The UK's university admissions process, managed by the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), is undergoing significant revisions to the personal statement.
This shift is designed to create a more structured and insightful application process, aiming to simplify and standardize it for all applicants. As we delve into these changes, we’ll explore why UCAS is implementing them and how students can plan ahead to make the most of this new format.
Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge
The Current Essay Format
The current UCAS personal statement allows students to write a 4,000-character essay to showcase their suitability for their chosen course and university.
The New Essay Format
Starting in the 2025-2026 application cycle, UCAS will replace this open-ended essay with a series of structured questions. This new format is designed to standardize responses, ensuring that all applicants address key areas that admissions tutors consider important.
The structured questions will cover topics such as motivation for choosing the course, preparedness for university-level study, relevant experience, skills and achievements, and career aspirations. The great thing about this change is that while the format is different, the content of a strong personal statement remains unchanged, meaning that what went into the most effective personal statements prior to 2025 will still make for the most effective responses in the revised format.
Starting in 2025, students will be asked to respond to the following prompts (quoted directly from the UCAS website):
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
This is an applicant’s opportunity to showcase their passion for and knowledge of their chosen subject, to demonstrate to universities and colleges why they are a good fit, and to outline any future ambitions.
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
In this section applicants can describe relevant or transferable skills they’ve gained in education, and demonstrate their understanding of how these will help them succeed in their chosen course or subject area.What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?
Here applicants can reflect on their personal experiences, and any other activities they have undertaken outside their education to further demonstrate their suitability for the course.
Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Why the Change
UCAS’s decision to revise the personal statement is driven by several factors. The open-ended nature of the traditional personal statement can favor students with strong writing skills or access to extensive support and guidance. The new structured format aims to level the playing field by ensuring all applicants address the same key areas.
Additionally, admissions tutors often have to sift through varied and sometimes irrelevant information. Structured questions will help streamline the review process and ensure that all pertinent information is provided in a clear and consistent manner.
Advantages of the New Format
The revised personal statement format offers several advantages. Students can now concentrate on answering specific questions, which can help reduce anxiety about what to include in their personal statement. This focus can lead to more relevant and impactful responses and mitigate disparities between students who have varying levels of access to resources and support for their applications, ensuring a more fair assessment of each applicant’s suitability for their chosen course.
How to Plan Ahead for the Changes
Given these upcoming changes, it’s crucial for students to start planning early. Here are some tips to get started:
Stay updated on the exact questions UCAS will require.
Gather relevant experiences and reflections.
Start thinking about your motivations, achievements, and relevant experiences.
Ask for feedback to help you identify strengths and areas for improvement.
At LogicPrep, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and prepare a compelling application that reflects your unique potential.