How has the UCAS Personal Statement Changed?
The UCAS personal statement has undergone significant changes for applicants seeking university entry in 2026. Instead of submitting a single 4000-character, one-page document, applicants will now complete a statement divided into three separate sections. UCAS refers to the new format as having a ‘scaffolded structure,’ where applicants will respond to a series of free-text questions. The aim is to provide clearer guidance and structure, helping to ensure fairness for all applicants.
What is the look of the new format personal statement?
Personal statements will now consist of three sections, each with a specific question to guide responses. Each section will require a minimum of 350 characters. The overall limit for the personal statement remains 4,000 characters including spaces. The new UCAS web page will also provide on-page guidance for answering each question.
The three question sections, and our recommendations of what to include in response to each, are as follows:
1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- Passion and Interest: Explain why the subject excites you or aligns with your long-term goals.
- Skills and Strengths: Highlight relevant skills or experiences that make you well-suited for the course.
- Career Aspirations: Link how the course will help you achieve your career goals or personal ambitions.
- Uniqueness of the Program: Mention specific aspects of the course that attract you.
2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
- Relevant Academic Achievements: Mention specific subjects, courses, or projects you've studied that directly relate to the course you're applying for.
- Supercurricular Learning: Highlight any self-directed learning - such as wider reading, online courses, academic competitions, or independent research - that shows subject interest and deepens your understanding beyond the classroom.
- Skills Developed: Focus on key skills (e.g., research, critical thinking, problem-solving) gained through your studies.
- Personal Growth: Explain how your qualifications have shaped your interest in the field and your readiness to tackle the course.
3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
- Supercurricular Experiences: Include any work experience, volunteering, internships, or enrichment activities outside school that relate to your subject and show active engagement beyond the classroom.
- Skills Gained: Focus on transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, time management, or problem-solving.
- Why It's Useful: Explain how these experiences have broadened your perspective, enhanced your abilities, or given you practical knowledge that will help in your studies.
Note, the three sections will be reviewed as one by universities and colleges, so it is important that applicants do not repeat information across their answers.
Read more about the importance of super curricular learning.
Why is the UCAS personal statement important?
The personal statement is a 4,000-character document that allows you to demonstrate to admissions tutors why you are a strong fit for your chosen undergraduate course. While most of the UCAS application is standard (such as grades and academic references), the personal statement offers a unique opportunity to stand out. It can be the only unique part of your application that sets you apart from other applicants and may make the difference between receiving an offer or not.
Who is going to read my Personal Statement?
Your personal statement will likely be reviewed by an academic or trained admissions officer, who will be a subject specialist focused on selecting candidates with the academic potential to succeed in a degree programme.
What should I include in my personal statement?
A common misconception about the personal statement is that it is a personality contest with other candidates. In reality, academics and admissions tutors are more interested in how you think and your understanding of the subject, rather than personal anecdotes.
We recommend you:
- Show, Don't Tell: Many students believe that using grandiose language will impress their tutors, but simply stating that you find a subject "thrilling" or "wondrous" is ineffective. Instead, demonstrate your enthusiasm through your work. This might involve analysing specific texts, conducting experiments, or exploring key ideas—depending on your subject.
- Don't Just Describe, Analyse: Merely repeating information adds little value. University is about developing the ability to think independently and analytically, so it is crucial to demonstrate this skill in your work.
- Avoid Listing Books or Activities: Simply listing the texts you have read or topics you are interested in doesn't demonstrate your enthusiasm or aptitude for the subject. It is more effective to discuss a few key ideas, texts, or experiments in depth.
- Develop Your Analysis of Work Experience: If you have had relevant work experience, be sure to elaborate on it. Listing multiple placements without further detail will not strengthen your application. Focus on specific observations, insights, and how the experience has informed your academic interests or led to further research.
- Keep It Subject-Focused: Admissions tutors primarily use the personal statement to assess your academic potential and interests. Focusing too much on extracurricular activities, such as sports or music, can absorb valuable space that could better highlight skills directly relevant to your intended course of study.
Applying to Oxbridge? Read our article on How to create a standout personal statement for Oxbridge.
Where can I look for help with my Personal Statement?
Your first port of call should be your tutor, teacher, or designated member of staff in charge of university applications at your school. They will have seen hundreds of personal statements (albeit before the latest changes!) and will certainly be able to provide you with advice. If you are applying independently there is a wealth of helpful information accessible online, not least from the UCAS website itself.
Recommended Further Reading:
- UCAS Website: Advice on Personal Statement Writing
- The Complete University Guide: Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement
When should I start working my Personal Statement?
It is not advisable to leave your application until the last minute. Schools often set their own deadlines, so be sure to adhere to them. To stay organised, it is a good idea to start drafting your personal statement over the summer before your final year at school. This gives you time to have teachers or tutors review it, allowing you to refine it before submission.
Watch our recorded webinar on how to use the summer holidays to maximise your university application. The webinar discusses the sorts of preparation you can complete over the Summer Holidays of Year 12 to ensure you submit a strong UCAS application.
Remember, the deadline for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, and most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science is 15th October each year, while the deadline for most other undergraduate courses is 29th January.
UK University Advisory Support
Keystone Tutors are able to provide subject specific support for those preparing for university applications. Do get in touch if you would like further assistance with your personal statement or any other aspects of your university application.