Are you going to study in the UK? This is of interest to you.
The first thing to remember is that your letter of motivation -also known as your personal statement– will probably be your only chance to “speak” directly to the admissions team about the program you want to study, and to convince them that you are the ideal person for the position. Therefore, it is essential that you write it as effectively as possible. But don’t worry, Plan Zero will help you succeed with it.
If you are applying for a degree that includes an interview, the personal statement will serve as a basis for you to prepare for it, because many times the questions revolve around what you have written there.
This letter is your time to demonstrate why you would be a good student for your chosen course and why the university should select your application over others. This is primarily an academic statement: it should focus very directly on the area you are interested in studying, although you can also include some of your more general interests.
What do universities look for in a personnel statement?
They are looking for people who are committed, curious, critically thinking and eager to leave their mark. Therefore, your personal statement must show motivation, clarity of ideas and authenticity.
Significant changes at UCAS starting in the 2026-2027 academic year
Until now, the personal statement was a free text of up to 4,000 characters where you explained your reasons for studying a career. But as of September 2025, that will change.
Starting with the application process for the 2026-2027 academic year, UCAS replaces the single text with 3 specific questions that you will have to answer separately:
- Why do you want to study this course or career?
- How have your studies (subjects, assignments, etc.) prepared you for this course?
- What other things have you done outside of school (activities, volunteering, courses, etc.) that help you for this course, and why are they important?
Each answer must be at least 350 characters long, and between the three answers you may not exceed 4,000 characters (including spaces).
This new format aims to make the process clearer and more accessible, especially for those who do not have as much external help to write a long text from scratch.
However, universities will read the three answers as a whole, so it is very important that you do not repeat information and that there is consistency between all your answers.
How does Plan Zero help you?
Although this new format makes it more direct, you will still be competing with thousands of students who want the same place as you. The difference will be the quality, clarity and authenticity of your answers.
At Plan Zero we accompany you throughout the entire process: academic orientation, choice of universities, requirements and preparation of applications. And, of course, we help you write your personal statement so that it really stands out from the rest.
Our experience allows us to hone your ideas, help you connect with what universities are looking for and make sure you make the most of this opportunity. Did you know that we have already helped more than 1,000 students study abroad?
Ready to start your journey to a British university?
Prepare ahead of time, and if you want to do well, count on Plan Zero. We’re here to help you stand out.
