From 2026 entry onwards, your UCAS personal statement will be split into 3 separate questions.
This guide will help you plan answers that show your character, interests and academic ambitions, and show admissions staff why you’re a good fit for your chosen course.
Remember: you’ll be applying to more than one university or course, so keep your answers broad enough to be relevant wherever you apply.
- Each question has a minimum of 350 characters.
- Together, your answers can’t exceed 4,000 characters (including spaces).
- Start early and give yourself time to draft, edit and get feedback.
- Always draft in a separate document to avoid UCAS site timeouts.
Here’s your chance to show your genuine interest in the subject and your motivation for applying. Think about:
- What first sparked your curiosity or inspired you to apply.
- Which topics or areas of the subject fascinate you most.
- How this course fits with your ambitions, whether that’s a future career or developing a passion further.
Tip: Be specific. Instead of saying “I’ve always liked history,” explain what part of history excites you and why.
Use this section to highlight the knowledge and skills you have developed through your studies, and how they prepare you for university. You could include:
- Subjects, modules or projects that helped you build relevant understanding.
- Skills you have developed, such as research, analysis, problem solving or teamwork.
- Achievements, such as competitions, projects or leadership roles.
Tip: Don’t list your grades - UCAS already has them. Instead, focus on what you learned and how these skills will support your success in your chosen course.
Universities also value the skills and experience you gain beyond your studies. Consider:
- Work experience, volunteering or part-time jobs, and the skills you gained.
- Extracurricular activities such as sport, music or clubs that show commitment, teamwork, or creativity.
- Personal responsibilities or challenges you’ve faced, and what they taught you.
- Activities since leaving school or college, if that applies.
Tip: Reflect on why these experiences matter. What did you learn, and how can you apply these skills in your studies?
- Start by brainstorming bullet points for each question.
- Look for links between your experiences, skills and knowledge, and the subject you want to study.
- Build these into clear, focused answers that show your ability and passion.
- Proofread carefully for any spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Check your answers against the 4,000-character limit.
- Use positive language, focusing on your strengths
- Make sure your examples link back to your chosen subject.
- Be yourself and avoid unnecessarily elaborate language.
