Personal Statement

For 2026 entry onwards, UCAS uses three personal statement questions. They cover your interest in the subject, preparation through study, and preparation outside education.

The total limit is 4,000 characters including spaces, with at least 350 characters per answer. See UCAS guidance for the exact questions and requirements.

What Cambridge does with it

The statement is part of your application and may provide material for interview discussion. Write about things you understand and can explain honestly.

Question one: why this subject

Be specific about what interests you. Describe a problem, project or idea and what you learned from it. Avoid broad claims about loving technology.

Question two: how your studies prepared you

Explain how your studies developed relevant thinking. For Computer Science, this may include proof, logic, discrete mathematics or problem solving.

Discuss what you found interesting rather than repeating your subject list.

Question three: outside of education

Projects, reading, competitions, work and societies can all be relevant. Explain what you did and how it helped you prepare. A short account of something you understand is more useful than a long list.

Practical advice

Draft outside the application form, cut repetition and ask someone to check clarity. Keep the wording your own and the claims accurate. Reread the final statement before an interview.