ucas personal statement changes

• Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPE 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Economics 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Modern Languages 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Land Economy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Psychology 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge English 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Human Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge History 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Geography 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Philosophy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Classics 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Architecture 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge HSPS Programme 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biomedical Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Engineering 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Natural Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Maths 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Computer Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Physics 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPL 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Veterinary Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Chemistry 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biology 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biochemistry 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Dentistry 24/25 Entry
• IMAT Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Can’t Find Your Subject?
• Law Interview Programme
• PPE Interview Programme
• Economics Interview Programme
• Oxbridge Medicine Interview Programme
• Natural Science Interview Programme
• Engineering Interview Programme
• Maths Interview Programme
• Dentistry Interview Programme
• Medicine MMI Interview Programme
• Our Guarantee

Our Students

Student Success Stories

• University Access Scheme
• New Tutor Application Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How Does It Work?

We have limited availability on our Oxbridge Programmes; a limited number of additional places have been opened until 16/09/24. Book a consultation here to enrol & secure your place.

We have limited places on our Oxbridge Programmes. Due to high demand, we have opened extra places which are available until the 16th of September 2025. Book a consultation here to enrol & secure your place.

• +44 (0) 208 068 0438
• [email protected]

SCIENCE PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

HUMANITIES PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

GET STARTED

Can't find your subject?

OXFORD TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

CAMBRIDGE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

MEDICINE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

View Our Free admissions guides & resources

How UniAdmissions Cracked The Oxbridge Formula

Applying for Oxbridge is an opportunity seldom approached correctly. So how do you enter the top 16% of a strong cohort of applicants that get an offer? Discover how UniAdmissions get 2/3 of our students in.

ESAT Scoring & Results Explained

The ESAT is nearly here, but what score should you be aiming for to get into Cambridge? This guide breaks down the ESAT’s scoring system and reveals what a good score is for the test.

Inside The UniAdmissions Portal: The UA Advantage

UniAdmissions students have access to the world's first dedicated Oxbridge admissions preparation platform, and this guide will help you discover exactly how the Portal will help you get your offer.

Discover all guides

ABOUT UNIADMISSIONS

Learn about who the world's first Oxbridge prep school are.

Learn about the Portal; the heart of our Programmes.

UniAdmissions' Foundation

The Foundation is our charitable arm to support disadvantaged students.

Students & Tutors

Discover who a UniAdmissions student is and our admissions criteria.

Learn about our high-performing Oxbridge tutors.

We're proud of our alumni. Read about their journey with UniAdmissions here.

Admissions Resources

Free Admissions Guides

Visit our Learning Centre and read our in-depth free guides.

We are the world's biggest Oxbridge application publisher. Learn more here.

Teachers Learning Hub

Learn about how to help your students get their place at Oxbridge.

Get Started

• Access Student Portal
• Oxbridge Programmes
• Open Day Webinar
• Tutor Application Form
• Common Questions
• Download Our Prospectus
• UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

Last Updated: 16th January 2023

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 . 

Discover our Oxbridge Premium Programmes below and find out how you can enrol and triple your chances of success .

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. 

Access "The Big Book Of Oxbridge Applications" For FREE

The Big Book Of Oxbridge Applications covers the whole of the Oxbridge application process from start to finish, including the Personal Statement. Our 350+ page book is available for free here, including:

• 28 example Oxbridge Personal Statements
• Over 40 admissions test practice questions
• Interviews with Oxbridge students and graduates
• Additional downloadable resources

Fill in your details below to claim your digital copy today!

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 .  

Start your Oxbridge application journey in the best way possible with effective support from our Oxbridge Tutors . 

Regardless of what changes are made to the Oxbridge admissions process, we will be ready to provide you with the very best support for your application. Our students have access to expert Oxbridge tutors, comprehensive online courses, intensive preparation events and so much more. 

Find the right Oxbridge Premium Programme for you and discover how you can triple your chances of success when you enrol . 

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

What not to write in a personal statement: 7 mistakes to avoid.

Here are the some of the most common Personal Statement mistakes to avoid. The Personal Statement should be completely driven…

Successful Personal Statement For Medicine At Oxford University

Writing a Medicine Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through…

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

Writing a Law Personal Statement for Cambridge? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through…

AI Writing & UCAS Personal Statements: What You Need To Know

When it comes to writing in the 2020s, AI-Generation has become one of the most important issues for many industries,…

Cambridge Announces The ESAT To Replace The NSAA & ENGAA

In 2023, it was announced by the University of Cambridge that many of their established admissions tests would stop being…

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

As a teacher, you will support students with their UCAS Personal Statements every year, but what about Personal Statements for…

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

• We cracked the Oxbridge formula . Find out what we discovered here.
• Looking for application support? Don't work with a random tutor. This is what you need to know first.
• Get up-to-date Oxbridge advice with our webinars. Follow our Open Days led by our experts and stay updated.
• Begin your Oxbridge journey with UniAdmissions through our programmes of support by clicking here.

How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?

The Uni Guide has a fresh new look

• Teacher training
• Bangor University
• Birmingham City University
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Aberdeen
• University of East Anglia
• University of Hull
• University of Kent
• University of Reading
• Clearing and results day
• Preparing for university
• Ucas application
• Student finance
• Student accommodation
• Choosing a course
• A-level results day: what to expect
• A guide to Btec results day
• How Ucas Hub works on results day
• What to say in a Clearing phone call
• 10 tips to help you with Ucas Clearing
• A guide to Clearing 2024
• Which university is right for you?
• What you need to know about getting a university scholarship, grant or bursary
• How to decide on a university course
• Is a higher or degree apprenticeship right for you?
• Universities

By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 18 July 2024 | 6 min read

The Ucas personal statement is changing in 2025

A question-based personal statement will be required as part of university applications from autumn 2025 onwards

Share this page

Email & print.

A three-question statement

Why is the personal statement changing, how has ucas decided on these changes to the personal statement, do universities care about the personal statement, how have teacher references changed.

• A general statement about the student’s school or college
• Any information about extenuating circumstances that could have impacted the student’s education and achievement 
• Any other supportive information specific to the student and relevant to the course that the university should know about

Looking for help with your personal statement?

If you are currently working on your university application personal statement, you'll find plenty of help and support on The Uni Guide and over on The Student Room. The changes described above will only be relevant for people who are applying to start university in 2026 or later. If you are applying to start university before then, you will still need to complete the current personal statement.

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

• What to put in your personal statement when you're stuck
• Examples of real students' personal statement (on The Student Room)
• Personal statement advice and discussion (on The Student Room)

You may want to look at these...

Help and advice on putting your application together

Personal statement FAQs

We've gone through some of the most commonly asked personal statement questions and put all the answers in one place

How to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

Hit the wall with your personal statement? Get back on track with these quick tips from admissions experts

Related to this article

Search the uni guide, find further advice or search for information on a course or university.

• Search Advice
• Search courses &/or universities

The Uni Guide and The Student Room are both part of The Student Room Group.

Promoted universities

• Durham University
• Lancaster University
• University of Glasgow
• University of the Arts London
• University of Southampton
• Swansea University
• Aston University, Birmingham
• Ulster University
• Cardiff University

Browse expert advice

• Oxbridge applications
• Personal statements
• University open days
• Ucas deadline 2024 countdown
• A-level choices
• GCSE choices and university
• Making firm and insurance choices
• Student life
• Advice for parents

About this site

• Cookie policy
• List of universities and colleges
• Privacy notice
• Terms and conditions
• Where we get our info

Who we work with

• Your account settings

Ad privacy settings

Popular tools and features

• A-level Explorer
• Course search

Connect with us

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

• Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

• Postgraduate Personal Statements
• International Student Personal Statements
• Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

• Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

• Mature Student Personal Statements
• Personal Statements By University
• Personal Statements By Subject
• Personal Statement Editing Service
• Personal Statement Writing Guide
• Submit Your Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Questions 2025

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!

• Telephone Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email Email: [email protected]

Strategic Guidance

• Private Oxbridge Consultation
• International Oxbridge Consultation
• Postgraduate Applications Guidance
• Book a Complimentary Call

Comprehensive Support

• The Premier Service
• Oxford and Cambridge Interview Preparation Weekend

Targeted Support

• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support
• Oxbridge Admissions Test Support
• Oxbridge Interview Preparation Support
• Admissions Test Preparation Day 2024

Application Guidance

• ‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ School Talk
• Teacher Training Workshop
• Individual Guidance Consultations

Personal Statement Support

• Personal Statement Group Workshop
• Personal Statement Consultations

Admissions Test Preparation

• Admissions Test Day
• Admissions Test Course

Interview Preparation

• Interview Preparation Day
• Interview Preparation Course

Free Library

• Oxbridge Interview Resources
• Admissions Tests Resources
• Student Library
• Teacher Library
• Keeping You Current
• Webinar Library

Our Publications

Course reports, oxbridge applications.

• Become A Tutor
• Our Offices
• Dukes Education

News & Press

• Widening Access
• Publications
• Sign In Register
• Sign In    Register

Changes to the UCAS Personal Statement in 2024

This month has brought the news that, as of 2024, UCAS is no longer going to require applicants to write a personal statement when applying for university.

***Please note this information is outdated; for more information please see our latest blog post here. ***

For years, the ucas personal statement has been a thorn in the side of applicants to uk universities everywhere - requiring students to spend the best part of several months reading, planning, and writing their magnum opus to impress their chosen universities. this month has brought the news that, as of 2024, ucas is no longer going to require applicants to write a personal statement when applying for university. in this blog, we’re going to take you through why this change is happening, how the personal statement’s going to be replaced, and how this is likely to affect you as an applicant..

NEED STRATEGIC GUIDANCE?

Our Private Consultations provide in-depth evaluation, strategy and next steps to achieve results. Suitable for those aged 14 upwards.

Why the change?

This change has been made in light of arguments by some that the existing personal statement system affords an advantage to more privileged students who have greater access to expert guidance and advice. with students from a greater variety of backgrounds attending university at a higher and higher rate every year, ucas have felt the need to reform the application process with the aim of widening access for all students, irrespective of their knowledge regarding the application process or whether they know someone who has made a successful application before. as reported by the times, ucas consulted with 1,200 students, 170 teachers, and over 100 universities and colleges before making these reforms, meaning that the new system is designed with not just universities but also applicants in mind, hopefully meaning that it suits the students applying as much as fitting the universities’ requirements., what is replacing the personal statement, as of 2024, rather than having an open response box in which to fill in their own, self-constructed personal statement of 4,000 characters, students will instead be asked to respond to a series of structured questions which focus on six key areas:, motivation for the course - why do you want to study these courses, preparedness for the course - how has your learning so far helped you to be ready to succeed on these courses, preparation through other experience - 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 style best suit you, and how do your course choices match that, what does this mean for my application, in real terms, this shouldn’t change your personal statement process too much - in essence, the new system effectively de-constructs your personal statement so that it’s clearer what you should reflect upon and how to structure your answers. most of these questions focus around topics that you’re likely to be answering in your personal statement anyway, so there’s no need to go and completely scrap everything you’ve been thinking of already, private consultation.

Looking for Expert Advice on your application? Get a bespoke, honest appraisal of your chances of success and tips on how to improve from one of our Oxbridge experts with our Private Consultation.

RECENT ARTICLES

How to save admissions tutors from a lacklustre personal statement, will my cambridge interview be online or in-person, 10 things i wish i knew before i applied to oxbridge, looking to apply to oxbridge.

Contact our Oxbridge-graduate consultants and book a Private Consultation for strategic guidance.

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

• Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email: [email protected]

Oxbridge Applications, 58 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ

• Private Oxbridge Application Consultation
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support Package
• Oxbridge Mock Interview Preparation and Support
• Personal Statement Workshop and Checks
• Schools Mock Interviews – Online and In-School
• Teacher Training Workshops – Online and In-School
• Oxbridge Preparation Days – Online and In-School
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Safeguarding & Child Protection
• Company Registration Number: 3757054

Recently Updated Blogs

Blog how to save admissions tutors from a lacklustre personal statement, blog will my cambridge interview be online or in-person, blog 10 things i wish i knew before i applied to oxbridge, blog how can i use chatgpt for my personal statement, blog overused topics and resources to avoid in your personal statement, choosing a college, a slippery question, added to cart.

• Enquire Now
• About SI-UK
• All Global Offices
• Find Your UK University Course
• Free Service
• Premium Service
• Visa Service
• Oxbridge Service
• Medicine Service
• Art and Design Service
• View all Services
• UCAS and Applying
• UK University Rankings 2025
• University Subject Guide
• Scholarships and Funding
• All UK Study Information
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate and Masters
• All Study Options
• UK University Profiles
• UK University Study Guide
• Language Centre Home
• Pearson Academic English Test
• University News
• Open Days and Events
• Work with Us

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to these cookies.

Updates for International Students If you are an international student interested in UK study from January or September 2022 and need advice and support on topics such as travel, quarantine and financing your studies, stay up to date with the latest Studying in the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19) information.

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today. Enquire Now Close

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today.

Enquire Now Close

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines

• UK University Blog

UCAS Personal Statement Changes: FAQ

Personal Statement

Last updated: 23 July 2024

Starting in September 2025, students applying for a UK university through UCAS will face a revamped application process designed to better support those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To level the playing field, the traditional free-response personal statement , which allowed up to 4,000 characters, will be replaced by three mandatory questions. The new questions will be:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?
• How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject?
• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?

Understandably, you may have questions regarding these changes, so below, we have collated some commonly asked questions ahead of the changes for 2025. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to reach and contact our writing team today.

UCAS Personal Statement Changes FAQ

What is changing with ucas personal statements.

From September 2025, UCAS is replacing the traditional 4,000-character personal statement with three structured questions. Applicants will need to answer questions about their motivations and preparedness for their chosen course.

What are the new questions applicants need to answer?

• Applicants can showcase their passion and knowledge about their chosen course.
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
• This question allows students to highlight relevant skills gained during their education.
• Students can discuss personal experiences and extracurricular activities, demonstrating their suitability for the course.

Why is the UCAS personal statement changing?

UCAS aims to make the application process fairer, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The structured questions provide clearer guidance, which can help all students present their qualifications and experiences more effectively.

Will the character limit change?

No, the total character limit remains 4,000 characters. Applicants can distribute these characters flexibly across their answers to the three questions.

How does this change support disadvantaged students?

The structured questions are designed to give students greater confidence in their responses, reducing the advantage of those with extensive support.

What are experts saying about the reform?

Jo Saxton, UCAS Chief Executive, supports the change, believing it will open opportunities for more students. Social mobility expert Lee Elliot Major also views the reform as a significant step towards a fairer admissions system. However, some parents, like Leesa Chester, argue that the questions are essentially the same as the existing personal statement format and may not significantly impact the support needed by disadvantaged students.

What is the impact on application rates for disadvantaged students?

UCAS data shows a persistent gap between the application rates of the most and least advantaged students. This year, the proportion of applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds fell in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while it rose in Scotland. The new changes aim to address these disparities.

Personal Statement Support

Contact the SI-UK team today if you need assistance, support and advice on writing a personal statement. Our writing team can advise you on the best practices and dos and don'ts to ensure your personal statement stands out.

You might also be interested in...

Blog ucas personal statement changes: faq, blog how to draft a meaningful uk law school personal statement, blog tips and advice for a cambridge architecture personal statement, blog university of cambridge engineering personal statement writing tips, blog top tips for your university of cambridge medicine personal statement, blog how to write a statement of purpose for uk university entry.

 My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.   Brishti Basu Biosciences at Coventry University

Leading Universities and SI-UK Partners

• © 2024 SI-UK
• All rights reserved
• Privacy Policy -->

Book your Free Consultation

A member of the SI-UK team will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation with one of our UK education experts.

UCAS personal statement changes

UCAS are changing the way personal statements work. This will affect anyone applying to start university in September 2026. Here's what that means for you.

What we'll cover:

Why are ucas changing personal statements.

• When will these changes take place?

What are the new personal statement questions?

• Top tips for writing a personal statement

Personal statements are a way to help your application stand out. They can demonstrate your passion for the subject or skills that will help you to succeed. This can help universities decide whether to make you an offer or not.

However, many students find writing a personal statement stressful. It can be hard to condense yourself into two sides of A4 paper. What do you include? What do you not include?

That is why UCAS have introduced a new, more structured personal statement made up of three questions. This will give your personal statement a clear focus and allow you to share your achievements in different parts of your life. This should be a maximum of 4000 characters, including spaces.

When will theses changes take place?

UCAS will change personal statements for anyone who is applying to start university in September 2026.

Students applying for September 2025 entry will not be affected. If this is you, check out some of our top tips for writing a personal statement .

1. Why do you want to study this course or topic?

This question allows you to express your interest in the subject, including what motivates you to study this course. Is it a longstanding passion of yours, or does it align with your career goals?

You should also demonstrate your knowledge about the subject, so admissions officers can feel confident it's the right course for you. You could do this by discussing the kind of topics you will be studying. For example, if you want to study law, does one type of law interest you more than others and why?

2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course?

This is your chance to show that you have the ability to succeed on your course. You should talk about the knowledge you already have in this subject, such as key theories or areas that you have enjoyed studying.

You should also read the course description and modules to identify the skills you will need. That could include essay writing, critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Don't just write a long list of skills - provide evidence and show how they would help you on your course. Here are some examples:

• Analytical skills - Studying English and History at A Level has helped to develop my analytical skills. These are essay-based subjects, which require the ability to analyse and evaluate evidence. This will help me when studying history, as I will be able to interpret and analyse primary and secondary sources.
• Teamwork skills - My A Level Business course has included a group presentation about the marketing mix. We divided the different areas between us and then suggested improvements, which we implemented together. For example, I suggested using more visual aids to the presentation. This would prompt us during the presentation and help the audience understand what we were talking about. The rest of the team agreed and we added this in our slideshow. The ability to raise suggestions and discuss this with a team will help me during group projects in my degree.

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?

This is your chance to show who you are outside of education and demonstrate how it can help your studies. This can include sports, hobbies or volunteering.

For example, if you want to study business and have volunteered in a charity shop, you could talk about how this made you interested in management. Or if you're part of a football team, you could talk about the teamwork and communication skills this has taught you. 

You could also discuss any wider reading you have done around the subject. Synthesise the ideas in the book and present your thoughts about it. This again demonstrates your interest in that area.

Top tips for answering the new personal statement questions

Keep it relevant, provide evidence, focus on what you have done, read it aloud, don't complicate it, don't waffle, don't be negative, don't copy or paraphrase, where next.

The UCAS personal statement changes will affect people applying to start university from September 2026. Students applying to start university in September 2025 will not be affected.

Check out some more of our advice for applying to university.

What degree should I do?

How to apply for an undergraduate course

Why choose us for Clearing?

Not sure what to do?

Browse subjects, locations and universities

Popular topics

• How to apply to university
• Writing a personal statement
• Tracking your application

Popular subjects

• Mathematics

Personal statement

2020 Undergraduate Application

Make sure your personal statement is your own work

We'll carry out checks to verify your personal statement is your own work.

Provided it is your own work, you can use your personal statement from your application last year. If it appears to have been copied from another source, we'll inform the universities and colleges to which you have applied. They will then take the action they consider appropriate. We'll also contact you by email to tell you this has happened.

My Application example pages

• Centre link – Buzzword, school or college
• Centre link – Buzzword, terms and conditions
• Centre link – Buzzword
• Centre link – Buzzword, confirm school
• Centre link – Centre preferences
• Centre link – Wrong school
• Choose & Send – Choices
• Choose & Send – Overview 01
• Choose & Send – Overview 02
• Choose & Send – Contact details
• Choose & Send – Course cards
• Choose & Send – Education
• Choose & Send – Education – Add qualification
• Choose & Send – Education – Add qualification details
• Choose & Send – Education – Add qualification with modules
• Choose & Send – Education – Add qualification with modules 02
• Independent reference – sign in
• Independent reference – accept/decline
• Independent reference – predicted grades
• Independent reference – reference
• Independent reference – thank you
• Choose & Send – Personal details
• Choose & Send – Personal statement – preview
• Choose & Send – Personal statement
• Receive & Review – Overview
• Receive & Review – Substitute choice 01
• Receive & Review – Substitute choice 02
• Receive & Review – Withdraw choice
• Receive & Review – Personal statement
• Receive & Review – Application details
• Receive & Review – Personal details
• Receive & Review – Contact details
• Receive & Review – Education
• Receive & Review – Work experience
• Receive & Review – Nationality
• Receive & Review – Supporting information
• Receive & Review – English skills
• Receive & Review – Diversity and inclusion
• Receive & Review – Finance and funding
• Receive & Review – Letters
• Receive & Review – View all updates
• Receive & Review – Visa
• Receive & Review – VARIANTS Application status
• Receive & Review – Overview Extra
• Receive & Review – Confirm your choices 01
• Receive & Review – Confirm your choices 02
• Receive & Review – Confirm your choices 03
• Receive & Review – Overview Confirmed Choices
• Receive & Review – Decline all offers
• Receive & Review – Edit Contact details
• Receive & Review – Embargo Overview
• Receive & Review – Withdraw your application
• Receive & Review – Add choice
• Receive & Review – Decline place
• Receive & Review – Referee details
• Receive & Review – No reference
• Receive & Review – Centre provided reference
• Receive & Review – Confirm your choice (one option)
• Receive & Review – Correspondence example
• Choose & Send – References
• Choose & Send – Residency and nationality
• Similarity report
• Choose & Send – Submit – Check your application
• Choose & Send – Submit – Marketing preferences
• Choose & Send – Submit – Terms and Conditions
• Choose & Send – Submit – Pay and submit (Applicant)
• Choose & Send – Submit – Pay and submit (Applicant or centre)
• Choose & Send – Submit – Thank you
• Choose & Send – Submit – Read only
• Choose & Send – Submit – Payment unsuccessful
• Choose & Send – Submit – Pay and submit (pay for full application)
• Choose & Send – Supporting information
• Choose & Send – UC Submit – Add choice
• Choose & Send – UC Submit – Pay and submit
• Choose & Send – UCAS Application Overview
• Choose & Send – Work experience

Ucas changes ‘fairer’ for disadvantaged students

Ucas will reframe the personal statement into a series of questions from next year, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service has announced.

Questions are expected to focus on areas such as an applicant’s motivation for the course they are applying for, as well as their preferred approaches to learning.

Ucas intends to introduce the changes in 2024 for 2025 entry, after consulting with students, teachers, advisers, universities and colleges.

And a union leader has said that the move “feels to be a step towards a simplified, fairer application process”.

Six key areas have been identified for the focus of the questions so far: motivation for the course; preparedness for the course; preparation through other experiences; extenuating circumstances; preparedness for study; preferred learning style. 

Over the past year, Ucas said it has “consulted with 1,200 domestic and international students, over 170 teachers and advisers and over 100 universities and colleges as well as engaging with governments, regulators and the charity sector across the UK”. 

And it says it will continue to engage with the sector to help shape the delivery of the reforms “as we continue to test and validate our proposed questions”.

• University applications:  Teachers ‘can’t fix systemic inequity’ in Ucas system
• Exclusive:  Academies beat private schools in university applications
• Ucas applications:  A month-by-month planner

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said that, currently, “it can feel as if personal statements favour more advantaged students whose parents have been through the university system, and are therefore better equipped to help their children write it and provide a wide range of experiences that they can cite within it”.

Mr Barton said that the existing system is “badly in need of reform” but warned that “changes will need to balance the need to establish a consistent format with allowing students to express themselves”.

“Breaking down the personal statement into specific questions feels to be a step towards a simplified, fairer application process,” he said. “We will consider the proposals in detail and consult with members before providing feedback.”

A 2022 Ucas survey found that 72 per cent of applicants felt positive about the personal statement, but 83 per cent reported that “the process of writing a personal statement is stressful”, with 79 per cent agreeing that the statement is “difficult to complete without support”.

Ucas has also announced today that it will bring in changes to the academic reference element of the application.

Under the changes, the free text approach will be replaced with three structured questions that will act as a “built-in guide for referees keeping their focus firmly in the areas that providers want to know more about”.

Lee Elliot Major, a professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said it was “hugely positive” to see Ucas confirming the move to structured questions. 

He added: “No one should underestimate how important this reform will be in helping to level the playing field in university admissions. I’ve been calling for reform as statements currently add further advantage for middle-class applicants who are often given help in filling in their submissions.

“As we enter an era of increasing competition for the most selective university degree courses, we need more structured and transparent university admissions that are fair and fit for purpose for all.” 

A report published last November by the Higher Education Policy Institute recommended that the personal statement be replaced with a series of short-response questions to address the “unnecessary burden” of the task , which was “contributing to inequalities in higher education access”.

You need a Tes subscription to read this article

Subscribe now to read this article and get other subscriber-only content:.

• Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
• Exclusive subscriber-only stories
• Award-winning email newsletters

Already a subscriber? Log in

You need a subscription to read this article

Subscribe now to read this article and get other subscriber-only content, including:.

topics in this article

Personal Statement Changes: The Truth Behind the New UCAS Application Questions

If you've been following the latest news on university applications in the UK, you might have come across sensational headlines proclaiming "the end of the personal statement." While these declarations grab attention, they can be misleading. The reality is that the traditional personal statement is evolving into a more structured format, but its essence remains intact. Here at William Clarence, our education consultants are ready to help you navigate these changes and craft compelling responses for your Oxbridge admissions and other applications.

Understanding the New Structured Questions

From September 2025, UCAS is introducing three structured questions to replace the open-ended personal statement. These questions are designed to focus applicants' responses and provide clarity for admissions tutors. Here’s a closer look at what they entail:

• This question is an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their passion and knowledge about their chosen field. Much like the best personal statements, it allows students to convey their enthusiasm and understanding in a targeted way.
• Here, students can showcase their academic achievements and relevant skills acquired during their studies. This structured approach ensures that applicants highlight their preparedness in a concise and focused manner.
• This question provides space for discussing extracurricular activities and personal experiences. It’s a chance to show how these activities have shaped your suitability for the course, reflecting the holistic approach that the best personal statements have always embodied.

Why the Change?

UCAS aims to streamline the application process and make it more accessible. The three-question format is intended to reduce the pressure on students to craft a narrative from scratch while still allowing them to present a well-rounded picture of themselves. Each question collectively retains the 4,000-character limit of the traditional personal statement, giving students ample space to express themselves.

The Essence Remains the Same

Despite the structural shift, the core purpose of the personal statement remains unchanged. The new questions still require students to reflect on their motivations, academic background, and extracurricular involvement—elements that have always been central to a compelling personal statement. In fact, the structured approach may help students organise their thoughts more effectively, ensuring that they cover all crucial aspects of their application.

How William Clarence Can Help

At William Clarence, our team of expert education consultants understands the nuances of these personal statement changes. We offer personalised guidance to help you navigate the new format and ensure that your responses stand out.

• Tailored Advice: We provide one-on-one consultations to understand your unique experiences and aspirations, helping you craft responses that truly reflect your strengths and interests.
• Oxbridge Admissions Expertise: Our consultants have extensive experience with Oxbridge admissions, ensuring that your application meets the high standards expected by these prestigious institutions.
• Holistic Support: Beyond the structured questions, we assist with all aspects of the application process, from selecting the right course to interview preparation.

The introduction of structured questions in the UCAS application process is not the end of the personal statement but an evolution towards clarity and accessibility. By focusing on specific aspects of your academic and personal journey, these questions aim to draw out the most relevant and impactful information. At William Clarence, we are dedicated to helping you adapt to these changes and excel in your university applications. Contact us today to learn how our expert guidance can make a difference in your academic future.

Sign up for our newsletter for the latest School Admissions Industry News

• Educational Roadmap
• Nursery Applications
• Prep School Placement
• Senior School Placement
• UK School Application Consultancy and Support
• Book a meeting
• UK University Placement
• Engineering Applications
• Law Applications
• Masters Degree Search & Applications
• Oxbridge Applications: How we can help
• Oxbridge Applications
• Oxbridge Mentoring
• Admissions Testing
• Oxbridge Interviews
• Medicine Applications
• Medicine Application Mentoring
• UCAT Admissions Test
• Medicine Application Interviews
• US College Application Support Programmes
• US College Admissions Process
• College Essay Preparation
• US College Application Tests
• Corporate Relocation
• Videos & Resources
• Results & Case Studies
• Book a Consultation
• Meet The Team
• Advisory Board

Your browser is ancient! Upgrade to a different browser to experience this site.

Changes to Personal Statements confirmed by UCAS

Posted by School Guide Blog Team to the School Guide Blog

Summer 2024 Update

UCAS has confirmed for 2026 undergraduate courses, they will scrap the current personal statement format and will instead ask:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?

• How have your qualifications and studies helped you preapre for this course or subject? 

• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful? 

In 2023, UCAS announced changes to the personal statement section of university applications. The current free-form 4,000-character essay is going to be replaced by structured questions. These changes aim to make the application process fairer, simpler and more transparent for everyone. Kim Eccleston, head of strategy and reform at UCAS, described them as bringing “focus and clarity for students, reducing the need for support.”

These changes are partly in response to criticisms that the previous format favours privileged students who have access to more advice and guidance with their personal statements.  

Who has decided on the changes to personal statements?  On 12 th January 2023 the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, UCAS, published their report, The Future of Undergraduate Admissions, based on consultations with 1200 students, 170 teachers and 100 universities and colleges, the government, regulators and the charity sector. The report suggests several changes to the process of University Admissions to improve fairness and access for disadvantaged students, including the changes to personal statements.  

When will the changes to UCAS personal statements take effect? UCAS have suggested that the changes shouldn’t take place until the 2024/5 applications for courses starting in September 2025. This means that personal statements will remain unchanged for students applying next academic year for admissions in September 2024.

What are the main changes? Currently students have a blank space to write a 4,000-character essay to convince universities and colleges of their suitability for their chosen course. This open essay will be replaced by a series of structured questions. UCAS says that this aims “to make it simpler for applicants to express themselves as well as increasing their confidence that they have properly understood what they should include.”

The proposed questions for the new style UCAS personal statement are:

• 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 course choices match that?

UCAS are currently collecting feedback from students, schools, universities and colleges to help them refine these questions, so there will probably be some changes.

What are the Pros and Cons of the new system?

Pros There is a general acceptance that the current system needs to change. When questioned 79% of students agreed with the statement that it is difficult to complete the current form without support and 83% said they found the process stressful. The new format should be simpler and less stressful for students to fill in without specialist help. It should also give them the confidence that they have included everything that they need to.

This more structured form should also make it easier for universities to identify the information that they need and make comparisons between students more accurate, fair and transparent.

There have been mostly positive responses to the suggestions from universities, schools and students. Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at Exeter University, who has heavily criticised personal statements, welcomed the changes, commenting that, “This is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to make university admissions fairer and fit for purpose for all students.”

Cons There have been some criticisms of the questions themselves and it is likely that changes will be made to some of these after the consultation process. Question 6 has received the most criticism, as the concept of Preferred Learning Styles is disputed by some educationalists. However, further information from UCAS suggests that they are asking whether students work best through taught sessions, independent learning or group work rather than if they have an auditory, visual or kinaesthetic learning style.

The Sutton Trust, who campaign for greater social equality in education, have argued that question 3 could still lead to advantages for students whose schools or parents have provided them with more opportunities. Another criticism is that even with the revised structure there will still be inequalities between students who receive a lot of help and advice with their answers and those who don’t.

The proposed changes haven’t satisfied those who wanted written personal statements to be replaced by multi-media submissions, possibly video based. UCAS have said that this is something that they will be exploring in the future but that changes wouldn’t be made without extensive consultation.  

Are there any other changes expected to the university admissions process?  Apprenticeships are to be showcased alongside degrees on UCAS website from autumn 2023. School and college leavers will be able to explore apprenticeship opportunities alongside undergraduate courses so they can decide between their options in the same place. The Education Secretary says the plan is to develop a “one-stop shop” where young people can compare a range of occupations, training and education opportunities available to them.  

Where can parents find out more? Full details of the proposed changes to personal statements and a copy of ‘The Future of Undergraduate Admissions’ report can be found on the UCAS website .

Find the best school for your child

From The Blog

Once logged in via Facebook, you’ll be able to add your review

Write your review, add your email and submit

• Do explain who you are and your relationship to the school e.g. ‘I am a parent…’
• Do back up your opinion with examples or clear reasons but, remember, it’s your opinion not fact.
• Don’t use bad or aggressive language.
• Don't go in to detail about specific staff or pupils. Individual complaints should be directed to the school.
• Do go to the relevant authority is you have concerns about a serious issue such as bullying, drug abuse or bad management.

Another email has been sent to

• See All Official School Data
• View Catchment Area Maps
• Access 2024 League Tables
• Read Real Parent Reviews
• Unlock 2024 Star Ratings
• Easily Choose Your #1 School

• Share on twitter
• Share on facebook

Ucas to replace personal statement with series of questions

Admissions service also making changes to teacher references, and plans to release details of grade profiles that were accepted onto courses.

• Share on linkedin
• Share on mail

The Ucas personal statement is to be replaced by a series of questions following concerns that it was too stressful for UK students.

The admissions service said it believes the change to the 4,000 character essay – which had previously been  criticised for contributing to inequalities in higher education access  – will create “a more supportive framework”.

Advocates of reform said the change will help “level the playing field” in university admissions.

The  Future of Undergraduate Admissions report  by Ucas also announced that academic references would become structured questions, and that students will be able to see a range of accepted entry grades for different courses to improve transparency.

A recent Ucas survey found that 83 per cent of students reported the process of writing a personal statement stressful, with 79 per cent saying it is difficult to complete without support.

Based on this feedback, Kim Eccleston, head of strategy and reform at Ucas, says the current format will be reframed into a series of questions focusing on six key areas: motivation for the course, preparedness for the course, preparation through other experiences, extenuating circumstances, preparedness for study, and preferred learning style.

“We believe this will create a more supportive framework which in turn will help guide students through their responses by removing the guesswork, as well as capturing the information universities and colleges have told us they really need to know from applicants when it comes to offer-making”, she writes in a  blog published by the Higher Education Policy Institute .

The questions are set to be introduced in 2024, for students entering higher education in 2025, while Ucas said it paved the way for further enhancements, such as moving to multimedia submissions.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter , said the move to structured questions was “hugely positive”.

“No one should underestimate how important this reform will be in helping to level the playing field in university admissions,” he added.

“I’ve been calling for reform as statements currently add further advantage for middle class applicants who are often given help in filling in their submissions.”

Providers had told Ucas that the subjective nature of the academic reference section – typically filled out by an applicant’s form tutor or careers adviser – made it challenging to be used to compare applicants against each other.

As a result, it will be replaced with three structured questions – a mandatory general statement about the referee’s school, plus optional information sections on extenuating circumstances affecting the applicant’s performance.

Beginning with the 2024 entry cycle, Professor Elliot Major said it will enable more “objective and useful comments from teachers”.

“As we enter an era of increasing competition for the most selective university degree courses, we need more structured and transparent university admissions that are fair and fit for purpose for all,” he added.

In addition, entry grade reports will be available through the Ucas website, which will give a range of grade profiles that have been accepted onto courses over a five-year period.

It said that this personalised tool, which will launch this year, will prompt applicants to dig deeper into entry requirements and re-evaluate options that may have been considered out of reach.

[email protected]

Register to continue

Why register?

• Registration is free and only takes a moment
• Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
• Sign up for our newsletter

Or subscribe for unlimited access to:

• Unlimited access to news, views, insights & reviews
• Digital editions
• Digital access to THE’s university and college rankings analysis

Already registered or a current subscriber? Login

Related articles

Poor personal statement advice ‘harms university chances’

Sutton Trust study finds teachers’ perceptions of what makes a good Ucas application are very different to views of admissions tutors

THE Live: publish historic entry grades to make admissions fairer, says Jarvis

Universities UK chief executive urges greater transparency in admissions

Admissions algorithm error causes ‘chaos’ for Spanish students

Students in Andalusia say issues with university waiting lists caused ‘confusion and harm’

More than 40,000 decline university places to enrol elsewhere

Ucas data confirms increasing use of ‘decline my place’ option, contributing in part to less-selective institutions’ recruitment woes

David Farrar: Canada is 'undermining universities' funding structures'

The president of McMaster University discusses the importance of nuclear power, dealing with a sexual misconduct scandal and limits on student recruitment

News | Education

UCAS ditching personal statement for university entry

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service ( Ucas ) will no longer require students to write a personal statement when applying for university .

The change comes amid claims that the personal statements favour middle-class students who may have better access to “high-quality advice and guidance”, according to Ucas.

The 4,000-character essay will be scrapped and replaced with a series of questions about the higher education course they are applying for.

Ucas announced in February 2022 that it was considering changes to university applications.

At the time, Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, said “I have always felt that personal statements in their current form favour the most advantaged students.

“So I’m pleased that Ucas have confirmed that reform of the personal statement is in their plans so that personal statements work to the benefit of all students.”

Ucas consulted with 1,200 students, 170 teachers, and more than 100 universities and colleges before making the reforms, as reported by The Times.

According to Ucas , although 72 per cent of respondents surveyed felt positive about the personal statement, 79 per cent agreed that writing the statement is difficult to complete without support, and 83 per cent said they found the process of writing a personal statement stressful.

The structured questions aim to  “bring focus and clarity for students, reducing the need for support”.

Students will be asked questions about their motivations for studying courses, what they have done to prepare, and any extenuating circumstances.

Kim Eccleston, head of strategy and reform at Ucas, said in a Higher Education Policy Institute blog post: “We believe this will create a more supportive framework, which in turn will help guide students through their responses by removing the guesswork, as well as capturing the information universities and colleges have told us they really need to know from applicants when it comes to offer-making.”

The changes to the admission process will be introduced no earlier than 2024 for students applying to begin university in 2025.

And in the future, Ucas said that it would consider moving away from written text to multimedia submissions.

70,000 university workers to strike in row over pay, conditions and pensions

Londoners are named the most highly educated people in the country

Create a FREE account to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

Read student blogs about student life and the Brighton university experience

How to Write a Standout UCAS Personal Statement: Tips for Success!

• Author:  Stephanie Odili, Psychology BSc, School of Humanities and Social Science

Universities receive thousands of personal statements alongside students’ applications each year, so writing a UCAS personal statement that stands out among the thousands is an essential requirement to increase your chances of getting accepted onto your chosen course. Read on for useful tips to guide you to achieve a standout personal statement! 

What is a UCAS Personal Statement?

A UCAS personal statement is a brief, standard-format essay explaining who you are in at least 500 words. Personal statements should include what experiences, hobbies, values and goals have shaped your interest in the degree you are applying to obtain.

As stated, your personal statement should be concise but include necessary information that will get you accepted onto your chosen course. Visit UCAS to see examples of personal statements and useful tips 

How to Structure Your UCAS Personal Statement

As your personal statement is considered a standard-format essay, it should ideally include a proper introduction, a main body for your education, work experiences, possible hobbies information and a suitable conclusion at the end; all specifically tailored to your chosen course.

Avoid including any information that you cannot tailor to the course.  A personal statement is like a CV or cover letter, while the university itself is like an organisation you seek employment from; consider what you would do with a cv or cover letter when applying for a particular job, you would tailor it specifically to that job to increase the odds of you being chosen! 

Opening Strong: Crafting an Engaging Introduction

The introduction is the first thing the admissions officer sees, so make it engaging enough to keep them reading through your entire personal statement.

A common mistake is overlooking the importance of the introduction by putting key information somewhere in the middle or close to the end. If you start weak, it may affect how your personal statement is viewed overall. An example of a weak start to an introduction is stating something like ‘I have always known I would be a [inserts course/career of interest]’.

You want to start strong by providing a glimpse of the knowledge you have of your chosen course, you could do this by inserting a quote and commenting on how it has impacted or inspired your interest in the course, demonstrating your knowledge of what the degree content offers. For course content information and tips that can help shape your statement, visit the relevant university course pages. 

Showcasing Your Academic Achievements

There should be a section of the main body of your statement that highlights your academic achievements, strengths and interests. This is the time to showcase your brilliance and exceptional ways but be careful not to exaggerate or include false information as that may work against you in the long run; especially for courses that involve interviews! Stay true and proud of your achievements, no matter how big or small you think they are, they got you to this stage of your application! 

Demonstrating Passion for Your Chosen Course

In your introduction you gave a glimpse of your interest and knowledge of the course, next you must demonstrate your passion for your chosen course in detail. You want to provide examples that communicate you are completely interested and willing to give full focus into the teachings on the course. 

Including Work Experience and Extracurricular Activities

One way to demonstrate your passion is to include examples of how personal and/or work experiences have shaped your interest to study the course. These experiences can be voluntary, paid, mentored, extracurricular activities (such as summer schools and reading) or anything that has contributed to you wanting to learn about the course.

Notice the word ‘personal’ is used to describe what you are writing, so do not shy away from including personal experiences that relate to your course interest, as it gives the reader a glimpse into your personality. Do not deny them the chance to get to know you by making it overly formal and only including paid employment or academic achievements. If a CV and cover letter provides opportunity to include a bit of personal experiences, imagine how much more can be provided in a personal statement! 

How to Write a Strong Conclusion

For the conclusion, ensure you finish strong. You can give a brief explanation of what you hope to achieve with the degree in question, a summary of your goals and the steps you will take after obtaining your degree. This lets the reader know you see yourself finishing the degree and going on to make use of it to do greater things.

Proofreading and Getting Feedback on Your Personal Statement

Of course, this guide would not be complete without the following advice!   Ensure you have enough time and patience to create a great personal statement, proofread as you go and get others to read through it so they can give you feedback. People who are sure to provide helpful feedback are academic staff, mentors, past or present students (especially those on the same course), family and peers. 

Key Takeaways for Crafting a Winning UCAS Personal Statement

Here is a summary of some things to remember: 

• Do your research: Visit university and UCAS sites for examples and tips 
• Give yourself time: Start early to give yourself plenty of time to write and review your work 
• Be balanced: Have a balance between being concise and including detailed relevant information 
• Get personal: It is a personal statement, so make it that way rather than just a generic statement 
• Check and check again : Proofread and obtain feedback! 

I hope this helps, happy writing! 

Share this:

↞ Previous Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published / Required fields are marked *

Subscribe By Email

Get a weekly email of all new posts.

Your Email Leave this field blank

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

We use cookies to personalise content, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Read our detailed cookie policy

UCAS to replace personal statement essay with three questions to help disadvantaged people

UCAS surveyed potential applicants about to start their personal statement and found more than three-quarters prefer the new three-question format.

By Claire Gilbody Dickerson, news reporter

Thursday 18 July 2024 03:37, UK

Students applying for university through UCAS will be required to answer three questions under new plans to help support people from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Under the current system, prospective students have been filling out a free-response essay for their personal statement, which can be up to 4,000 characters long.

But amid concerns the task helps advantaged people who can get support, the essay will, as of September 2025, be replaced with three mandatory questions.

The questions 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 helpful?

More on Higher Education

Number of students needing support for eating disorders doubles in five years

Students aren't the only ones feeling anxious on A-level results day - a major crisis looms over universities

Minister does not rule out some universities may close over funding crisis

Related Topics:

• Higher Education

Read more: Welsh is UK's most relaxing accent, study finds Graduate visa route should remain, report finds

Students seeking to start university in 2026 will be the first to experience the reformed application form, which will allow for the same amount of writing as the essay.

The move comes as UCAS data suggests the gap in university application rates between the most and least advantaged students has widened in the last year.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Data shows the application rate from the most disadvantaged backgrounds has fallen slightly to 25.4% in England, while the application rate for the most advantaged has marginally increased to 60.7%.

UCAS surveyed potential applicants about to start their personal statement, and found more than three-quarters prefer the new three-question format.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Previous UCAS research found 79% of students felt that the process of writing the personal statement was difficult to complete without support.

Jo Saxton, chief executive at UCAS, said: "The changes to the personal statement, along with our recent fee waiver for students in receipt of free school meals, are all part of UCAS's contribution to the sector-wide effort to ensure more people from disadvantaged backgrounds can benefit from the life-changing opportunity of higher education."

Related Topics

Where to start

• Ultimate Guides
• Virtual Work Experiences
• Chat to students
• UCAS events
• Apprenticeships

Subject guides

• Subject tasters

Industry guides

Where to go.

• Universities and colleges

City guides

• Types of employment
• Write a cover letter
• Starting work
• Career quiz

Before you apply

• Campus open days
• What and where to study
• Distance learning
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
• Studying at a college
• Pros and cons of university

Applying to university

• Dates and deadlines

Personal statement

• UCAS Tariff points
• Individual needs

After applying

• Track your application
• Decisions and offers

Results day

Clearing and results day, conservatoires.

• Fees and finance
• How to apply

Replying to offers

• Tracking your application

Postgraduate

• Choosing a course
• Fees, loans, and funding
• Teacher training
• International students
• Student finance
• Scholarships, grants, and bursaries

Additional funding

• Managing money
• Student discounts

Student life

• Starting uni or college
• Mental health and wellbeing

Accommodation

• Accommodation for apprentices
• Accommodation for disabled students
• Apply for student accommodation
• Find the right accommodation
• The ultimate packing list
• Visas and immigration
• English Language Tests (ELTs)
• Choosing the right course
• Entry requirements
• International clearing guide

Financial information

• Available finance options
• Saving money
• UK bank accounts
• Support for refugees and asylum seekers

Extra support

• Adjusting to the UK
• Application tips
• Available support
• Checklist for moving to the UK
• International FAQs
• Support organisations

Student recruitment and marketing

• Drive applications through Clearing
• Drive applications through Extra
• Exhibiting as a university or college
• Improve conversions
• Improve your competitive strategy
• Increase brand awareness
• International
• Provider pages

Data products and solutions

• Application and decision tracker
• Competitor insight dashboard
• Course feasibility
• Leaky Hosepipe solution
• Outreach Elevator
• Student decision report
• Untapped Geographies

Managing applications

• Availability of UCAS data
• Fraud and similarity
• HESA return
• Link services
• Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)
• Results Processing Service (ABL)
• Systems and services guides

Qualification Information Services

• Qualification Information Profiles (QIPs)
• Qualification guides and resources
• UCAS Tariff

Products as part of your membership

• Recruitment, marketing and admissions services

Provider news and updates

• UCAS correspondents bulletin

Provider developments

• Upcoming developments
• Previous updates
• UCAS maintenance schedule
• Service status

Test and training environments

• HEP1 and HEP2

Link product development

• Availability of new features
• UCAS Link API strategy
• Groups and forums

Admissions guides and resources

• Conservatoire admissions guide and resources
• Provider contact types
• Undergraduate admissions guide and resources

Good practice

• Admissions policies
• Admissions processes
• Applicant experience
• Collection tool help
• Contextualised admissions
• Equality and diversity
• Supporting disadvantages and under-represented groups
• Unconditional offers
• Widening access and participation

Online learning

Provider engagement.

• Annual provider update

Adviser news

• Adviser portal
• Key dates timeline
• Newsletters
• Adviser lives
• Qualification reform

Discovery events

• Getting ready for UCAS Discovery
• Events training

Create your future events

Conferences.

• Teacher and adviser conference 2024
• International Teachers and Advisers Conference

Events calendar 2024

Cycle toolkits.

• Adviser 2025 toolkit
• Conservatoire application toolkit
• Supporting students with individual needs

Lesson activities

• Classroom resources
• Lesson plans

Develop your adviser skills

• Practical ways to guide students
• Help finding work experience
• Events and summer school
• Positive career discussions
• Advice about GCSE choices

Online training

• Personal development platform
• Adviser tips

Tools and resources

• UCAS hub guide
• Digital training
• Progression pathways

Pre application support

• Bursaries, scholarships, and financial support
• Help writing personal statements
• Student budget planner
• Alternatives to A Levels
• Higher education options

Application overview

• Application deadlines
• Application process
• Exam results process
• Monitor student progression
• Predicted grades
• Undergraduate references 2024
• Reference processes and terminology
• Conservatoire references

UCAS registered centres

• Becoming a UCAS registered centre
• Getting started
• Teachers and advisers

International advisers

• Clearing guide for international students
• Qualifications advice
• Supporting international students

Confirmation and Clearing

• ACSL guidance
• Clearing essentials
• Conservatoires confirmation
• International students guide
• Reach talent and acquisition

Apprentices with UCAS

Career finder, employer profiles, multichannel campaigns, apprentices, international guides, make the most of clearing, smart financial decisions.

• Filling in your application

Making changes to your application

How to get a reference, results process, application cancellation request form.

• Requests for personal data
• Notifications
• Preferences
• Provider Homepage
• Provider Dashboard
• Student Hub
• Adviser Homepage
• Adviser Portal
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Staying safe online
• The new personal statement for 2026 entry
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• Personal statement week
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement advice: animal science
• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
• Personal statement advice: drama
• Personal statement advice: economics
• Personal statement advice: engineering
• Personal statement advice: english
• Personal statement advice: geography
• Personal statement advice: history
• Personal statement advice: law
• Personal statement advice: maths
• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: midwifery
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
• Personal statement advice: nursing
• Personal statement advice: pharmacy
• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Personal statement advice: architecture, building and planning
• Personal statement advice: art and design
• Personal statement advice: environmental science
• Personal statement advice: marketing
• Personal statement advice: philosophy
• Personal statement advice: photography
• Personal statement advice: physics
• References for mature students

Yes, it is easier to tailor your personal statement to just the one subject or course – but that doesn't mean doing it for more than one is entirely impossible...

Applying to multiple courses or subjects? Check out our FAQs further down .

Writing a personal statement for more than one course

Ok, it is easier if all five of your choices are the same. Throughout our personal statement advice , the message is clear: admissions tutors are very keen to hear why you've chosen that course, the reasons you're so enthusiastic about it, and what aspects you especially want to learn more about at uni.

This assumes that you have one, specific course in mind, because you can only write one personal statement in your application (in most cases – see below when you can write an additional personal statement ).

But what if your five choices aren't all the same?

With thousands of possible courses , it's hardly surprising that you may find it difficult narrowing down your choices to one specific subject or course.

It's possible that you may want to apply to two quite different courses, or to a mixture of single subject and joint or combined courses (with differing subjects). It isn't even unheard of for a student to apply successfully to five diverse courses with one application.

If you're in this scenario, take care with how you approach your application. But equally, don't be put off from applying to a variety of courses if you're genuinely interested in them.

So, how do I write a personal statement for more than one course?

Here are some personal statement pointers depending on how different the courses you're applying to are:

1. If there are only slight differences, or you've chosen joint or combined degrees with slightly different subject combinations...

This shouldn't be a problem. Just try to make everything in your statement as relevant as possible to all five choices. If you've included some joint or combined degree courses, make sure that each discipline or subject is addressed in some way.

2. If there are big differences between your course choices...

It might be possible to blend your statement in such a way that everything you write provides appropriate evidence of your skills, academic interests, and the way you think that's relevant to all of the courses you've chosen.

Alternatively, you could take the honest and transparent approach, and openly explain why you've chosen to apply to different courses by providing reasons or evidence for each.

Whichever approach you take, if some (or all) of your course choices are very competitive, then it's advisable to put across your commitment to your chosen subjects as earnestly as you can. 

3. If just one of your choices is completely different from the others...

It quite often happens that admissions staff will agree to accept a separate personal statement for that specific course, sent directly to them.

However, make sure you contact that particular university first, to make sure that they're aware.

Our top tip

Still not sure on what's best to do? Go straight to the horse's mouth: the university themselves.

• First, check their website, as they may well have received previous enquiries about this and have published specific advice around it.
• Secondly, department staff at a lot of universities will be quite happy to answer a quick email or phone enquiry.
• Better still, go to an open day and speak to them face to face. While there will be many other students there too, your conversation may help you stand out later on.

Some courses won't have a problem if they can see that you've applied to a mixture of courses, but some may not make you an offer if your statement lacks focus, which is a risk when applying to multiple subjects.

So don't make assumptions – ask to be safe!

Sara Harker-Bettridge, Admissions Manager, Birmingham City University

Aerospace-eng-sub-guide.png.

There are also two specific circumstances where choosing one course that's different from the other four might be unavoidable. These are:

• If you're applying for medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine courses, where you're restricted to a maximum of four choices. In this situation, some courses at some universities will be happy to be your fifth choice, despite your statement not being directly relevant to them. However, we would advise contacting these universities directly to discuss your application. 
• If you're applying for a unique or unusual course that's only offered by a small number of universities, then it's quite likely that admissions staff will be used to advising on this issue, and may even provide guidance on their website – check with them directly.

Applying to multiple courses or subjects: Frequently asked questions

Can i apply for different courses on ucas, can you apply for different courses at the same university, can you write more than one personal statement, sponsored articles ucas media service, make the most of your open day, how to save money at uni, top ten student money tips.