How to Answer the New UCAS Personal Statement Questions
From September 2025, prospective students no longer have to write a 4000 character personal statement as part of their UCAS university application. I definitely remember writing mine - something about how English Language is my heart and soul and how I’m dying to take this Linguistics degree, etc, etc. Instead, from Sept 2025, UCAS will be introducing 3 new questions for applicants to answer, with a collective total of 4000 characters.
Take a look at my advice on how to answer the UCAS 3 questions below!
The new UCAS personal statement questions are:
1 - Why do you want to study this course or subject?
To answer this first question, you’ll need to write about your passion for and knowledge of the course you’ve chosen. Write about:
What made you choose the subject.
Someone in the industry who has inspired you.
A relevant quote, book, artwork or video that you love.
An example of when you’ve used the subject in real life.
What career you want to pursue after graduating.
What makes you dedicated towards this particular course.
A related childhood passion.
The part of your education that has inspired you.
A person who has encouraged you in this subject area.
A change you want to make in the world because of this course.
2 - How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
To answer the second question, you’ll need to highlight your relevant achievements. Write about:
Which subjects you’ve chosen to take exams in.
What you predict your course-relevant exam results to be.
Any certificates you’ve obtained outside of school.
Any extra-curricular certificates you’ve obtained within school.
Personal study you’ve done on your chosen subject.
A particular coursework, topic or book you’ve studied that’s inspired you.
The achievements you’re most proud of.
3 - What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?
To answer the third and final UCAS question, you’ll need to write about your personal experiences and extracurricular activities and explain how they’re relevant to your chosen course. Write about:
Any relevant jobs, placements or work experience you’ve done, and how these will be helpful towards your course.
Any volunteering you’ve undertaken or continue to do and how this is helpful towards your course or university experience.
Details of any positions of responsibility you have or have had, such as a school prefect, head boy/girl, scout leader, part-time job, etc.
What your hobbies are out of school, if relevant to your course, and how these support your application.