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Important Updates on UCAS Personal Statements for 2024 and Beyond

UCAS Personal Statements will not be changing for the 2024 admissions cycle as previously suggested. Changes will come into place for the 2025-2026 application cycle instead.

Read our Updated Notice for Applying in 2025

Please note that this blog is in reference to the 2024 admissions cycle (already closed for applications). New changes to the UCAS personal statement apply for the 2025-2026 application cycle. Read more on our updated blog post here.

We understand that the university application process can be both exciting and challenging, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Recently, there have been significant developments regarding the structure of UCAS personal statements, which we believe is crucial information for all prospective students.

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Initially, UCAS had proposed changes to the personal statement system, indicating a shift towards shorter questions in place of the traditional long-form personal statement starting from the 2024 application cycle. However, we would like to bring to your attention that there has been a recent update from UCAS regarding this matter.

According to the latest information from UCAS (available here), despite initial plans to make changes for the 2024 entry, UCAS has decided to keep the current system intact. The 2024 application cycle will proceed with the familiar long-form personal statement.

Looking ahead, UCAS is in the process of consulting with students and educators to determine whether they will implement changes from autumn 2025 onwards. While there is a possibility of transitioning to a series of shorter questions, this decision is yet to be finalised, and UCAS is actively seeking input from stakeholders.

What does this mean for you as a prospective applicant? Well, if you’re applying in the coming 2024 cycle, then you do not need to worry about the Personal Statement format changing from the current familiar one. If you’re applying from autumn 2025, however, it means keeping on top of updates from UCAS so that you can be aware of what you have to do as soon as the new Personal Statement system is finalised. In the meantime, thinking critically about your motivations, passions, and key skills in relation to your chosen degree course will always be helpful to your application, regardless of whether or not these changes transpire.

As the situation evolves, we here at Oxbridge Applications will keep you informed of any further updates and adjustments to our support services to ensure that you are well-prepared for your application journey. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these developments or any aspect of the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or +44 (0) 20 7499 2394. We are here to support you in achieving your academic goals.

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