The application process for students heading to university is changing.
The Universities and Colleges Admission Service (Ucas) will be scrapping personal statements, in a bid to "level the playing field". It comes amid claims that middle-class students are gaining an unfair advantage due to the 47-line essay used to demonstrate achievements beyond grades.
Instead of the personal statement, aspiring university students will instead need to answer a questionnaire. The quiz will cover six key areas, including motivation for the course and preferred learning style.
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A Ucas survey of 2022 applicants found 72% felt positive about the personal statement. But 83% said writing a personal statement is stressful, with 79% agreeing that the statement is difficult to complete without support.
The changes are outlined in a report, Future of Undergraduate Admissions, which said: "Feedback shows fears that students who do not have access to high quality advice will not be able to use the statement to shine in the same way more advantaged peers can. There are also concerns about the extent to which students understand how providers use personal statements in decision making."
The reforms will be introduced no earlier than 2024 for 2025 applicants.
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