export_ofoct.com

[00:00.40] The 4,000-character personal statement has been a part of university application for 30 years.

[00:07.30] But there's been growing concern it's not fit for purpose.

[00:11.02] While it's meant to be written by the student alone, research suggests middle class parents and schools influence them.

[00:17.93] So, instead, UCAS will replace this unstructured essay with asking applicants to answer three questions: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

[00:29.08] How have your studies helped you prepare?

[00:31.74] And what else have you done to prepare outside of education?

[00:35.72] Students will be expected to write no more than the current personal statement in total.

[00:41.03] Social mobility academics and charities have advocated for this change.

[00:45.55] In England, the application rate from students with the most disadvantaged backgrounds has fallen slightly to 25%, whereas for the wealthiest it's 60%.

[00:57.24] UCAS said it hoped this change would contribute to narrowing that gap.