Writing a Stand-Out STEM Personal Statement (UCAS 2026 Update)
📝 The Three UCAS Questions
From 2026, students will respond to:
- Why do you want to study this course?
- How have your current studies prepared you?
- What else have you done that prepares you for university?
These questions are designed to make applications fairer and more focused — but they still reward thoughtful, reflective answers. Whether you’re applying for Chemical Engineering, Physics, Medicine, or Chemistry itself, a great personal statement demonstrates genuine enthusiasm, clear evidence, and self-awareness. Here’s how to approach each part with confidence.
1. Why do you want to study this subject?
Start with curiosity — what first sparked your interest in the subject?
Then show how that curiosity has grown through practical experiences and wider exploration. Maybe you were fascinated by reaction kinetics in class, followed a sustainability project at school, or read about nanomaterials in a journal. Mention something tangible that connects your learning to real-world challenges like renewable energy, healthcare, or data science.
For example, Chemistry doesn’t exist in isolation; it links Physics, Biology, Computing, and Materials Science. Admissions tutors love to see this interdisciplinary awareness because it shows you already think like a scientist.
2. How have your studies prepared you?
This is where you prove readiness. Highlight the topics, coursework, or independent projects that gave you relevant skills. For example:
- Mastering stoichiometric calculations and laboratory techniques
- Using Maths or coding (e.g. Python) to model reactions or analyse data
- Completing a research placement or science competition project
- Engaging with online courses, lectures, or STEM clubs
Tutors aren’t looking for a list of grades — they’re looking for evidence of curiosity and persistence. Explain what you learned from each experience and how it strengthened your understanding of science.
3. What else have you done that prepares you for university?
Include extracurriculars that reveal transferable skills: teamwork, leadership, and resilience. These could come from tutoring younger students, volunteering, music, sport, or part-time work. Briefly reflect on what each activity taught you — for instance, communication skills from coaching, or time management from balancing study with a job.
Admissions tutors want to see that you’re capable of managing independent study and contributing to a wider community.
🎓 What Admissions Tutors Are Really Looking For
- 🔬 Passion for Chemistry — where it began and how it developed
- 📚 Evidence of wider reading and awareness of science’s global impact
- 🌍 Links between subjects — e.g. how Maths supports Physical Chemistry
- 💡 Curiosity about real-world applications such as sustainability or healthcare
- 🧍♂️ Individuality and reflection — insight into what inspires you beyond school
- 🏃 Personal development — confidence, teamwork, and self-management
Embedding these elements in your answers turns a good statement into a memorable one.
💡 Five Tips for a Winning STEM Personal Statement
- Be specific. Avoid vague enthusiasm — prove it through examples.
- Use clear, formal language. Admissions staff read thousands of statements; clarity wins.
- Link each point to a skill or insight. “This taught me…” is powerful.
- Show awareness of the bigger picture. Connect your studies to sustainability, medicine, or technology.
- Proofread and get feedback. Teachers, tutors, or mentors can spot phrasing or balance issues you might miss.
🌟 Final Thoughts
The new UCAS format rewards reflection, evidence, and focus.
By writing honestly about your experiences — and showing how they’ve shaped your curiosity and readiness — you’ll give universities exactly what they want to see.
If you’d like tailored feedback or guidance on your draft, book a personal statement review with Whiteboard Chemistry — I'll help you refine every sentence until it stands out for all the right reasons.