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The UCAS application cycle for 2026 entry is officially underway, and you can now submit your application, including your personal statement. 

UCAS has made some changes this year. Instead of one long essay, you'll now answer three specific questions. This makes it easier to focus on what really matters.

You'll need to write at least 350 characters (50 to 70 words) for each question, and you've got a maximum of 4,000 characters (700 to 800 words) across all three. 

The questions are designed to help you tell us exactly what we need to know:

1. Why do you want to study this course? Tell us what excites you about it.
2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare? Show us how your current work has set you up for success.
3. What else have you done outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? Think about hobbies, work, or volunteering—anything that shows your skills and passion.

Remember, you only need to write one personal statement, no matter how many universities you apply to.

• Be personal, positive, and engaging. Avoid making bland statements.
• Vary your sentence structure; try not to start every sentence with 'I'.
• Write in a clear, straightforward style that feels natural to you.
• Maintain a professional, non-formal tone.
• Be honest and accurate in all details—admissions staff can easily spot exaggerations.
• Conclude with a strong, confident statement about your motivation and ambitions.
• Save your statement in a secure location and create a back-up copy.
• Take your time to write and edit your statement until it's right.
• Re-read the course information and prospectuses before you begin writing.
• Do not mention a specific university by name, as this statement is sent to multiple institutions.
• Ensure every sentence adds meaningful, new information.
• Highlight your most recent and relevant extra-curricular activities and hobbies.
• Ask a friend, family member, or careers adviser to check your statement for clarity and errors.

The personal statement must be written by the applicant, but you can still be a huge support. Here's how you can help them navigate the process:

• Chat to them: Discuss what they want to say. This can help them organize their thoughts and figure out what to include in each answer.
• Offer to read drafts: A fresh pair of eyes is always useful. You can help spot typos and grammatical errors but remember not to over-edit. This should be their work, not yours.
• Encourage exploration: Remind them to check out the UCAS website. There are loads of great resources there, including a statement builder in their UCAS Hub account.
• Keep an eye on deadlines: This is the most important part right now.

If English isn't your first language, here are a few ways you can still provide great support:

• Search for online forums: Look for educational forums in your home country. They can provide useful insights into the UCAS application process.
• Use online tools: Grammar and spell-checking websites are brilliant for getting that extra bit of language support.
• Ask for help: See if English-speaking friends or teachers who know the UCAS system can read their statement and offer feedback.
• Research together: Take time to research the UK university system, course requirements, and what UK universities look for in applicants.