Personal statements are changing. UCAS, the UK’s centralised application portal, has introduced changes to this component for the 2026 entry cycle. The personal statement is usually the only opportunity for applicants to distinguish themselves and share their personal insights. The original 4,000-character, 47-line freeform essay is being replaced with a new “scaffolded” format with three guiding questions. This approach is intended to help applicants from all backgrounds have clearer guidance on what information to include and level the playing field. Below, we discuss what has changed and how to approach the new format of UCAS personal statement.
Why the change, and what does the new personal statement look like?
Starting a long essay with just a blank sheet is daunting. While some students have help from teachers, professional tutors or parents, others have to do it all on their own. By putting giving the statement more structure, UCAS is providing all applicants with better direction on expectations from the universities. Hopefully, therefore, personal statements will refocus on academic content and interest, rather than writing ability or access to support.
Instead of a freeform essay, the new personal statement consists of three sections with a minimum of 350 characters each and a total character count of 4,000 characters, including spaces. Applicants are asked to respond to these three questions:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for it?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
How Should Students Approach the New Format?
Although the format has changed, the purpose of the personal statement is the same. Students still need to demonstrate academic motivation and interest, readiness for university study, and suitability for the chosen subject. Let’s look more closely at each section and, at the same time, share some DOs and DONTs!
Question 1: Why Do You Want to Study This Course?
DOs:
- Showcase your motivation and inspiration for studying this course.
- Refer to your specific knowledge and genuine interest in the subject.
- Consider linking your long-term goals and how the course may launch your career or equip your knowledge for the future.
DONTs:
- Avoid generalisations such as “I have always been interested in this subject.” Instead, refer to experiences or ideas that sparked and sustained your interest.
Question 2: How Have Your Qualifications and Studies Helped You Prepare?
DOs:
- Highlight projects or assignments from your academic studies that are relevant to your chosen course.
- Demonstrate any key transferable skills such as research and analysis or problem-solving that make you a great candidate.
- Consider sharing accomplishments apart from your grades, such as winning competitions or leadership roles.
DONTs:
- Don’t reproduce a list of your qualifications; elaborate on meaningful experiences and intellectual growth.
- Don’t be dishonest or present an exaggerated image of yourself.
Question 3: What Else Have You Done to Prepare Outside of Education?
DOs:
- Talk about extra-curricular activities and personal experiences beyond your formal schooling that further demonstrate your suitability to the chosen course. Examples include:
- Internships, employment or volunteering
- Research, independent learning and supplemental courses
- Post-education activities which have equipped you with skills and qualities for the course (eg. national service obligations)
- Hobbies or achievements outside school
DONTs:
- Overcoming challenges is a great quality, but don’t dwell on personal problems that are not directly relevant to your application.
- Don’t repeat earlier points. Admissions officers will read the three sections as one single narrative.
Where to find resources
Despite the change in structure, the personal statement continues to be an important aspect of the university admissions process. While academic results and references provide the quantitative side of an application, the statement adds qualitative insight into a student’s interests, motivations, and potential. A well-written personal statement could make all the difference between applicants with similar academic grades, especially for competitive or popular courses.
It is advisable for students not to draft their personal statement at the last minute. For the 2026 entry cycle, they should start to plan and write their personal statement as soon as possible – perhaps making use of school holiday time this summer. There are plenty of resources and support available through:
- School counsellors and subject teachers
- The official UCAS website, which has lots of guidance and videos
- Education consultancies, such as Waypoints Asia, that offer statement review services and university preparation advice.
A Final Word
The new structure of the UCAS personal statement will make the writing process of the statement more manageable for students. However, a strong personal statement will still require thoughtful reflection, relevant examples, and a clear academic purpose. We certainly hope to see students take advantage of the new format to present a more compelling case for their university aspirations.