UCAS said that the new approach will move away from the current free text 4,000-character statement and that students from the 2026 entry onwards will instead be asked to respond to three structured questions.

UCAS said that the changes were designed to create a level playing field for all applicants and “ensure students from all backgrounds better understand the key information universities and colleges want to know about them when making admissions decisions”.

The three questions in the new format will be:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?

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