For students applying to university in 2026, UCAS has introduced significant changes to the personal statement format. We take a look at what’s different, why these changes are being made, and how the new structure is designed to make things easier for students and Universities.
What’s Changing?
Instead of writing one long personal statement, students will now answer three separate questions. Each section will focus on a specific question, making it easier for students to organise their thoughts. Each section requires at least 350 characters, and there’s a character counter to help students stay on track. The submission page will also offer tips and guidance for each question.
Three Questions that can Change your Life
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject?
- What have you done outside of school to prepare, and why are these experiences important?
The three new questions will help students explain why they’re interested in their chosen course and connect their experiences to it. It is a chance for them to show their passion, curiosity, and suitability to study the subject further.
Universities should use these changes to their advantage and engage prospective students by helping them showcase the best version of themselves in line with what your university or specific course is looking for.
- Why do you want to study this course or subject? Encourage students to reflect on their motivations, be specific, and connect it to long-term goals—like aspiring to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company by age 30.
- How Have Your Qualifications and Studies Prepared You for This Course or Subject? Suggest students highlight extracurricular activities that demonstrate initiative beyond the standard curriculum—like work experience at NASA for those pursuing Rocket Science.
- What have you done outside of school to prepare, and why are these experiences important? Guide students to discuss real-world experiences that connect to their chosen course, emphasising transferable skills like leadership and teamwork—such as how skiing down Mount Everest at 16 taught them perseverance, determination, and fortitude.
What’s Staying the Same?
The personal statement will still have a total of 4000 characters, including spaces. The content remains similar, just divided into three sections instead of one long statement. What students need to include in their answers is mostly the same as before.
Sam Sykes, Customer Success Manager at UCAS, explains
‘The three questions were chosen after universities and colleges told us what would be of most use. They will provide more consistent guidance, especially for applicants who have less support.’
Many students find the idea of writing a 4,000-character personal statement overwhelming. It’s easy to go off track and include irrelevant information. The new format helps by providing structure, guiding students to focus on what universities really want to know. This ensures students stay on topic and avoid unnecessary details, making it easier for them to showcase their strengths.
Who was Consulted?
UCAS consulted over 1,200 UK and international students, 170 teachers and advisers, and representatives from over 100 universities and colleges. Government bodies, regulatory agencies, and charitable organisations across the UK were also asked for their opinions. UCAS partnered with an external research agency to test it thoroughly and received positive feedback:
Feedback showed that more than half of the students found the three-question format easy to use. Admissions teams said it helped them assess applications better, and it was particularly useful for students with less support, ensuring consistency. Most advisers liked the new format because it led to more detailed statements and clearly communicated what was needed.
The BBC summarises these changes succinctly in this Instagram Reel.
Content Ideas to Support Students
For students, writing a personal statement is still quite a daunting task, so this is a brilliant opportunity to engage prospective students and build on your prospect nurture journeys, though:
- Editorial – Creating engaging articles that offer practical advice on writing personal statements.
- Study Tubers – Identifying and collaborating with student ambassadors who are active on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to create authentic and relatable content.
- Interactive Content – Developing of a series of short, engaging videos including live Q&A sessions, interactive workshops, and success stories.
Get in touch with nick.friend@hunterlodge.co.uk and we can discuss how we can help enhance your content efforts.
