Personal Statement Help

Need a winning personal statement? Let’s get started!

Whether you’re dreaming of Durham, Imperial, Oxford or Edinburgh, the personal statement is your key to all UK universities. This is your chance to stand out in the competitive admissions process. Together, we can make your application unforgettable!

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Expert Personal Statement Support for Your Dream University

One-to-One Coaching

Expert guidance to develop unique, compelling content.

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Gentle assistance in shaping your ideas

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Detailed feedback to refine structure, clarity, and impact.

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Specialist help for the most competitive courses.

Changes to the UCAS personal statement from 2026

The new approach will see a move away from a free text box, with students asked to respond to three structured questions instead. This will come into effect for students beginning studies in 2026.

The official UCAS statement is as follows:

“The three questions will help you to scaffold your answers and ensure you include exactly what universities and colleges want to see, to help you succeed in your applications. Each answer will have a minimum character count of 350 characters, which is clearly labelled on the question boxes, along with an overall character counter, so you can keep track. The 4000 overall character limit (including spaces) remains the same, as does what you're expected to include.”

So the actual content of the personal statement won’t change much, and neither will the character limit. The biggest difference is simply a separation into three sections, which will help make sure you include everything you need to.

The new personal statement questions

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

The personal statement is the key (and for some, only) step in UK university admissions processes. Make sure to put your best foot forward.

How to write a personal statement


A good tip is to forgo generic introductions, and instead begin with a defining moment. This can be your first experience with your subject, or perhaps a particular super-curricular. Anything that significantly shaped your understanding of your chosen course is useful.

Most of your response to Question 3 should be discussing your super-curriculars. Super-curriculars are like extracurriculars, but academic – so they could be things like taking online courses, watching lectures online, or perhaps pursuing your own research project. Don't forget to include your own ideas and questions about the things you learned from them.

Consider your tone. Don't be afraid to be yourself in your statement, as long as you keep it professional and academic. This is where you DO NOT want to be using Chatbots or AI – trust us, they are so obvious, and an application is not the time to be taking the risk of sounding inauthentic! Remember, admissions tutors are not interested in teaching robots.

Here's an example:

“What excites me most about chaos theory is the idea that beneath the randomness lies a structure that we can uncover. It mirrors how I see the world – a puzzle that invites constant questioning and discovery.”

And there’s more where that came from. If you’re stuck on your statement, contact us today for ethical, useful guidance!


Our Admissions Experts are handpicked and thoroughly vetted to make sure you get an expert experience during your admissions tutoring service. With Think Smart, you’re guaranteed to receive:

Our tutors aren’t just tutors, they’re mentors.

Personalised guidance

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All of our tutors have successfully gone through the UK admissions process themselves.

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Our holistic approach means we strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation, helping you make decisions about your career and academics.

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FAQs about the Oxbridge application process

  • UCAS allows a maximum of 4,000 characters or a minimum of 350 per question. It’s important to make every word count by keeping your writing concise, clear, and impactful.

  • This depends on whether you’re applying in October or January. If you’re applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or to most Medicine courses across the country, you’ll have to submit your statement by October 15, but if you’re applying more generally to other universities, you submit in January. We recommend starting at least two to three months before the UCAS deadline to allow plenty of time for drafting and revisions. The earlier you start, the stronger your final statement will be.

  • Focus on your academic interests, relevant experiences (such as super-curricular activities), and what makes you a strong candidate for the course. You should also demonstrate critical thinking and a genuine passion for your subject.

  • Although we won’t write your statement for you (that’s your role!), we provide expert guidance on structuring your statement, refining your content, and ensuring it aligns with what top universities are looking for. Our tutors offer personalised feedback to help you craft a compelling and polished final draft.

  • Absolutely! We specialise in highly competitive applications, including Oxbridge, Medicine, and Law. If you’re looking to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, we put you in touch with one of our Oxbridge Admissions Experts.

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—taking the first step now can set you on the path to securing your spot at your dream university.

Make the most of your chance to excel in the admissions process by preparing strategically and standing out from the competition.