Personal statement

• UCAS personal statement - thematic question guidance

  As part of your UCAS application, you must complete a personal statement which is split into three specific questions.

  Remember that each of your UCAS choices sees the same personal statement. As such, you should avoid mentioning that you are applying to any specific university. You should also avoid naming the course you are applying to if this is not the same course at each of your choices.

  The questions you will be asked when completing your UCAS application and our guidance to approaching these is below.

  These questions ask for different but interrelated pieces of information; please ensure that you are not repeating yourself in each section and use the available space carefully. This is your opportunity to speak directly to the people making the decision on your application – make each word count!

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

  This is your first chance to tell us about your passion for your chosen subject(s). This section should be academically focused, and we recommend that you think about the following:

  • Your motivations to study your chosen subject(s).
  • What has prompted your interest in the subject area(s).
  • Are there any areas of interest you have been researching?
  • Have you been inspired by a person or life experience to explore this subject further?
  • Do you have a specific career path or study aim that you would like to explore further after this course?

  In answering question 1 you should show us that you have a genuine interest and motivation to study your chosen subject(s). We want to see evidence of your passion and commitment, simply stating that you like a subject is not enough. When writing, think about why what you are saying is relevant and keep linking your points back to the subject(s) you are applying for.

  2. How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject? 

  Answering this question should complement question 1 but not repeat the same information. Think about the skills and knowledge you have gained in your previous and current studies, and how they apply to the subject(s) you are applying for. To help you get started, you may want to consider:

  • Related topics you have studied at school or college and the knowledge you have gained which are relevant to your chosen course.
  • Coursework which has allowed you to research topics that are of particular interest to you. These may be topics you would like to explore further in your chosen course.    
  • Any skills you have gained which will help you succeed in your chosen course.
  • Any academic awards you have received that you would like us to know about.   
  • Any competitions you have taken part in for your subject(s).   

  We will see the subjects you have studied and are currently studying, as well as your achieved or predicted grades in your application, so please do not list these in your personal statement as well. This wastes valuable space within your limited character-count.

  We are looking for insight on how you will perform as a student in your chosen subject(s). We want to be sure that you understand the knowledge, skills and initiative required to undertake this further study.

  Remember, keep this information relevant to the subject you are applying to. 

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

  In this final question, you have the chance to tell us about anything else you have done outside of your school or college curriculum which is relevant to your chosen subject(s). It can be tempting to list everything you have done, but it is preferable to focus on one or two activities which give you strong discussion points. Think about the knowledge and skills you have gained from experiences like:

  • Your reading outside of the school or college curriculum.
  • Relevant topics you have explored outside of school or college.
  • Independent study you have undertaken to expand your knowledge, which may include online courses, podcasts, documentaries, and your readings.  
  • Preparation for higher education activities such as summer schools like the Sutton Trust or Outreach programmes such as Reach, First Chances, Top Up, LEAPS, Focus West, Lift Off, Aspire North.
  • Work experience, part-time work​ or volunteering.
  • School or college ​coursework, projects or field trips.
  • Other personal experiences that demonstrate your suitability to study your chosen subject(s).

  Answering this question will provide us with more information about you as a person. You have the chance to demonstrate how the skills you have gained outside of the classroom transfer into your studies.

  Once you have answered all three questions, your personal statement should present us with an authentic picture of you, your experiences and why you want to study your chosen subject(s). 

  Before you start writing, you may wish to review the following guidance from UCAS:

  • UCAS guidance on the use of AI in the personal statement  
  • UCAS 2026 subject personal statement guides

• Common Application and Direct Application personal statement

  Your personal statement (also known as an interest essay) should demonstrate your passion and commitment to the subject area you are applying for. Unlike the UCAS personal statement which is seen by all the universities applied to through UCAS, the personal statement in the Common and Direct Application forms is only seen by our admissions officers. This means the personal statement can and should be totally focused on why you want to study your chosen course and why you want to study this at the University of St Andrews specifically.

  When writing your personal statement you should describe your interest in your selected course at St Andrews and consider the following questions:

  • The University of St Andrews offers a range of single (major) and joint honours (double major) degrees and triple honours combinations. Why do you want to study your chosen subject(s) at university, and how have your studies and research into this degree developed your interest in this area?
  • What aspects of the faculty and, or research at St Andrews have motivated you to apply?
  • At St Andrews, the flexible degree structure enables students to explore a range of subjects during their first two years. How will this interdisciplinary approach enrich your academic experience and shape your intellectual development?

  Getting started with your Common Application and Direct Application personal statement

  Give yourself plenty of time to draft and re-write your statement, paying attention to the structure to ensure it is clear and flows well. Once you have your starting points, you can think about how to format your thoughts, and before you know it, your personal statement will start to take shape!

  You may wish to consider the following points and make brief notes which will help you to finalise your personal statement later.

  • What is your chosen course?
  • Why does it interest you?
  • What do you want to learn about?
  • How have you already engaged with this subject area?
  • What are the current developments in your subject and is there a specific area that interests you?
  • Why do you think you are suitable for this course?
  • What are the core themes you will study in your course? You should review the subject webpages to research this.
  • Why do you want to study at the University of St Andrews specifically?

  It may help to treat the personal statement like an interview with the admissions officers and think about what you want them to know as they read your application.  Sometimes speaking out loud to others can help you decide on the key things to include, so you may want to make an appointment with a teacher or someone else who knows you well to discuss this.