The New UCAS Personal Statement Format for 2025: Everything You Need to Know

For years, the UCAS personal statement has been a key part of UK university applications, allowing students to showcase their academic interests, experiences, and motivations through a 4,000-character essay. However, starting from the 2025-2026 entry cycle, UCAS is introducing a structured, question-based format, making the process more focused and standardized.

This change is designed to help universities compare applicants more easily while guiding students to provide clear, relevant responses.

At MCC Global Education, we specialise in UK university applications, including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, ensuring that students craft exceptional, competitive applications.

🔍 What’s Changing? The New UCAS Personal Statement Structure

The new UCAS personal statement will move away from a single free-form essay and instead require students to answer three structured questions:

1️⃣ Motivation for Course Selection

💡 Why do you want to study this course?

• What sparked your interest in this subject?

• Are there specific books, research, or experiences that deepened your passion?

• How does this course align with your academic and career aspirations?

Expert Tip: Avoid generic statements like “I have always been interested in medicine.” Instead, highlight a defining moment or experience that inspired your passion.

2️⃣ Preparation and Suitability

💡 How have your qualifications and experiences prepared you for this course?

• What academic subjects, projects, or coursework have helped build your knowledge?

• Have you participated in internships, research, or competitions related to your field?

• What key skills have you developed that will help you succeed?

Expert Tip: Universities look for evidence of academic excellence and subject-related engagement. Mention coursework, independent studies, summer programs, or research projects.

3️⃣ Personal Attributes & Extracurricular Achievements

💡 What personal qualities and extracurricular activities make you a strong candidate?

• Leadership roles, community service, or extracurriculars related to your field

• Personal qualities such as resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving

• Achievements that demonstrate initiative and intellectual curiosity

Expert Tip: Instead of listing activities, connect them to skills that will help you thrive in university and beyond.

📌 Key Differences Between the Old & New Personal Statement

• Structure:

  • Old Format: Free-form 4,000-character essay

  • New Format (2025): Three structured questions

• Flexibility:

  • Old Format: Students decide what to include

  • New Format (2025): Universities get specific, comparable responses

• Writing Style:

  • Old Format: Narrative, storytelling approach

  • New Format (2025): Direct, focused responses

• Character Limit:

  • Old Format: 4,000 characters

  • New Format (2025): Each section has a minimum word count

• Challenges:

  • Old Format: Requires self-structuring

  • New Format (2025): More guidance, but less creative flexibility

This structured approach ensures fairer comparisons between applicants, but also limits creativity, meaning students must make every word count.

📚 How to Write an Outstanding UCAS Personal Statement (New Format)

📝 Step 1: Research Your Course

Before you start writing, research your chosen course thoroughly. Look into:

✔ The core subjects and modules covered
✔ Skills and qualities universities expect from applicants
✔ Career paths related to the degree

💡 Tip: Check university websites and course descriptions for key buzzwords—then incorporate them into your responses.

📝 Step 2: Brainstorm Key Experiences & Skills

For each question, list your most relevant:

✔ Academic achievements (A-Levels, IB, research, competitions)
✔ Extracurricular activities (clubs, leadership roles, volunteering, projects)
✔ Personal experiences (internships, online courses, self-learning)

💡 Tip: Be selective—focus on quality over quantity!

📝 Step 3: Write & Refine Each Section

✅ Section 1: Motivation for Course Selection
❌ Weak Example: “I want to study Law because I enjoy debating.”
✅ Strong Example: “My experience in Model United Nations sparked my interest in Law, particularly in human rights legislation. Debating ethical dilemmas strengthened my analytical and argumentation skills, reinforcing my passion for legal studies.”

✅ Section 2: Preparation & Suitability
❌ Weak Example: “I take A-Level Maths and Economics.”
✅ Strong Example: “My A-Level Economics coursework on market failures allowed me to apply real-world case studies to theoretical models, developing my ability to think critically about policy implications.”

✅ Section 3: Personal Attributes & Extracurricular Achievements
❌ Weak Example: “I have leadership skills from being a prefect.”
✅ Strong Example: “As Head Prefect, I initiated a student mentoring programme that improved academic performance for underclassmen. This experience enhanced my ability to lead, communicate effectively, and manage complex projects.”

💡 Tip: Use action-oriented language and quantifiable achievements to make your responses stand out.

💡 FAQs About the New UCAS Personal Statement Format

1️⃣ Is this change better for students?

✔ Pros:

• Provides more structure and guidance, helping students focus on relevant content.
  ❌ Cons:

• Less freedom to showcase creativity and craft a unique personal narrative.

2️⃣ How should I prepare for the 2025 application cycle?

✔ Start building your profile early—engage in subject-related projects, research, and extracurriculars.
✔ Practice structured writing—answer questions concisely while showcasing depth and engagement.
✔ Seek expert feedback—admissions consultants can help refine your responses.

3️⃣ Will this impact Oxbridge applicants?

✔ Yes. Oxbridge places heavy emphasis on academic excellence, super-curriculars, and interviews.
✔ This new format helps ensure your application is clear, structured, and aligned with Oxbridge expectations.

🚀 MCC Global Education: Your Partner in UK University Admissions

With years of experience guiding students to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, and other Russell Group universities, MCC Global Education ensures your application stands out.

🔹 Bespoke Admissions Strategy – Expert consultation for crafting a winning application
🔹 Personal Statement Coaching – Tailored guidance for the new question-based UCAS format
🔹 Oxbridge & Russell Group Specialists – Proven strategies for securing offers from top UK universities
🔹 Admissions Test Prep – LNAT, BMAT, TSA, NSAA, and more

📌 Maximise Your UK University Admissions Success!

📧 Email: admin@mccglobaleducation.com
📱 WhatsApp: +65 81812406
🌐 Visit: www.mccglobaleducation.com