With the UCAS university deadline fast approaching on the 14th of January 2026 (applications must arrive at UCAS by 18:00 UK time for most courses), there’s still time to submit. It’s natural to feel the pressure at this stage, but don’t worry, we’ve put together some last minute tips and guidance to help you cross the finish line with confidence.
The personal statement is one of the most crucial parts of your application, it can be the reason why you are selected for your desired course. It is the only part of the application process that allows universities to see your personality, so it’s key that you make your piece stand out from the crowd because University admission staff will read hundreds of applications every day.
The opening statement of your application is very crucial because it’s the first impression the admission gets from you and the first thing staff reads from you. It has to be engaging!
1) Show enthusiasm for the subject.
2) Showcase your understanding and knowledge of the subject.
3) Share your future ambitions.
Make sure to include these things whilst keeping it relevant and simple.
The core of the statement is where you will be stating your personal skills and achievements so that the universities can understand the abilities and talents you have. This is a brilliant chance for students to sell themselves and show universities what they can offer them and why they should be selected for their desired course.
1) State what makes you different from the rest. What things make you unique or special?
2) Tell them what roles and responsibilities you have held – voluntary work in and out of school is a great place to start.
3) Don’t be afraid to highlight and point out achievements that you’re proud of.
Try to link all of the topics that you discuss back to the course, and ensure they sound relevant and related to the course that you want to take. In the core you should also state any work experience and future aspirations you have, again, linking these to the course.
Ending your personal statement links all of your points and information together. It closes off your reason for wanting to do the course you’ve chosen.
1) Summarise why you want to do that course, referring back to what you’ve already discussed, being clear on why you want to do it shows conviction and dedication.
2) State your hopes and plans if you were to get chosen for the course, at university and beyond that in the future.
3) Make the university want you to study at their campus and be excited to have you choose them.
Once you have done all of this, make sure you proofread your work, reading your work back to yourself can be an excellent way to spot errors. Use an app like Grammarly to check your spelling and grammar or get a family member or teacher to double-check your work for you. Once you have done all of this, make sure to send off your work!
Getting your references early is critical because you have no control over how long the people who are writing them will take. They shouldn’t be rushed and you should allow the person giving your reference plenty of time to give you a credible review. Make sure you contact your referee as early as possible and confirm they’re happy to provide your reference before you add their details to your application. UCAS won’t let you submit your form until your reference is complete, so giving your referee plenty of notice is essential.
The type of referee you choose needs to be somebody who knows you academically, they should be able to talk about your work ethic, suitability for higher education and your interactions with your peers. Along with this, they have to be:
– In your current/ recent school or college – teacher, tutor, head teacher etc
– Non-family related – this includes family, friends, partners or ex-partners. If any of these people do it for you, your application may be cancelled.
– An employer, volunteering supervisor or trainer- if you have left school years prior.
Make sure to keep in touch with your referee to ensure that they have sent it off for you.
Once you have completed your application make sure to double check you have put your five favoured universities in the correct order (you may have a first choice university you would like to go to over the rest), some cities have two universities so it can get confusing. Finally, make sure all the information is correct and then send it off!
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