Changes to the UCAS personal statement: What does this mean?
What does this mean for students applying to UK universities for 2026 entry? In this article, we will break down the new format and offer tips for students ready to begin writing theirs.
The New UCAS Personal Statement
The three questions on the new personal statement are:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
While the statement is now divided into three sections, the total length remains the same: 4000 characters including spaces (which equates to roughly 600 words). Even with this change in format, the content–that is, what students are expected to write about–has not changed, which means students can still read examples from previous years to gain inspiration for their own. The purpose of the change, therefore, is to help students convey their application profile with greater clarity. Now let's break down each question, paying particular attention to what admissions officers will be looking for in students' answers.
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Through this question, admissions officers want to gain an understanding of your interest and motivation in the subject you wish to study at university. They will be looking for evidence of your passion for the subject and a clear reason for why you want to study it, whether that's for career purposes, a desire to address certain issues, or simply a fascination with the topic. To stand out, the key point to remember is to be unique. Sure, lots of students want to study finance to make money, or become a doctor to help people, but what is it about the study of those subjects that you find most interesting? If a student wants to study Law, they should describe the specific area of law they want to pursue. If Economics, which field? To feel confident answering this, students should research the degree programmes they are applying for to understand exactly what topics it covers.
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
In this answer, students are expected to demonstrate their distinct knowledge of the subject they plan to study.To show that, admissions officers will want to see how a student's academic background has provided them with the necessary skills and knowledge for the degree. Students should describe how they have built their perspective of their chosen subject through classes at school, projects, coursework, and competitions. Here, additional projects will shine. For example, if a student studies A Levels, have they done an EPQ? If they study IB, have they done an EE? Building on Question 1, students should go deeper into the details of their fascination with a subject by drawing on evidence from their academic activities. It's not enough to say, for instance, studying Biology has prepared them for Medicine. Instead, they should elaborate on what specific Biology-based knowledge, skills, and experiences they have gained that will directly translate to their medical studies.
Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
This is a student's chance to really showcase their unique profile. Here, admissions officers will be looking for evidence of how a student's supercurriculars and extracurricular activities not only have prepared them to study their subject, but have given them a distinct perspective of it also. A wide range of activities can be evidenced in this answer, from research projects and summer programmes to internships, volunteering, and leadership roles. Students should explain what they learned, what skills they developed, and what they contributed in each experience. Whichever activities a student chooses to describe, it's essential they link it to the subject they want to study at university. If a student is applying for International Relations, what insights did they gain about a particular topic during a summer programme? Or, if they are applying for Business Management, what concepts did they put into practice during an internship?
How to prepare for the statement
The preparation for a student's personal statement begins with profile building. Even if the format of the statement has changed, its purpose remains the same: admissions officers are seeking students with unique perspectives, experiences, and knowledge of their subject. To demonstrate these qualities, students should engage in a range of subject-relevant activities, such as online study courses, competitions, summer programmes, research projects, and internships. Equipped with such experiences, students will be in a strong position to convincingly reflect on how they have shaped their academic interests and prepared themselves for university study. Creating a proper outline and revising the statement through multiple iterations are also essential to success.
When it comes time to commence writing the statement, students should remember to be clear, succinct, and to choose each example carefully. With only 4000 characters to showcase their profile, space is limited. Therefore, it is essential that students use concrete examples and respond directly to each question; they must make every word count. Tailored to each individual student, Hale Education's dedicated UK counseling team provides expert support on all aspects of profile building and personal statement development through one-to-one mentorship and guidance. Always seek out an external set of eyes to review your personal statement before submission, to check for spelling and grammatical errors. With proper planning and execution, a compelling personal statement can make the difference between receiving a rejection letter or an admission offer.
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