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• UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

Last Updated: 22nd July 2024

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 three-question survey that gives applicants the chance to explain various aspects of their application.
• This change will be implemented for the 2025 admissions cycle for 2026 Entry in the UK.
• This will affect all applicants, both home and international, looking to attend any 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 new “scaffolded structure” of three 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. 

For each question, applicants will need to write a minimum of 350 characters. The overall character limit for the Personal Statement across the three questions (including spaces) will be 4,000 – this is the same as the current limit. 

Responses will need to be submitted via the online UCAS system, which will now feature three text boxes instead of one (one for each question). Each box will include an exact character counter and tips for each question. 

The three questions you’ll have to answer are as follows: 

• 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?

These questions cover the important topics that would typically be included in a standard Personal Statement, so the content of your writing should mostly stay the same. The key difference is that your writing will no longer need to flow as a singular piece of work, meaning introductions and conclusions will be de-emphasised. 

In 2023, UCAS initially announced a selection of six questions that were being considered for a new Personal Statement system. These were as follows:

• 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?

UCAS stated that these were subject to change based on feedback from schools and students, with the new three-question system being the result of this work (removing the last three questions in the process). 

Of the questions originally planned for the Personal Statement, one aspect that will no longer be covered is Extenuating Circumstances. This was previously going to be a section that allows applicants to discuss any issues that may have impacted their application negatively (illness, family circumstances, etc).

UCAS states that this section was removed from the Personal Statement due to its inclusion as one of the three questions in the Academic Reference (also a part of the UCAS process). If you have anything that you want to discuss in this section, you will need to speak with your referee to explain what you would like to include in the reference. 

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 . 

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When Are UCAS Personal Statements Being Changed?

The most recent announcement from UCAS regarding Personal Statements confirms that this new system will be implemented in August of 2025, meaning applicants for 2026 Entry will be the first to face the changes. Applicants in 2024 for 2025 Entry will have to complete the single, free-form document like previous years, 

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 has finally received a confirmed date for implementation after previously being planned for 2023. 

Why Are UCAS Personal Statements Being Changed?

The announcement of these reforms was initially 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 that were previously made 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. 

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How will this affect my university application?

As previously stated, if you are applying to university this year for 2025 Entry (and deferred Entry for 2026), 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 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 2025 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 2024 for 2025 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 personal statements are changing in 2025: here’s what you need to know

UCAS has announced that personal statements will be changing. This will be introduced in September 2025 for students applying for 2026 entry. So what does this mean for you?

It has long been felt that the university application process has grown outdated, with many students feeling the process of writing a personal statement is difficult and not a great reflection of who you are and what you can offer a university.

UCAS has revised their application process to replace the traditional personal statement essay with getting students to answer three questions.

On the 18th July 2024, UCAS confirmed that this will be changing for those applying to university for 2026.

What is the new application process?

With the new process, you will answer three questions. These will be:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject? This is where you can show your passion for the subject as well as your existing knowledge. It will show universities you understand the course and you’re enthusiastic to push your understanding!
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course? Here you can show more of your academic skills such as essay writing, as well as transferable skills such as team work, communication, and organisation.
• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful? This is a chance to talk about extracurricular activities. Whether this be your hobbies, sports clubs, or further reading. It will, again show your passion for learning and some of the great qualities you have.

These questions will allow you to present yourself in a way that has more structure than the previous version. While the original question list included longer questions on preparedness for study and preferred learning styles, these questions caused confusion due to different teaching and assessment styles. Because of this, they’ve been removed from the potential questions.

Along with this change, teachers' references will also change to allow for more objective comments.

When does this new process start?

This new process will be introduced in 2025 and take effect for 2026 applicants. Those applying in the 2024 or 2025 admissions cycle 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.

This process was originally supposed to start in 2024 but after ongoing testing, this has been pushed back. It’s unknown whether the new process will be postponed again for the 2026 admissions cycle.

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 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 about the student's career goals, work experience and predicted grades.

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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Change to Personal Statements for 2025 Entry

Dr Rahil Sachak-Patwa

The landscape of university applications in the UK is transforming. From 2025, the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is set to revolutionise the way aspiring students present themselves to universities. Central to this change is the overhaul of personal statements, a staple of the application process for decades. These changes, applicable from the 2025 entry, mark an important shift in how students will convey their aspirations, preparedness, and suitability for their chosen courses.

This article aims to dissect these changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of what they entail, their implications for prospective students, and the reasoning behind this significant shift in the UCAS application process . As we navigate through this transition, we want you to understand not just the 'what' and 'how' of these changes, but also the 'why' behind them, so that applicants and educators alike are well-equipped for this new era in university undergraduate admissions.

Background of Personal Statements in UCAS

For many years, personal statements have been a cornerstone of the UK's university application process through UCAS . Personal statements provided students a platform to express their academic interests, achievements, and aspirations beyond the confines of grades and test scores. This narrative component enabled applicants to stand out as individuals, showcasing their passion, motivation, and suitability for their chosen courses.

Traditionally, personal statements have required students to craft a coherent and compelling essay, typically limited to 4,000 characters or around 500-600 words. This format demanded not only a deep understanding of the chosen subject area but also the ability to articulate thoughts and experiences effectively. For universities, these statements provided valuable insights into the applicant's personality, critical thinking, and potential to thrive in a higher education environment.

However, despite their value, personal statements have also been a source of considerable stress and anxiety for applicants. The open-ended nature of these essays often left students grappling with what to include and how best to express themselves. This challenge was particularly acute for those without access to quality guidance or support, potentially leading to disparities in the application process. Recognising these issues, UCAS's decision to revamp the personal statement format is a move towards a more structured, equitable, and less stressful application experience .

Reasons for Change

The decision to reform the personal statement process stems from extensive research and feedback collected by UCAS indicating a need for a more accessible and less stressful application system. According to UCAS's own data , a staggering 83% of students found writing personal statements to be excessively stressful, while 79% struggled to write them without adequate support. These figures highlight a significant challenge in the existing system – the creation of a personal statement that can often be an overwhelming and inequitable task for many students.

Furthermore, the existing format was found to disadvantage those without access to high-quality advice or guidance, widening the gap between applicants from different educational backgrounds. This disparity was particularly pronounced for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who might not have the same level of support in crafting a personal statement that adequately reflects their potential and achievements.

UCAS’s initiative to revamp the personal statement process is also aligned with its broader goal of diversifying university admissions. By simplifying the application process, UCAS aims to create a more level playing field, giving every student an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities and aspirations. The new format is designed to reduce the ambiguity and stress associated with personal statement writing, making the process more straightforward and less reliant on external assistance.

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Overview of the Change to Personal Statements

In 2025, UCAS is shifting from the traditional personal statement to a more focused and structured set of questions. This change is designed to provide a clearer and more supportive framework for applicants, reducing stress and promoting fairness in the admissions process . The new format comprises three main questions, each with a distinct purpose, and an optional section for extenuating circumstances:

1. Motivation for Course : This question delves into the student's genuine interest in their chosen course. Applicants are encouraged to express what drives their choice – be it career aspirations, a profound interest in the subject, or other motivations. It's an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the course content and how it aligns with their future goals. This question also serves to ensure students have thoroughly researched their options, understanding the unique aspects of each course and how it fits with their personal objectives.

2. Preparedness for Course : Here, students are asked to articulate how their academic background and formal learning experiences have prepared them for success in their chosen courses. This may include specific subjects studied at the school or college level, skills acquired, and how these elements contribute to their readiness for higher education. The response should reflect a clear understanding of what the course demands and how the student’s prior learning supports these requirements.

3. Preparation through Other Experiences : This question broadens the perspective, inviting students to discuss other activities that have contributed to their preparation for university. Responses may cover a range of experiences, including extracurricular activities, work experience, voluntary engagements, or personal projects. The emphasis here is on reflection – students should articulate what they have learned from these experiences and how they contribute to their preparedness for the course.

The optional section on Extenuating Circumstances allows students to provide context to their academic and personal experiences, offering insights into challenges faced and overcome. This section acknowledges that each student’s journey is unique and that certain experiences may have impacted their educational pathway.

UCAS's revised approach, informed by feedback and extensive consultation, aims for a more straightforward and transparent application process. It seeks to guide students more effectively through their responses, removing the guesswork and anxiety traditionally associated with crafting a personal statement. However, note that the questions specified above are subject to change as UCAS finalises its research into the area. To stay up to date with these changes and prepare for them, consider getting in touch with a UCAS application tutor .

Impact of the Change on Applicants

The introduction of the new question-based format by UCAS in 2025 is poised to have a positive impact on university applicants. One of the primary benefits of this change is the reduction in stress and uncertainty associated with writing a traditional personal statement. The structured questions provide a clear idea on what kind of information is expected, making it simpler for applicants to articulate their thoughts and qualifications.

This new format is particularly beneficial for students who may have previously found the open-ended nature of personal statements daunting. It levels the playing field by reducing the reliance on external support or resources, which not all students have equal access to. The questions are designed to extract relevant and specific information, enabling all students, regardless of their background, to effectively showcase their motivations, preparedness for study, and suitability for their chosen courses.

Moreover, the optional section on extenuating circumstances allows students to provide a more holistic view of their academic and personal journey. This is especially important for those who have faced challenges or circumstances that may have impacted their educational experiences, ensuring that these factors are considered in the admissions process.

Wider Context and Additional Changes to Application

Making higher education more accessible.

The transformation of the personal statement format is part of a broader move by UCAS towards a more inclusive and supportive university application process. This change is accompanied by several other initiatives aimed at assisting applicants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in making informed decisions about their higher education.

These developments include introducing a personalised course recommendation tool. This tool uses extensive data, including subject interests, career aspirations, and academic achievements, to recommend suitable university courses to applicants. In its pilot phase, this tool demonstrated its effectiveness in broadening students' options, often suggesting courses they hadn't previously considered​​.

UCAS is also intensifying efforts to widen access to higher education. Programs like the Fair Access Programme and the Outreach Connection Service are instrumental in linking students and educational institutions to resources offered by universities and third-sector organisations. These initiatives play a crucial role in overcoming barriers faced by students from less advantaged areas, contributing to a notable increase in their university application and attendance rates​​.

Preparing for the Changes

As the UCAS application process undergoes significant changes, both students and educators must adapt to these new requirements. While the exact questions replacing the traditional personal statements have not been finalised yet, it is important to prepare for the new process and anticipated format​​.

Brainstorming and Practicising

Students should start by familiarising themselves with the proposed question areas, such as motivations for choosing a course, preparedness through learning and other experiences, and any extenuating circumstances. Even though the precise questions are still being developed, understanding these key areas will be vital. Students should practice articulating their motivations, experiences, and how their academic journey aligns with their chosen course.

For a thorough preparation, we recommend consulting a UCAS personal statement tutor to help you in the process so that you can learn to convey your strengths most effectively in the personal statement questions.

Staying Up to Date

Educators and advisers must also stay informed about the latest developments in the UCAS application process. They should prepare to guide students through this new format, helping them to reflect on and articulate their responses effectively. This is especially important given the new structure, which seeks more targeted and specific information than the traditional personal statement format.

By proactively preparing for these changes, students can ensure they present a well-rounded and compelling application, while educators can provide the necessary support to navigate this evolving landscape.

The imminent transformation of the UCAS application system, notably transitioning from the traditional personal statements to a series of precise, focused queries, marks a significant evolution in the UK's university admissions arena. Scheduled for introduction in 2025, this initiative is designed to mitigate the application-related stress and foster an environment of equal opportunities for all aspirants, irrespective of their backgrounds.

For students and educators alike, keeping pace with these changes and adapting to them is imperative. In essence, this reform heralds a new era in UK higher education, one that promises equitable access and an unbiased platform where every student can effectively showcase their unique capabilities and dreams, paving the way for a more just and accessible academic future.

Are the new UCAS questions the same for all courses?

The UCAS personal statement questions are designed to be broadly applicable across various courses. However, the way students respond to these questions can and should be tailored to their specific course choices. For example, while the question about motivation for a course remains consistent, a student's answer will vary significantly based on whether they are applying for a science, arts, or humanities program. The key lies in how applicants relate their experiences and aspirations to the specific requirements and nature of the courses they are applying for.

How do these changes influence the role of UCAS references?

The changes to the UCAS application process, including the personal statement reform, also extend to the references provided by teachers or advisers. References will transition from a free text format to a more structured approach with specific sections. This new format will likely prompt referees to focus on distinct aspects of a student's capabilities and experiences, ensuring that the information provided is directly relevant to the application. It will help educators provide more targeted and concise insights about a student's suitability for higher education.

How do these changes affect deferred 2025 university applications?

For students planning to defer their university entry to 2025, it's important to note that they will be subject to the new UCAS application process, including the reformed personal statement structure. This means that instead of preparing a traditional personal statement, they will need to respond to the specific questions set by UCAS. It's advisable for deferred applicants to stay informed about the final details of these changes and start thinking about how they will address the new questions in their applications.

When will the final UCAS questions be confirmed?

As of now, UCAS has not confirmed a specific date for finalising the new personal statement questions. The process of refining these questions is ongoing, involving consultations with students, schools, universities, and colleges. Applicants and educators are advised to regularly check the UCAS website and updates for the most current information and to begin familiarising themselves with the proposed question areas to prepare effectively for the upcoming changes.

Can I submit different answers to different universities?

The UCAS application system allows students to apply to multiple universities, but it requires them to submit a single set of answers for the personal statement questions. This means that while students can apply to different institutions, their responses to the personal statement questions will be the same for all applications. It's important to craft answers that are broadly applicable and reflective of the student’s overall academic and personal achievements, motivations, and preparedness, keeping in mind the varied courses they are applying for.

Do the changes affect mature or international students differently?

The changes to the UCAS application process, including the new personal statement format, apply to all applicants, including mature and international students. The aim is to create a more equitable and accessible application experience for everyone. However, mature and international students may have different life experiences and educational backgrounds to draw from in their responses, which can be an advantage in showcasing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.

Can I still mention extracurricular activities in my answers?

Yes, extracurricular activities remain an important aspect of your UCAS application. While the new format introduces specific questions, these still allow room to discuss activities outside of formal education. Applicants should relate these activities to the questions, particularly those asking about preparation and motivation. For example, leadership roles in clubs or participation in sports can demonstrate skills relevant to your course choice and should be included in your responses to illustrate a well-rounded profile.

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UCAS Personal Statement Changes 2025

The UCAS personal statement has been a stumbling block for university applicants for decades. However, UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) is shortly to introduce an entirely new process which will instead adopt a structure incorporating six questions applicants will have to answer instead.

Why is UCAS changing the personal statement?

University entrants are changing. Applicants who wouldn’t have considered university education as being a possibility for them even a decade ago are now graduating with top degrees.

However, the personal statement – with a bias towards those who are lucky enough to have a rich social and extracurricular experience to back up their academic prowess – wasn’t adequately reflecting (or indeed supporting) the students who might have needs or circumstances that precluded wider experiences. Current findings from UCAS show that 79% of students found the personal statement “too difficult” to write without additional and appropriate support. That’s almost 4/5 of applicants, so unquestionably shows the need for change. 83% of students also find it stressful, so by restructuring the statement into a series of sections, UCAS aim to clarify what supporting information is truly impactful.

This change is designed to make it easier for applicants to express themselves and boost their confidence that they have included all necessary details.

These findings don't mean, however, that students don’t see and acknowledge the value of the personal statement. The revamped, structured statement should allow all university applicants to show their worth on an equal basis.

To find out more, read the following report on the Future of Undergraduate Admissions from UCAS.

Is the personal statement being removed completely?

No, the personal statement is not being eliminated but rather reformed. It remains a crucial tool for students to use their own voice, advocate for their chosen course, and showcase their potential beyond academic achievements.

By framing the statement with a series of free-text questions,  UCAS aims to create a more supportive framework that guides students through their responses, which takes out much of the guesswork.

What are the new themes and why have they been chosen?

Through consultations with providers and advisers, three key themes have been identified to be included in the reformed personal statement. These themes help admissions teams assess an applicant's suitability for a course and compare them to other candidates:

1.    Motivation for Course: Why do you want to study these courses?

This question helps students reflect on their career ambitions or passion for the subject. It ensures they choose courses that align with their goals, whether it's accreditation, a pathway to a profession, or a deep dive into a fascinating subject. Admissions teams look for evidence that students understand the unique aspects of the course they are applying for.

2.    Preparedness for Course: How has your learning so far helped you to be ready to succeed on these courses?

Here, students can highlight what they've gained from formal education, such as an A-level curriculum that sparked further interest in a subject. This section should demonstrate the student's understanding of what will help them succeed in their chosen course.

3.    Preparation Through Other Experiences: What else have you done to help you prepare, and why are these experiences useful?

This theme allows students to discuss extracurricular activities, work experience, or other personal projects. The key is to reflect on what they learned from these experiences, how they developed relevant skills, and why these activities will help them succeed in their course.

What happened to the other themes?

After consultation, it was clear that two of the proposed themes might lead to generic answers due to varying teaching and assessment styles across universities. These themes have been withdrawn:

• 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 course choices match that?

Additionally, the extenuating circumstances theme has been recognized as valuable but better suited in its own section. This allows students to contextualize their application without compromising the space needed to articulate their skills and suitability for the courses.

How will UCAS decide on the final set of questions?

The user experience team at UCAS will carefully word the questions to ensure clarity for all students. They will then ask for feedback from stakeholders through their email bulletins to providers, teachers, and advisers, encouraging input to help shape the final questions.

We will continue to update this page as UCAS releases more information about changes to the personal statement.

When will the changes to the personal statement take effect?

If you’re applying next year for 2026 entry, the bad news is that you will still have to write a personal statement (although, of course, there’s nothing to stop you using the prototype questions to help you structure this and make the process easier!).

These changes will come into effect for students looking to enter a programme of higher education from 2026 onwards.

What will help you, however, if you’re planning to go to university in 2024, is the personalised tool .

This will allow you to see the kind of profiles that have been accepted onto courses similar to those you are interested in over the past five years. So really don’t despair if you’re in the “last of the personal statements” intake!