UCAS Personal Statement Changes: FAQ

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:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
2. How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject?
3. 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?

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

• 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.

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

• 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.