The Format Changed. The Standard Didn’t.

When UCAS announced a new personal statement format, many students assumed universities were asking for something fundamentally different. Some worried it meant more emphasis on personal stories. Others thought it lowered the bar.

In reality, the change is largely cosmetic. UK universities are still evaluating applicants in the same way—and many students are now at risk of misunderstanding what the new format is actually for.

From One Essay to Three Questions A Structural Change, Not a Philosophical One

The traditional single UCAS personal statement has been split into three guided questions. The intention is to help students structure their responses more clearly, not to change what universities value.

Importantly:

• The total character limit remains the same

• Universities do not assess each question independently

• Admissions tutors still read the statement as one academic narrative

The new format does not give you more space. It gives you less room for mistakes.

How Admissions Tutors Are Really Reading It Academic Focus Still Dominates

Despite the new structure, admissions tutors remain primarily interested in one thing: academic readiness for the course.

In conversations with an academic advisor at the London School of Economics, this was made explicit. While UCAS does not prescribe a fixed ratio, strong applications typically dedicate around 80% of the statement to academic motivation and subject engagement, with the remaining space used for relevant personal context.

This reflects how competitive UK courses have always been assessed.

What Counts as “Academic” in the New Format More Than Just Grades

Academic content is not limited to exam performance. Universities are looking for evidence that you have actively explored your subject and understand what studying it at degree level involves.

Strong academic signals include:

• Subject-specific grades and predicted performance

• Independent learning beyond the syllabus (books, lectures, online courses)

• Academic competitions and challenges (e.g. UKMT, Olympiads, essay prizes)

• Subject-related societies and academic initiatives

• Research, projects, or extended work linked to the course

These show how you think, not just what you have achieved.

Where Personal Content Fits (and Where It Doesn’t) Support, Not Centre Stage

Personal experiences—sport, music, volunteering, part-time work—are not irrelevant. But they are secondary.

They add value only when they:

• Reinforce academic qualities (discipline, resilience, curiosity)

• Support your motivation for the course

• Demonstrate sustained commitment or growth

A common mistake with the new format is treating one question as “the personal one.” Admissions tutors are not looking for a clean split between academic and personal answers. They are looking for coherence.

What the Three Questions Are Actually For One Story, Not Three Mini-Essays

The three questions are best understood as prompts that help you articulate:

• How your interest in the subject developed

• How you explored it beyond the classroom

• Why you are now ready to study it at university

They are not an invitation to repeat yourself or compartmentalise your experiences. Repetition across questions weakens impact. Disconnected anecdotes dilute clarity.

Universities still want one clear academic story, told with structure.

Writing Strategically Under the New System Precision Matters More Than Ever

Because the expectations have not changed—but the format has—successful students tend to:

• Anchor every response in academic intent

• Be ruthless about relevance

• Use examples selectively and reflectively

• Maintain a clear link between experiences and course choice

The new UCAS format rewards focus, not breadth for its own sake.

Final Perspective

The shift to three questions has not changed what competitive UK universities value. Academic motivation, subject engagement, and readiness for degree-level study remain central. Personal elements support the narrative; they do not lead it.

At Flyers Academy, we help students shape their responses so the new format works in their favour—ensuring every answer contributes to a single, compelling academic case.