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• UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

Last Updated: 16th January 2023

Author: Matthew Amalfitano-Stroud

Table of Contents

It was announced by UCAS in January of 2023 that traditional Personal Statements will be removed from the university application process in the UK. 

Since 1993, UCAS has required university applicants in the UK to submit a 4,000-character Personal Statement during the application process, which would then be accessed by university admissions teams to assist in the shortlisting process. 

However, it has been confirmed by UCAS that this process will be changing as soon as 2025. Here, we dissect the announcement, discuss what we currently know about this change and explain how this could affect your university application. Let’s begin:  

In short, this is what you need to know:

• UCAS Personal Statements are being replaced by a multi-question survey that gives applicants the chance to explain various aspects of their application.
• This change could be implemented as early as the 2025 admissions cycle for 2026 Entry in the UK.
• This will affect all applicants, both home and internationals, looking to attend a UK university in 2026 and beyond.
• Students will need to learn how to take on these new questions rather than traditional Personal Statement writing.
• Teachers will need to be prepared to do research on this new system and provide support for students in order to maximise their chances of success.
• We at UniAdmissions are keeping a very close eye on the situation and will update this guide as new information surfaces. We will also ensure that our support systems are up-to-date and effective at helping students through these changes.

What are Personal Statements Being Replaced with?

With the announcement that the current system for UCAS Personal Statements will be getting replaced, it is only natural to be asking what will be replacing it. Thankfully, we have already been given some idea of what to expect. 

Unlike the other major shake-up to the 2024 admission process, the removal of various admissions tests including the BMAT , the official announcement has provided us with an explanation of what UCAS is seeking to implement instead of traditional Personal Statements. 

Put simply, the current format of providing a 4,000-character piece of writing will be replaced with a series of specific questions which applicants must answer. These questions will still allow you to write your answers out, but you will be answering set questions instead of having to plan and structure a full statement from scratch. 

The specifics of this system have not been announced yet, including the number of questions and the character limits. We also don’t know what the questions will be yet as they are still being developed. However, we do know the key areas that these questions will focus on (all points are taken directly from the UCAS report): 

• Motivation for Course – Why do you want to study these courses?
• Preparedness for Course – How has your learning so far helped you to be ready to succeed on these courses?
• Preparation through other experiences – What else have you done to help you prepare, and why are these experiences useful?
• Extenuating circumstances – Is there anything that the universities and colleges need to know about, to help them put your achievements and experiences so far into context?
• Preparedness for study – What have you done to prepare yourself for student life?
• Preferred Learning Styles – Which learning and assessment styles best suit you – how do your courses choices match that?

Of course, this is all subject to change as UCAS is still actively working with universities to determine what they want most from applicants. However, it seems that they are aiming to cover the same ground as traditional Personal Statements while also allowing applicants to discuss more personal factors such as motivation, preference and extenuating circumstances. 

At UniAdmissions, we ensure all of our students receive the most up-to-date support.

At UniAdmissions, we’re working tirelessly to ensure that our tutors, curriculum and resources are ready to get our students through these changes. You can join them today and ensure you get the support you need to make it through the 2024 admissions cycle . 

Discover our Oxbridge Premium Programmes below and find out how you can enrol and triple your chances of success .

When Are UCAS Personal Statements Being Replaced?

The initial announcement stated that these reforms to the Personal Statement system will be introduced in the 2024 admissions cycle for 2025 entry. However, UCAS have since gone back on this and delayed the change to as early as 2025 (for 2026 Entry). However, this change could also occur the following year for 2027 Entry. 

UniAdmissions contacted UCAS directly to confirm if a date had been set for the implementation of the new Personal Statement format. The representative stated the following: 

The current discussion around the Personal Statement changes are to improve the application process for all applicants. At the moment the earliest this change would take place is in the 2026 application cycle. There won't be any changes this year. UCAS Representative

It’s worth mentioning that these plans have been in place for a fair amount of time, with discussions of reforming the application process starting in April 2021. However, this change still won’t be implemented for another year, so applicants applying for 2025 (and potentially 2026) Entry will still need to submit a traditional Personal Statement. 

Why Are UCAS Personal Statements Being Removed?

The announcement of these reforms was made on January 12th 2023 via a blog post on the official HEPI website. This post highlights the amendments being made to the Personal Statement process and the research that was conducted to influence this change.  

Interestingly, the data quoted in this post states that the majority of applicants surveyed were happy with the current Personal Statement process, with 72% feeling positive about it. However, the same survey indicated that 83% of applicants found the process stressful and 79% felt unable to complete theirs without support. This is the data that most likely influenced the changes. 

The post’s writer, Kim Eccleston, states that they are aiming to provide better support for both applicants and universities, creating “a more supportive framework” that allows applicants to write about what the universities need to know in a less restrictive way. It is also stated in a more detailed outline of the announcement that both students and teachers preferred the use of specific questions instead of free-form writing. 

However, a previous post released in November 2022 provides even more insight into the reasoning behind this decision. Based on data featured in HEPI Debate Paper 31 , various industry professionals had commented on the challenges facing applicants of certain background when it comes to the current style of Personal Statement. 

Within the quotes featured here, the traditional UCAS Personal Statement was described as “ambiguous” , “unfair” and “barometers of middle-class privilege” . These comments may potentially be in reference to the current importance of work experience, which can be difficult to obtain without connections in certain industries, as well as additional experiences which may not be available to all applicants.  

Therefore, this new system should presumably reduce the barriers for disadvantaged applicants by shifting focus to each individual’s own interest and abilities within their chosen subjects. 

Other Changes being Made by UCAS

Personal Statements are only one of five key areas being altered by UCAS, as highlighted in the blog post. This is certainly the most significant action taking place, but other changes to the application process include: 

• Academic references are being reformed, moving from a free-text approach to a set of three questions, similar to the Personal Statement reforms.
• The 'Entry Grade Report' will be created, which allows applicants to see grade profiles that have been accepted for courses over a five year period.
• A 'Course Recommendation Tool' is being created to provide applicants with personalised suggestions for courses based on their current grades and preferences.
• A 'Fair Access Programme' is being created to encourage widening access and participation.

Overall, it seems these changes all have the same intent; to level the playing field and make university applications more achievable for everyone. 

How will this affect my university application?

As previously stated, if you are applying to university this year for 2025 Entry, you will not be affected by these reforms and will need to submit a traditional Personal Statement to UCAS like previous years. 

For applicants applying for 2026/27 Entry and beyond, your application will follow this new process, meaning you won’t have to submit a full Personal Statement but will instead need to answer a series of questions relating to your application and abilities for your chosen course. 

When hearing that the whole process will be changing, this typically instils a feeling of dread as you’ll be treading new ground that no one else has experienced before. However, it’s important to understand that UCAS states these changes are being made for the benefit of both the applicants and the universities. 

As we’ve already discussed, a key part of the reason this change is being implemented is that a high percentage of applicants found writing a traditional Personal Statement stressful, which is counterintuitive to what UCAS is trying to achieve. By providing applicants with a strong framework, in the form of specific questions, this new process should allow more applicants to provide better quality statements for universities. 

This change is also set to be particularly beneficial to those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as the process will allow them to better express their ability regardless of any areas that may be lacking due to factors out of their control. Essentially, the new process should allow more people to stand a better chance of making a good impression despite limitations. 

How Can I Start Preparing?

If you’re starting your preparations early, the main barrier you’ll face at this stage of preparation is not knowing what the questions will be, as they have yet to be announced. There are no resources available currently that cover this system, so you’re going to have to be independent with your preparation here.

Since we have a rough outline of what the questions to focus on, you should still be able to practice your responses. Although they won’t be as relevant any more, it would still be helpful to check out Personal Statement guides and examples as these can help you pin down the language and writing style you use. 

With all this information now available to us, you should be able to get a sense of what to do for your application in the coming years. The initial introduction of this system in 2024 will act as a test of its effectiveness, so elements could be changed in the years following. However, the important thing is that you understand how things are changing from the current system and how you can make the most of the new system. 

If you are applying for university in 2023 for 2024 Entry, you will need to make sure you’re ready to write your Personal Statement. Thankfully, UniAdmissions have plenty of resources to help you through it, including our Ultimate UCAS Personal Statement Guide and our collection of successful Oxbridge Personal Statements . 

If you’re looking for more in-depth support that covers the whole application process for Medicine, Law and Oxbridge courses, them find out how you can enrol in one of our Premium Programmes .  

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UCAS Will Replace Personal Statements in 2024: What Students Need to Know

Big changes are coming to the UCAS application process . UCAS announced that they will be replacing personal statements with a series of structured questions starting in 2024 . This new approach aims to reduce stress for university applicants while still giving them a chance to share information about themselves.

Why is UCAS Changing Personal Statements?

The personal statement has been one of the key criteria of the UCAS application for years. However, feedback from both students and universities highlighted some issues with the current free-form format. Surveys found that 83% of students felt writing the personal statement was stressful and 79% said it was hard to complete without support .

Universities also noted it can be difficult to compare personal statements , as content varies widely depending on the individual student. With no set guidelines, students receive different levels of help based on what resources are available.

The goal of the new structured questions is to focus responses and make the process more equitable across the board . Applicants will have clarity on what information universities want to know upfront.

What Will Replace Personal Statements?

Starting with the 2025 UCAS application entry, personal statements will be replaced by six key questions identified through research with universities:

• Motivation for Course – Why do you want to study these courses?
• Preparedness for Course – How has your learning so far helped you to be ready to succeed in these courses?
• Preparation through Other Experiences – What else have you done to help prepare, and why are these experiences useful?
• Extenuating Circumstances – Is there anything the universities need to know to put your achievements into context?
• Preparedness for Study – What have you done to prepare for student life?
• Preferred Learning Styles – Which styles suit you best and how do your course choices match that?

The goal is to capture the key information universities need while allowing applicants to share relevant details about themselves. UCAS continues to refine the focus areas based on feedback.

What This Means for Applicants

Replacing personal statements will affect students definitely. For students applying in 2024 and beyond, the new questions will change how you present yourself to universities. 

The good news is that the process aims to be more straightforward with a clear structure to follow. However, it still requires thought and effort to make your responses stand out.

With less space for elaborate anecdotes, choose details carefully to showcase your skills, experience and fit for the program. Follow prompts closely and focus on exactly how you meet the criteria.

The emphasis will likely shift from creative writing skills to concise, persuasive responses showcasing your abilities. Take time to reflect on experiences that highlight your motivation and preparedness.

What Happens Next?

UCAS emphasizes this change will be a process based on continuous feedback. They aim to introduce the new questions somewhere in 2024 to allow students and advisors time to adjust.

Before launch, UCAS is gathering input on areas like:

• Are there any missing question topics?
• How much preparation time would your role need?
• Perspectives on allowing different statements per university choice.

There is still time to share thoughts and help shape this update. UCAS also hints at more innovations in future cycles, such as multi-media submissions.

Postgraduate Personal Statements Remain Unchanged

The upcoming changes to the personal statement will only apply to undergraduate UCAS applications . For students applying to postgraduate, PhD and master’s programmes , personal statements will remain a required component of the application process. 

These programmes will continue to use free-form personal statements, allowing applicants ample space to detail their motivations, relevant skills and experiences. Universities utilise personal statements to assess candidates’ fit and potential for rigorous further study required at the postgraduate level. 

While undergraduate admissions are evolving, postgraduate applicants can expect the current personal statement format to persist across UK universities.

Learn more:

• How to Write a Personal Statement for a Masters Degree
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD

Final Thoughts: Personal Statement Change

The UCAS personal statement as we know it will soon be a thing of the past. While it marks a major change, the update aims to streamline the process for all involved. Students can focus on putting their best foot forward in a more structured format. With some preparation, applicants will still be able to share their unique stories.

FAQ: UCAS Replacing Personal Statements

Why is ucas replacing personal statements.

UCAS decided to replace free-form personal statements after feedback showed the current format causes stress for applicants. Universities also noted personal statements can be difficult to compare. The new structured questions aim to make the process more straightforward and equitable.

When will the new questions be implemented?

UCAS plans to introduce the structured questions no earlier than 2024, for use in the 2025 application cycle. This timeline allows students, advisors, and universities time to adjust to the new format.

What will the new questions focus on?

Based on research with universities, UCAS identified six key topics: motivation and preparedness for the course, relevant experiences, extenuating circumstances, preparedness for study, and preferred learning styles. Applicants will need to concisely answer prompts on each theme.

How many questions will there be?

UCAS is still finalising the format, but the initial framework suggests six main questions covering the key themes. Each theme may have multiple sub-questions to guide responses.

Will the word count stay the same?

We don’t know yet. Details are still in progress, but it’s likely the total word count will be similar to the current 4,000-character limit for personal statements. Word counts may vary per question.

How should students prepare for the new format?

Students should reflect on key experiences that showcase their skills, motivation and readiness for university study. Focus responses on providing relevant details the prompts ask for.

Will universities have access to past personal statements?

UCAS has not indicated if universities will still have access to personal statements submitted before 2024 during the transition period.

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Ucas personal statements are changing: here’s what you need to know.

Personal statements are set to become a thing of the past. The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has introduced a new process for university applications.

Personal statements are set to become a thing of the past. The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has introduced a new process for university applications from 2025, meaning that the process will change in 2024 ready for 2025 entrants.

Personal statements have always been an essential part of the university application process. However, UCAS has decided to scrap personal statements in their traditional form. They will now be replaced by a new three-question structure.

If you are preparing to apply for university right now, then you don’t need to worry too much. This new structure isn’t coming into play until 2025, when students are applying for 2026 entry.

What is the new application process?

The new application process differs from the original university application process. Initially, university students were required to write a personal statement, which would be uploaded to UCAS Hub . Universities would then read the personal statement as part of your original university application and make their offers from there.

Under the new process, it will work differently. Under the new university admissions policy, you will no longer be required to write a detailed personal statement but will need to answer questions related to three key areas.

Current key themes are:

• Motivation for course: Why do you want to study the course?
• Preparedness for course: How has your learning thus far helped you to be prepared for your course?
• Preparation through other experiences: What else have you done to help yourself prepare? How and why are these experiences so useful?
• Extenuating circumstances: Is there anything the university needs to know about you? (optional)

These questions allow students to present themselves in their own words but with more structure. Teacher references will also change, allowing for more objective comments.

Depending on user feedback, these questions may change in the future.

• Preparedness for study: What have you done to prepare yourself for student life?
• Preferred learning styles: Which learning and assessment styles suit you best?

Following extensive consultation, UCAS scrapped the latter three. This is because UCAS discovered that the themes would be too difficult to universities that have different teaching and assessment styles. The extenuating circumstances question will have a different section to be answered, but not everyone will need to answer it.

When does this new process start?

This new process will be introduced in 2025 and take effect for 2026 applicants. Those applying to university for 2023, 2024 or 2025 will still need to write a personal statement for their application in the current format.

This means the new process will be coming in after January 2025 (October 2024, if you are applying to Oxbridge ).

A personalised tool will also launch later this year. This tool will provide applicants with entry-grade reports that will give students a range of the profiles accepted onto similar courses over a five-year period, using UCAS data.

Why is the process changing?

UCAS has decided to change the university application process based on student feedback. This process will now offer greater support for applicants from different academic backgrounds.

UCAS has recently published their own report on current applications, called the Future of Undergraduate Admissions report. This research discovered that, out of 13,000 polled students, as many as 83% found writing a personal statement to be too stressful, while a further 79% found the statement too difficult to write without appropriate support.

Personal statements were not unpopular, however. 72% of students found that personal statements were essential parts of the university application process. Personal statements allowed students to stand out as more than just application numbers and their grades. However, the question format s will allow students to continue to stand out from other applicants.

How are teacher references changing?

Teacher references are changing to allow teachers to make more objective comments regarding students. Students can pick current or former academic referees, such as teachers, tutors or head teachers; these referees will then write a full reference to their career goals, work experience and predicted grades.

This process is set to change slightly for 2026 applicants. Under the new system, the referee will instead answer three structured questions. In these questions, teachers will include a general statement about the student’s school or college, any extenuating circumstances that could affect the student’s exam performances and any other circumstances the teacher feels the university should be aware of.

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1. Why do you want to study the course?

This is your chance to explain why you would be a good fit for the particular course you’ve chosen. Provide a sincere and enthusiastic response about your passion for the chosen course. 

It’s important to demonstrate your understanding of the course content and why it resonates with you, so make sure you do your research on what your chosen course entails beyond the general subject area! Don’t forget to articulate how the course aligns with your long-term career or academic goals too. 

For example, an answer in this section might begin: 

“Since a young age I have been fascinated by how history resonates in our everyday lives, from geopolitics to language. I have often been inspired to seek out the historical context to concepts I come across in class, or events and issues I see on the news. I am passionate about using History to better understand and contribute to the world around me, and studying History would equip me to do this.    In the future, I hope to work in international relations, and a firm grasp of history and historical thinking would serve me well to that end. While I have enjoyed my studies at school so far, I am looking forward to the opportunity to delve deeper into a wider range of topics and time periods.”

2. How has your learning so far helped you to prepare for success on this course?

This section is your chance to stand out as an individual by highlighting academic achievements and experiences that have prepared you for the course. 

This could include things like extracurricular activities and opportunities for learning outside of school, such as OxBright’s online academic courses . Explain how such experiences have broadened your knowledge, honed your skills, and opened up new avenues for exploration in your chosen subject area. Use specific examples to illustrate how your learning has equipped you for success in this particular academic setting. 

For example, reporting your experience at a summer school might look something like this: 

“I have often sought out opportunities to continue my learning outside of the classroom and explore new areas that my school courses don’t cover. I recently attended an OxBright online course on World History and Philosophy. This gave me the chance to explore ideas and events from a global perspective, and I was particularly intrigued by the ways in which philosophical and political thought has been built in layers over time.    For example, ideas like human rights, that we consider quite modern, are in fact rooted in the ideals of ancient societies. It has led me to question concepts like “progress” and “modernity” in history, and I am looking forward to studying more historiography and historical theory at university to further develop my understanding.”

3. What else have you done to help yourself prepare? How and why are these experiences so useful?

In this section, emphasise any personal growth and development gained from various experiences which will stand you in good stead on your academic journey. This could be something like time spent abroad increasing your engagement with an aspect of another culture, or an internship, like the Oxbright academic and work internships , developing your skills and understanding in a vocational field. 

Explain how your diverse experiences have uniquely positioned you to excel in the challenges of your chosen course. Outline any transferable skills you’ve gained from these experiences and how they contribute to your readiness for the course. 

An example of reporting your experience on an internship might be something like this: 

“Wanting to gain some more hands-on experience of Engineering, I attended an OxBright internship. During this internship, I had the chance to participate in designing a bridge to withstand the challenges of an earthquake. I quickly developed my mathematical and practical skills under the guidance of an expert mentor.    Learning through practical application of concepts I had only seen in the classroom has really changed how I think and approach new problems. During this process, I came to better understand how I learn best, and how to multitask while doing practical work, which will serve me well when approaching the challenges of practical and theoretical work on an Engineering degree.” 

Ultimately, the good news is that the UCAS personal statement process is changing to make your life easier! 

You can keep these new themed questions in mind while you prepare for applications, making sure that you’re collecting experiences which you can use in each section. With these three simple categories to direct you, you can approach your personal statement with confidence!

Alice is an historian at St Anne’s College, Oxford, where she teaches undergraduate history (predominantly medieval history and historiographical theory). She is also a freelance writer and editor, and a research assistant at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Studies.

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Personal Statement Questions 2025

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Working with students and providers, UCAS have tested different models to make it easier for students to convey why they think they should be offered a place on a course at university. As a result, both groups identified a preference for structured questions that make the task more clear and focused, and limiting the need for support.

So far, UCAS has identified six key areas for students to think about and answer as part of their UCAS application:

• Motivation for the course – why do you want to study this particular course?
• Preparedness for course – how has your learning so far helped you to be ready to succeed on these courses?
• Preparation through other experiences – what else have you done to help you prepare, and why are these experiences useful?
• Extenuating circumstances – is there anything that the universities and colleges need to know about, to help them put your achievements and experiences so far into context?
• Preparedness for study – what have you done to prepare yourself for student life?
• Preferred learning styles – which learning and assessment styles best suit you – how do your courses choices match that?

Please note that these questions are subject to change as UCAS continue to refine these areas to ensure that they capture the information providers really need from applicants.

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Ucas to replace personal statement with series of questions

Admissions service also making changes to teacher references, and plans to release details of grade profiles that were accepted onto courses.

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The Ucas personal statement is to be replaced by a series of questions following concerns that it was too stressful for UK students.

The admissions service said it believes the change to the 4,000 character essay – which had previously been  criticised for contributing to inequalities in higher education access  – will create “a more supportive framework”.

Advocates of reform said the change will help “level the playing field” in university admissions.

The  Future of Undergraduate Admissions report  by Ucas also announced that academic references would become structured questions, and that students will be able to see a range of accepted entry grades for different courses to improve transparency.

A recent Ucas survey found that 83 per cent of students reported the process of writing a personal statement stressful, with 79 per cent saying it is difficult to complete without support.

Based on this feedback, Kim Eccleston, head of strategy and reform at Ucas, says the current format will be reframed into a series of questions focusing on six key areas: motivation for the course, preparedness for the course, preparation through other experiences, extenuating circumstances, preparedness for study, and preferred learning style.

“We believe this will create a more supportive framework which in turn will help guide students through their responses by removing the guesswork, as well as capturing the information universities and colleges have told us they really need to know from applicants when it comes to offer-making”, she writes in a  blog published by the Higher Education Policy Institute .

The questions are set to be introduced in 2024, for students entering higher education in 2025, while Ucas said it paved the way for further enhancements, such as moving to multimedia submissions.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter , said the move to structured questions was “hugely positive”.

“No one should underestimate how important this reform will be in helping to level the playing field in university admissions,” he added.

“I’ve been calling for reform as statements currently add further advantage for middle class applicants who are often given help in filling in their submissions.”

Providers had told Ucas that the subjective nature of the academic reference section – typically filled out by an applicant’s form tutor or careers adviser – made it challenging to be used to compare applicants against each other.

As a result, it will be replaced with three structured questions – a mandatory general statement about the referee’s school, plus optional information sections on extenuating circumstances affecting the applicant’s performance.

Beginning with the 2024 entry cycle, Professor Elliot Major said it will enable more “objective and useful comments from teachers”.

“As we enter an era of increasing competition for the most selective university degree courses, we need more structured and transparent university admissions that are fair and fit for purpose for all,” he added.

In addition, entry grade reports will be available through the Ucas website, which will give a range of grade profiles that have been accepted onto courses over a five-year period.

It said that this personalised tool, which will launch this year, will prompt applicants to dig deeper into entry requirements and re-evaluate options that may have been considered out of reach.

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UCAS personal statement checklist

Unless you’re applying for a course that interviews, your personal statement is the only opportunity you have to demonstrate your personality through your application. Once you’ve written your statement, why not use our checklist below to make sure you have got all the vital elements covered.

The personal statement on your UCAS application is your chance to really sell yourself to the universities you are applying to. We do read them and it can make the difference between receiving an offer and being unsuccessful.  Once you’ve got your ideas for your personal statement ready to go, use our handy checklist below to make sure you’ve covered all the important information.

• Have you said in the first two sentences what you would like to study? Remember, be innovative in the way you tell us.
• Have you proofread it? Get everyone involved: friends, family, teachers – anyone that’ll look at it. Try reading it aloud too – doing this will make it very clear if something isn’t quite right.
• Have you used full sentences, paragraphs and proper grammar? It is a formal document so should read like one.
• Have you double-checked your spelling and grammar? The UCAS application form doesn’t have a spellcheck function, so we recommend copying it into a word processor to use theirs (it will also give you the character count – remember you’ve only got 4000 – and that includes spaces!).
• Have you got the balance right? We recommend that your statement should focus 80% on the course, and why you want to study it, and 20% on you and your skills. Other universities might have different ideas on this though.
• Have you talked about why the course you are applying for is interesting to you – you need to convince Admissions Teams that you want to study this subject for at least the next 3 years.
• Have you told us how have you come to this decision on the course you are applying for? Have you shared your experiences – something unique to you?
• Have you provided evidence to any claims you make and told us how, as a result, you are more suitable to the course?
• Have you offered an opinion or discussed a contemporary issue around your subject? The best personal statements show what you’ve learned independently and how it’s informed your opinion.

Your Transferable Skills:

• Have you shown what makes you ideal for the course?
• Are the skills you’ve mentioned relevant to the course? Ask yourself the question ‘so what?’ If you can’t think about a reason to talk about a particular skill, the reader will wonder why you’ve mentioned it at all.

You can use the ABC test to see if you are making it relevant:

• A = Activity: This might be captaining a sports team, or being part of a drama club
• B = Benefit: This is the skill(s) you have gained from doing the activity
• C = Course: How the skill will help you to complete the course successfully

And finally, remember that this is a personal statement. It should be totally unique and all about you. Our final tip is this: If you were to anonymously give your personal statement to someone in your class, could they identify it as yours? If they couldn’t, we need to see more about you in there.

Read our tips for writing a UCAS personal statement

For more advice, see the UCAS tips for writing a personal statement

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10 prompting questions to get you started with your UCAS personal statement

Most people would agree that the hardest part of constructing a UCAS personal statement is getting started. And the longer your leave it, inevitably, the harder it gets. Much of this is due to the pressures we put on ourselves to produce something perfect and yet aiming for perfection on a first draft is unrealistic.

My solution to this is simple - start putting pen to paper as soon as you can. Having something to work with, no matter how unpolished it is, will allow you to see just how and where you need to improve. Keeping things in our heads, on the other hand, are likely to cause anxiety and further procrastination.

If you find yourself in this position, honest written answers to the following questions will start the journey of allowing your personal statement to take shape.

How did your interest in this subject develop?

Everyone’s story here is different, so what is yours? Was your interest ignited through something you read, something you heard or something you experienced? Be honest. If you’re not honest it will sound disingenuous.

How can you prove you have gone out of your way to research the subject further?

To want to take this subject to degree level you need to show how this interest has developed. So what exactly have you done - further reading, research, open days?

Looking forwards, what particular elements of the subject are most appealing?

Can you show that you understand some of the breadth of what you will be expected to study during your time at university? Are there particular specialisms or module topics that appeal and can you say why this is?

Why is it important that people study this subject?

Are you able to see the ‘bigger picture relevance’ of this subject? What impact does it have on society and on how we live our lives? Can you give any newsworthy examples of this?

In terms of your recent education, can you talk about a piece of work or research that you found particularly interesting?

University staff want to teach interesting, and interested, students. Giving them evidence of a time when you have enthusiastically approached academic challenges in the past will help to do this.

What particular study skills have you gained from your recent subjects?

Remember, not every subject has to be relevant to your future studies. But you should be able to identify the transferable benefits that have come from your studies to date, whether that is critical thinking, structuring arguments or using creativity, to name but a few examples.

Have you gained any work experience (relevant or otherwise to your degree) and what has this taught you about yourself?

It is important to be reflective here. A personal statement showing a list of what you did will be much less impressive than one that shows how the experiences have shaped or challenged your perceptions about the world of work, and how you may fit within it.

What are your current career ideas?

If you are applying to a strongly vocational course then this is definitely something you will need to be able to show that you have thought about. What research have you done? What particular careers or working environments interest you? (NB - don’t over worry this if your course is purely academic - remember that this is a course application and not a job interview).

What additional responsibilities have you taken on, either in or outside of school?

Everyone likes a proactive student who goes out of their way to acquire more skills. But again, this question is about being reflective about your experiences rather than simply listing what you did. Extra-curricular interests can also help to add individuality to a personal statement.

What aspects of university life are you most looking forward to?

University is about personal development as well as academic development so think broadly here. Answering this question honestly should help to reveal positivity and a ‘can do, will do’ attitude.

I’m not suggesting that your answers to these questions will, or should, form your complete and finished statement. Rather this is an exercise in brainstorming ideas and getting the ball rolling. From these answers you should then be able to identify exactly which information is most relevant to your application (it won’t all be) and identify the areas that can be taken to a greater depth. There may also be further work that needs to be done on ordering your statement in a way that flows and makes sense. So, it won’t be perfect and it won’t give you the finished article, but the important thing is that by tackling these relevant questions head on, you are making a start.

Don’t forget that Momentum Careers Advice offers a personal statement review service for just £60. Email [email protected] if interested or read my blog post ‘ What is involved in a UCAS personal statement review? ’

If you want to browse through the other blog posts that I’ve written on the subject of UCAS applications then please click on this link .

Final dates! Join the tutor2u subject teams in London for a day of exam technique and revision at the cinema. Learn more →

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UCAS set to replace personal statements from 2024

13th January 2023

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The university application landscape seems set for reform according to reports this morning. UCAS wants to replace a unified personal statement with a series of six questions. Admissions service are also making changes to teacher references, and plans to release details of grade profiles that were accepted onto specific courses. The changes may arrive for the cohort applying in the autumn of 2024.

This might be worth a read:

Five steps UCAS is taking to reform the undergraduate admissions process

The newly published UCAS report is available here

Initial reaction from Geoff Barton here

‘Breaking down the personal statement into specific questions feels to be a step towards a simplified, fairer application process,’ says @RealGeoffBarton of @ucas_online announcement https://t.co/kwseX9NSZQ — Tes (@tes) January 12, 2023

No doubt a huge amount will be said and written as the consultation process gathers momentum. The six question approach appears rather prescriptive and there will be plenty of discussion I feel about the last question on preferred learning styles!

And in a month when ChatGPT and other emerging AI tools have dominated the education headlines, what price that these AI bots will be able to generate convincing written responses in seconds?

• Higher education

Geoff Riley

Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for over thirty years. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD conferences in the UK and overseas.

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Ucas changes ‘fairer’ for disadvantaged students

Ucas will reframe the personal statement into a series of questions from next year, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service has announced.

Questions are expected to focus on areas such as an applicant’s motivation for the course they are applying for, as well as their preferred approaches to learning.

Ucas intends to introduce the changes in 2024 for 2025 entry, after consulting with students, teachers, advisers, universities and colleges.

And a union leader has said that the move “feels to be a step towards a simplified, fairer application process”.

Six key areas have been identified for the focus of the questions so far: motivation for the course; preparedness for the course; preparation through other experiences; extenuating circumstances; preparedness for study; preferred learning style. 

Over the past year, Ucas said it has “consulted with 1,200 domestic and international students, over 170 teachers and advisers and over 100 universities and colleges as well as engaging with governments, regulators and the charity sector across the UK”. 

And it says it will continue to engage with the sector to help shape the delivery of the reforms “as we continue to test and validate our proposed questions”.

• University applications:  Teachers ‘can’t fix systemic inequity’ in Ucas system
• Exclusive:  Academies beat private schools in university applications
• Ucas applications:  A month-by-month planner

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said that, currently, “it can feel as if personal statements favour more advantaged students whose parents have been through the university system, and are therefore better equipped to help their children write it and provide a wide range of experiences that they can cite within it”.

Mr Barton said that the existing system is “badly in need of reform” but warned that “changes will need to balance the need to establish a consistent format with allowing students to express themselves”.

“Breaking down the personal statement into specific questions feels to be a step towards a simplified, fairer application process,” he said. “We will consider the proposals in detail and consult with members before providing feedback.”

A 2022 Ucas survey found that 72 per cent of applicants felt positive about the personal statement, but 83 per cent reported that “the process of writing a personal statement is stressful”, with 79 per cent agreeing that the statement is “difficult to complete without support”.

Ucas has also announced today that it will bring in changes to the academic reference element of the application.

Under the changes, the free text approach will be replaced with three structured questions that will act as a “built-in guide for referees keeping their focus firmly in the areas that providers want to know more about”.

Lee Elliot Major, a professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said it was “hugely positive” to see Ucas confirming the move to structured questions. 

He added: “No one should underestimate how important this reform will be in helping to level the playing field in university admissions. I’ve been calling for reform as statements currently add further advantage for middle-class applicants who are often given help in filling in their submissions.

“As we enter an era of increasing competition for the most selective university degree courses, we need more structured and transparent university admissions that are fair and fit for purpose for all.” 

A report published last November by the Higher Education Policy Institute recommended that the personal statement be replaced with a series of short-response questions to address the “unnecessary burden” of the task , which was “contributing to inequalities in higher education access”.

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Are UCAS Personal Statements Changing Format for 2024?

No Changes to Personal Statements for 2024 Entry

In response to valuable feedback from students who find immense value in the personal statement process, UCAS has decided to retain this crucial element in the 2024 entry. Despite certain shortcomings, and amid reports that the personal statement was due to change, UCAS are now delaying their personal statement reform until at least the 2025 application cycle (if you want top tips and guides on how to ace your traditional personal statement, check out our brand new Personal Statement Page ). Proposed changes include removing the traditional 4,000 character statement in lieu of a number of questions that students will answer. The questions that have been settled on so far are as follows:

Motivation for Course: Why Do You Want to Study These Courses? Students will delve into their motivation for selecting specific courses, which could be linked to career aspirations or a genuine passion for the subject. This question encourages thorough course research, ensuring alignment with the student's goals, be it professional accreditation, a particular career pathway, or a deep fascination for the subject.

Preparedness for Course: How Has Your Learning Journey Prepared You for Success? This question invites students to reflect on their formal learning experiences, such as school or college curricula, and how these have shaped their understanding of the subject. It emphasises showcasing the skills and competencies gained, demonstrating an understanding of what will contribute to their success in the chosen courses.

Preparation Through Other Experiences: How Have You Readied Yourself, and Why Are These Experiences Useful? Students are encouraged to highlight a variety of experiences beyond formal education, ranging from extracurricular learning to employment. The focus is on explaining the significance of each experience, emphasising the skills developed, critical thinking fostered, and how these experiences will aid their academic journey.

Extenuating Circumstances: Providing Context to Achievements and Experiences. Although not mandatory, this question offers a space for students to contextualise their achievements and experiences by addressing any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted their educational journey. It allows students to provide a broader understanding of their context without diverting attention from showcasing their skills and suitability for the courses.

Preparedness for Study: How Have You Readied Yourself for Student Life? This question prompts students to reflect on their readiness for the transition to higher education, encompassing independent learning and, in some cases, independent living. It helps universities gauge applicants' understanding of the changes and their proactive measures to succeed in this new academic phase.

Preferred Learning Styles: Aligning Learning Styles with Course Choices. Students are encouraged to identify their preferred learning and assessment styles, illustrating how these preferences match their chosen courses. Whether they thrive in group projects or prefer solo work, universities seek to ensure a good match between the student's learning style and the course structure to enhance the learning experience.

However, UCAS do not propose actioning change to the personal statement before 2024, or for those starting new courses in 2025. There will be a number of feedback rounds from students to provide suggestions on what they think should change before anything is ultimately decided.

Changes to UCAS Applicant References in 2024

Although the personal statement itself isn’t changing, UCAS is implementing changes to academic references. The objective is to provide a more structured and insightful approach, aligning with universities' and colleges' expectations while streamlining the reference compilation process.

Previously, academic references often varied significantly in content and format from one referee to another, making it challenging to effectively compare applicants. Universities and colleges faced a dilemma in deciphering the true essence of each applicant from these diverse references. Simultaneously, academic advisers reported mounting pressure to invest extensive time in crafting detailed references with the anticipation of boosting applicants' chances of success.

A Structured Approach for Enhanced Clarity and Precision

To address these challenges, UCAS is ushering in a transformation by replacing the open-ended free text approach with a more structured, segmented format for academic references. Starting from the 2024 entry cycle, academic advisers will be guided to include three specific sections, bringing in a more standardised and clear structure to the references:

General Statement: Advisers will start with a concise general statement about the applicant.

Extenuating Circumstances (if applicable): This section allows for the inclusion of any exceptional circumstances that may have affected the applicant's academic journey.

Supportive or Specific Applicant Information: Advisers can add any other information they deem relevant, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the applicant's strengths and achievements.

Key Benefits of the Restructured Approach

Enhanced Clarity and Confidence: The structured approach instils clarity and confidence in advisers, knowing that they are providing pertinent and meaningful information that universities and colleges seek.

Time Allocation and Resource Efficiency: With a structured format in place, advisers can allocate their time and resources more efficiently, focusing on guiding students through the discovery phase of their application journey.

Streamlined Selection Decisions: Universities and colleges can easily navigate and extract vital information from the structured references, aiding in efficient selection decisions and targeted support.

Tailoring to Course-Specific Requirements

As with personal statements and entry requirements, some courses and institutions may have specific expectations for academic references. Applicants and advisers are encouraged to consider general guidance in conjunction with any specific requirements outlined by universities and colleges.

This transition to a structured approach in academic references marks a significant step towards streamlining the application process, aligning the expectations of academic institutions, advisers, and applicants alike. The 2024 entry cycle brings forth an era of increased clarity and efficiency, ensuring a more effective evaluation of applicants' potential within the higher education landscape.

How U2 Can Help With Your UCAS Application

As you embark on the exciting journey of preparing for your university application, know that you don't have to navigate this path alone. At U2, we're here to provide valuable guidance and support at every step of the way.

We support students through each step of the process, from university choice to course selection, and crafting a compelling UCAS personal statement. If applying to Oxbridge, this also means honing the skills necessary for admissions tests and interviews, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

We also have an entire co-curricular division, Minds Underground, which is a treasure trove of co-curricular opportunities to strengthen your future university application. Check out our range of clubs and courses, research projects and Oxbridge Summer Schools here .

Keen for us to guide you through the complexities of the UCAS application process? Let's work together to turn your university aspirations into reality!

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Ucas looking at replacing free form university personal statements with series of questions to boost fairness 

Ucas is looking at a more 'structured' approach to university personal statements to balance out the unfairness of middle class students receiving extra support from parents, teachers and tutors.

Ucas is looking at replacing open-ended university personal statements with a series of questions to level the playing field between applicants, i can reveal.

The planned shake-up by the university admissions body follows concerns that the current system gives an advantage to middle class students, who often receive support from parents, teachers and tutors when crafting their statements.

Currently, students from across the UK applying for university courses via Ucas complete a 4,000-character personal statement.

The process is designed to allow students to sell themselves to admissions tutors by conveying their suitability for their chosen course.

Last month, the higher education minister Michelle Donelan said she believed that “personal statements in their current form favour the most advantaged students and do a disservice to those whose strengths are better tested through other means” . Ms Donelan said that the UK Government was working with Ucas to “reform” the process.

Now, i can reveal that Ucas is looking at a more “structured” approach where applicants would be prompted to talk about certain things.

Clare Marchant, the chief executive of Ucas, said: “Personal statements are a key part of over two million applications each year for students to say why they are a good fit for their chosen course. Many employers will also ask for a form of personal statement when applying for an apprenticeship.”

Ms Marchant said that when Ucas asked students for their views, they made clear they valued “the opportunity the personal statement gives them to express their ambition, skills and experiences”.

But she went on: “We want to simplify the process though, offer greater guidance, and help students from all backgrounds have an equal level of support”.

“We are working with students, teachers, and admissions professionals in universities and colleges to consider what changes might improve both the supporting tools and the statement itself.

“Along with more support, we will consider moving away from the current free text box personal statement to a more structured statement with focused questions to help guide students more explicitly.”

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Ms Marchant said it would be “critical” to get a “balance between free text and structure” because “we do not want to limit opportunity for people to personalise their statement”.

“It is also important to remember that the personal statement is only one of a variety of pieces of evidence that admissions teams look at when considering a student’s application,” she added.

The news was welcomed as a “step in the right direction” by Lee Elliot Major , a professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, who has called for personal statements to be reformed or scrapped altogether.

Professor Elliot Major said that university admissions had to be seen from the perspective of a “candidate who comes to this who doesn’t have all that experience from their parents, teachers and tutors – is it fair for them?”.

“We still need to do a lot of work to make it fair for applicants that don’t have all that knowledge you need to navigate this quite complex admissions system that we have.”

Reforming the process could help reduce plagiarism and cases where students effectively enlist an adult to write their statement, he said.

“The idea of structured questions means there’s less room for manipulation, gaming and indeed cheating in this process.”

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