UCAS Personal Statement is Changing

A Guide to the New Format and How to Approach Each Question!

Amol Patil & Nishant Chawla
November 09, 2024

Starting in 2025 (for the 2026 admissions cycle), UCAS will introduce a new format for personal statements, requiring students to respond to three structured questions instead of writing an open-ended essay. This change means applicants to UK universities will need to adapt their approach to meet the new guidelines.

This shift aims to level the playing field for all applicants, particularly those without access to personalized counseling support, by providing clear guidance on what admissions officers are looking for. The new format makes the process more focused and accessible, allowing students to showcase their motivations, readiness, and suitability for their chosen courses in a more direct way.

In this guide, we’ll break down each of the three proposed questions, offering insights on how to craft effective responses and examples of what universities may be seeking.

1. Motivation for the Course: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

What This Question Means
This question asks for a clear explanation of why you are drawn to the field you’ve chosen. Admissions officers want to understand your specific interest in the subject, so avoid generic reasons.

How to Approach It
Think about when your interest in the subject began. Was there a particular moment, class, or book that sparked your curiosity? Personalize your response by including anecdotes or insights that led you to choose this path. For example:

“My interest in psychology developed after reading a case study on childhood development in my high school class. I was fascinated by how early experiences shape behavior, which inspired me to explore this further through summer programs.”

Show passion, curiosity, and evidence of a genuine interest in the subject.

2. Preparedness for the Course: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

What This Question Means
Universities want to know if you have the academic foundation and the skills to handle the course’s demands.

How to Approach It
Mention relevant subjects, projects, or experiences that align with your chosen field. Focus on how your education so far has developed skills like critical thinking, analysis, or communication.

“In my biology course, I conducted independent research on genetics, which taught me how to design experiments and interpret data critically. This experience has equipped me with a solid foundation for advanced studies in the life sciences.”

Use this section to showcase your academic readiness and key strengths relevant to the course.

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

What This Question Means
This question offers an opportunity to highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, or jobs that have enriched your understanding and prepared you for university study.

How to Approach It
Choose experiences that have strengthened relevant skills. Perhaps an internship gave you insights into the practical side of your field, or a volunteer role enhanced your leadership or communication abilities.

“As an intern at a local engineering firm, I was exposed to real-world applications of theoretical knowledge. This experience deepened my understanding of engineering principles and confirmed my desire to pursue mechanical engineering.”

Emphasize specific skills and perspectives gained from each experience.

Source: https://www.ucas.com/file/955926/download?token=zZwvJk9c

Final Tips for the New UCAS Personal Statement Format

Since universities and colleges will review all three sections together, make sure you’re not repeating information across your answers.
You have a 4,000-character limit across all responses, and you’re free to allocate characters as needed. Write more or less for each question based on what best reflects your course or experiences.
Avoid using characters to list qualifications and subjects. Instead, focus on adding depth and context to examples related to your chosen course. Try using the PEEL method: Point, Evidence, Explain, Link.
Don’t stress about which section to place information in; what matters most is that it’s included, as the statement will be assessed as a single piece.

This new format is a shift from the traditional personal statement, but it’ll give applicants the chance to provide more focused and comprehensive responses. With thoughtful answers to each question, you’ll be able to present a well-rounded and compelling application that shows why you’re a strong candidate for your chosen courses.

Good luck, and make each response count!

At a Glance ⚡️

1️⃣ Motivation for Your Course: Explain why you’re drawn to your chosen course. Use specific experiences or inspirations that reflect your passion and genuine interest.

2️⃣ Academic Preparedness: Highlight the relevant coursework and skills you’ve developed that equip you for success in this field. Show your academic readiness.

3️⃣ Experience Beyond Academics: Share extracurriculars, internships, or volunteer work that strengthen your understanding and practical skills for the course.

4️⃣ Final Thoughts: The new UCAS format is your chance to provide focused, structured answers. Be concise, authentic, and specific to create a memorable impression.

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Amol & Nishant,

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