Students find them one of the hardest parts of applying to university, now Cheltenham-based UCAS is looking to scrap personal statements.

The organisation, which supports over 700,000 students a year to apply to higher education in the UK, is set to introduce big changes from autumn 2024 for 2025 university entry.

In a paper published yesterday (January 12), it said it is planning to switch from the current system of a big box to fill with relevant text, to a system based on questions.

UCAS said 72% of respondents to a survey last year felt confident about the personal statement, but 83% found the process of writing it stressful and 79% said it would be difficult to complete without support.

In the paper, Future of Undergraduate Admissions, UCAS said: "Working with students and providers, we have tested different models to identify a way to retain the space for the student voice that the personal statement offers, while reducing the associated stress. Through this work, both groups identified a preference for structured questions that bring focus and clarity for students, reducing the need for support."

Six key areas for the proposed questions have been identified by providers so far:

• Motivation for course

• Preparedness for course

• Preparation through other experiences

• Extenuating circumstances

• Preparedness for study

• Preferred learning styles

UCAS is still looking for more information from stakeholders on whether this is the right approach - including are there are any other areas which should be covered by the questions and is 2024 for 2025 the right time to introduce the changes?

Education providers, students and potential students can have their say here.