The UCAS personal statement has three questions sharing a 4,000-character limit, and each answer needs at least 350 characters. Draft here and your work saves in this browser as you go.
Tips for each question
Why this subject: be specific about what interests you and where it started: a topic, a book, a problem you want to solve. Avoid opening with a quote.
Studies: connect your A-Level (or other) subjects, projects and the EPQ to skills your course needs. Show, don't list.
Outside education: work experience, volunteering, reading, competitions or caring responsibilities — and what each taught you that's relevant.
Admissions tutors read many statements. Plain, specific writing beats clever phrasing. Ask a teacher to read your draft, and check your university's guidance for subjects like medicine that look for particular experience.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the UCAS personal statement?
Up to 4,000 characters including spaces, across three questions, with at least 350 characters per answer.
Is one personal statement sent to all my choices?
Yes. The same statement goes to all your university choices, so keep it focused on the subject rather than one university.