Personal statement
The part of a UCAS application in which applicants explain why they want to study the course; from 2026 entry it is structured as answers to three questions.
- Used in
- All four UK nations (details may differ)
- Topic
- Higher education
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
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Related terms
- UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) All four UK nations (details may differ)
- The organisation that runs the central application system for undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.
- College essay United States
- A personal essay submitted with US college applications. UK nearest: personal statement.
More terms: Higher education
Module · Ordinary degree · Oxbridge · PhD · Postgraduate · Postgraduate certificate
More terms starting with P · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class
Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.