plus, 13 Plus, English. PhD, Masters, Examiner, Russell Group. Holly specialises in 11+, 13+, GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level and IB English Language and English Literature tuition. She studied at Durham University where she gained a degree... Teaches: In person, Online, Residential. Availability as of 11 November 2026: taking new students. Holly only has space for 1 more student. Usually available (UK time): Tuesday: 4:00 PM–5:00 PM. More availability from 4 January 2027. ## Related posts - [What are US SAT scores?](https://owltutors.co.uk/what-are-us-sat-scores/): The US SAT is a standardised test for university and college admissions in the United States. For UK students who are considering studying there, understanding the SAT is an important step in the application process. This guide offers some insights into what the SAT involves, crucial steps to application, and the importance of checking specific entrance requirements for your specific course. - [How to pass the UCAT test](https://owltutors.co.uk/how-to-pass-the-ucat-test/): Preparing for the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is an important step when applying to medical and dental degree courses in the UK. To be successful, potential students need to understand the structure, timing, and content of the exam. 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This guide provides information to help you excel in the ESAT exam. ## Related links ### University Admission links - Tutors - [Cambridge Admissions tutors](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutors/university-admissions/cambridge-admissions-tutors/) - [Oxford Admissions tutors](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutors/university-admissions/oxford-admissions-tutors/) - Resources - [University Admission blogs](https://owltutors.co.uk/tutors/university-admissions/blog/) - [How do UK grades translate to GPA?](https://owltutors.co.uk/how-do-uk-grades-translate-to-gpa/) Rated 4.9/5 from 1,249 parent reviews ([read reviews](https://owltutors.co.uk/about-us/testimonials/)) ## Next steps - Free 20-minute consultation: [make an enquiry](https://owltutors.co.uk/contact-us/) - Phone: +44 (0)20 3457 8474 - Email: enquiries@owltutors.co.uk