UCAS Overhauls Personal Statements to Aid Disadvantaged Students

New format introduces guided questions to replace free-response essays, aiming for fairer university admissions.

Applicants will answer three structured questions starting in 2025 for 2026 entry.
The reform targets the application gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students.
UCAS research shows 79% of students found the old format challenging without support.
The new questions focus on motivations, qualifications, and extracurricular preparations.
Education experts and university leaders support the changes for promoting equity.