Personal Statement Questions 2025

UCAS has announced significant changes to the personal statement format for students applying to UK universities starting in 2025 for 2026 entry. The traditional open-ended statement has been replaced with a structured set of three targeted questions. This new format aims to help applicants better showcase their academic drive, relevant experience, and unique qualities, making the application process more accessible and equitable.

Instead of one, single piece of text, applicants will now be asked to complete three separate sections, each with a different question for students to focus their writing on. The new questions have been finalised and will be as follows:

  •     Why do you want to study this course or subject?
  •     How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
  •     What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Why has UCAS made these changes?

Feedback from students, teachers, and admissions tutors indicated that the previous open-ended format was often overwhelming and ambiguous. Many students were unsure of what to include or how to structure their statements, sometimes leading to generic or formulaic essays. The new structured format aims to reduce this stress and provide a clearer framework for applicants to present their strengths and aspirations.

Working with students and providers, UCAS have tested different models to make it easier for students to convey why they think they should be offered a place on a course at university. As a result, both groups identified a preference for structured questions that make the task more clear and focused, and limiting the need for support.

What isn't changing?

  • Your personal statement can still be up to 4,000 characters long, including spaces.
  • The personal statement will largely stay the same as it was before, and should cover everything you would normally have when it was a single piece of text.

Tips for completing your personal statement

  • Your personal statement will still be read as a whole, so make sure you don't repeat information across your answers to the three questions.
  • The 4,000 character count limit doesn't necessarily have to be split evenly between the three questions - it's fine for you to write more for one question than the others, as long as all the relevant information you want to include is there.
  • As always, don't waste precious characters on outlining your qualifications or subjects. Remember, there is a separate section in the application form where tutors can view this information. Instead, focus on providing specific examples of your skills and experience, how these relate to the course you want to study and how they will useful or valuable.
  • Don't worry too much about what information goes in which question - as long as it is there somewhere, it will be read, and your statement will be reviewed as a whole.

The new personal statement questions

As mentioned previously, the personal statement will be broken down into 3 separate questions that you'll need to answer as part of your UCAS application. These are outlined below, with guidance on how to approach each one and what information you should include.

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

This is the chance for you to highlight your passion, curiosity, and knowledge of your chosen subject, and demonstrate to universities and colleges why it aligns with their interests and future goals.

Here are a few ideas for what to include in this section:

  • Motivation for choosing the course(s): What inspired you to study this subject? Did a role model or a defining moment spark your interest? Or maybe it's simply a subject you've always loved and want to explore further. Everyone is driven by something, and it’s important to share how your journey led you to choose this course or subject.
  • Knowledge and interest in the subject: Have you done any research that ignited your curiosity, or is there a book or expert that influenced your decision? Universities want to see that students have explored the subject and are confident it’s something they’ll enjoy and succeed in. This is a great opportunity to mention any super-curricular activities or experiences that show a deep interest outside of the classroom.
  • Future ambitions and why the course is a good fit: If you already have a specific career in mind, you can explain how the course will help to get you there. If you’re unsure, you can discuss what’s important to you in the future and how the course will equip you to reach your goals.

Examples for this section could include:

  • Personal experiences: This might include being a carer, growing up in a certain environment, being inspired by someone like a friend or family member, or even something like a book, news article, podcast, or video that sparked your interest in the subject.
  • Understanding the subject area: This includes showing awareness of what the subject involves and the qualities needed to succeed in it. This could be backed up by research into the course or subject area.

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

This is the opportunity for you to demonstrate the relevant or transferable skills you've developed through your formal education and explain how these will help you succeed in your chosen subject.

Here are some things you might discuss:

  • How your studies or training relate to your chosen course(s): This could include current or past studies at school, college, training programs, or even short online courses from universities. The key is to focus on what’s most recent and relevant to your chosen subject.
  • Relevant or transferable skills that make you a strong candidate: Perhaps certain subjects or modules have helped you develop core skills that align with your chosen course. You can also mention a specific area of study that helped you realise your strengths or interests.
  • Educational achievements: While grades will be covered elsewhere in the application, you should highlight other accomplishments. These might include winning a competition, taking on leadership roles like student ambassador or team captain, or being cast in a leading role in a play.

Additional examples for this section might include:

  • Specific modules or topics you’ve studied
  • Essays or projects where you explored a specific viewpoint or technique
  • EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) achievements
  • Competitions like UKMT (UK Mathematics Trust) or similar
  • Private lessons or qualifications such as in music, sports, or stage school, if relevant to the course
  • Tutoring or mentoring experience
  • Online courses that led to formal qualifications.

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

This is the opportunity for you to highlight any activities you’ve participated in outside of formal education or personal experiences that further demonstrate your suitability for the course. This section is often highly personal, and anything included should reflect why you believe it’s relevant.

Here are some things you might discuss:

  • Work experience, employment, or volunteering: Whether it’s in-person work experience at a local school or virtual opportunities through online platforms, or volunteering at places such as an animal shelter, the key is to reflect on how these experiences have helped you develop skills relevant to your chosen course.

  • Personal life experiences or responsibilities: Have you faced challenges or overcome obstacles that influenced your decision to pursue this particular course? Perhaps you’ve had responsibilities, like caring for a family member, that helped you develop key qualities such as resilience, empathy, or time management.

  • Hobbies and extracurricular activities: This could include sports, reading, community involvement, or attending summer schools. Any activities outside of academic study that showcase your interests and skills can be mentioned here.

  • Achievements outside of school or college: This might be a leadership role, like being a the leader of a local club, winning a competition, or earning a qualification outside of the classroom.

Additional examples for this section include:

  • Extra and super-curricular activities
  • Volunteering experiences
  • Personal life experiences, like caring for a family member or overcoming a personal challenge
  • Young enterprise projects
  • Work experience or internships
  • Part-time or full-time jobs
  • Work-based learning/CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
  • Shadowing professionals in relevant fields
  • Online learning activities, such as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) or IT courses on Udemy
  • Tutoring others
  • Trips and visits (either online or in-person), such as to museums, galleries, or relevant sites like courtrooms for aspiring law students
  • Podcasts, TED talks, or documentaries related to your chosen field
  • Duke of Edinburgh/Duke of York awards or similar recognitions.