Changes to UCAS Personal Statement: What Students Need to Know in 2024

If you are planning to apply to UK universities in 2025, you should be aware of the upcoming changes to the UCAS personal statement. For years, the personal statement has been a vital part of the university application process, allowing applicants to highlight their skills, interests, and experiences. However, UCAS has recently announced a shift in format, which will affect how students present themselves to universities. These changes will take effect starting from the 2025-2026 application cycle.

What Has Changed?

The most significant change is that the traditional free-text personal statement will be replaced with a more structured format. Instead of writing one continuous narrative, students will now respond to a series of specific questions designed to give universities a better understanding of their academic background, motivations, and suitability for the course.

New Format: Question-Based

Here are some key features of the new question-based format:

• Focused Questions: Students will be asked a set of questions about their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and reasons for choosing their course.

• Concise Answers: Instead of writing up to 4,000 characters, students will provide concise answers to each question, helping them focus on key points.

• No More Guesswork: This new format eliminates the challenge of deciding what to include in the personal statement, making it easier for students to respond directly to what universities are looking for.

When Will These Changes Take Place?

The new format for UCAS personal statements will be introduced for students applying for the 2025-2026 academic year. This means if you plan to submit your application in 2025, you will need to follow the new structured question-based format.

Why the Change?

UCAS has introduced these changes to make the application process more equitable and transparent. By guiding students through specific questions, UCAS aims to reduce the pressure of having to craft a compelling narrative while also ensuring that all applicants provide relevant information.

What Should You Do to Prepare?

• Start Early: Although the format has changed, it is still important to start preparing early. Think about your academic experiences and extracurriculars, and how they align with your chosen course.

• Practice Conciseness: Focus on answering questions clearly and concisely. This will help you in adapting to the new format.

• Research: Familiarize yourself with the new question structure, and ensure you understand what each question is asking.