Applying for 2026 university entry? How to write your UCAS personal statement

To apply for university, you need to complete an online application through UCAS, the organisation which manages university applications.

You will need to complete basic information, such as your personal details, course choices and qualifications.

The final part of your application is called your personal statement. Here you explain why you want to study your course and why you’d make a great student.

Your personal statement is an important part of your application. Admissions tutors may use the information you provide to decide between candidates.

From courses starting in 2026 onwards, you will need to answer three questions for your personal statement. These cover why you want to study the course, and how your studies, as well as your experiences outside of education, have helped you prepare.

Once you know what you’d like to study, check the UCAS deadline for your courses. Different courses and different institutions have different deadlines so make sure you allow plenty of time to draft and submit your application.

Next, check the entry profiles for the courses you’re interested in at UCAS.com. This will help you understand the course requirements and how your wider experience may fit.

Start by working out what you want to say. Jot down some points for each question, then consider if there anything you want to add (or take out) – or if some of your ideas would sit better under different questions.

Next, write up your first draft in a separate document. If you’ve chosen a variety of courses, write about the common themes. Show your enthusiasm and try to include what’s unique about you and what makes you stand out.

Your final statement can be up to 4,000 characters of text, including spaces (around two sides of A4). Write and edit your draft until you are happy and then copy over to your application.

• Avoid naming any universities or showing any preferences – remember your personal statement will be seen by each university in your application
• Don’t copy a personal statement you have found online – UCAS screens all personal statements and will inform your university choices if any similarity is found
• See this UCAS guide to using AI and Chat GPT with your personal statement
• Frame your answers in a positive way (avoid being negative)
• Avoid humour and empty phrases such as ‘I have always wanted to be a lawyer’. Instead, try and include specific examples
• Write clearly – keep your sentences short and avoid overly formal or flowery language
• Don’t waffle or repeat information you have included elsewhere
• Allow yourself some thinking time and come back to your notes or drafts with fresh eyes. Have you missed anything? Can you make any improvements?
• Use correct spelling and grammar – proofread your final application and get someone else to check it too

UCAS – advice on personal statements

Take a look at the university websites where you’re applying – you’ll often find advice on personal statements relevant to your application.

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