Following up on last year’s blog about changes to the UCAS Personal Statement, we’re happy to share that the official three-question format has been announced!
Instead of a single, free-form personal statement, 2026 UCAS applicants will be asked to answer the following three questions:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
These questions, which were designed to “scaffold your answers and ensure you include exactly what universities and colleges want to see,” will still share the combined 4000-character limit.
So, how should you answer UCAS’s three questions?
- Be passionate → Tell them what excites you! Explain how this course will help you achieve your future goals and relates to your personal experiences (hobbies, personal experiences and influences, readings, etc.)
- Celebrate yourself → Tell them what you’ve achieved! Ensure readers know what achievements you have (academic or otherwise) that will make you successful in this course of study
- Demonstrate fitness → Tell them you’re prepared! Highlighting relevant skills–leadership, teamwork, resilience–you’ve gained from volunteering, work experience, and extracurriculars that demonstrate your suitability
- Keep it focused → Tell them you’re more than a list of facts! Genuine reflection on key skills and interests will show a deeper connection and thoughtfulness than listing every achievement and skill on your resume (and help you avoid repeating yourself!)
If you’re looking for more guidance, UCAS has a myriad of resources that Options writing coaches are looking forward to jumping into with our UK-bound students! We’re also hosting our UK Personal Statement Workshop on August 28th, 2025–your last chance to work on your Personal Statement before the new school year begins. Contact us today to book in!
Tune in next month to learn more about the new UCAS questions and read a sample essay!
