The application strategy for students is quite complex, and it is time-consuming, and this is why the ucas question service was introduced so that it could help students with their application process. Over the years, it has been working well, but most students have complained about the whole application process. Because of this, ucas interviewed various students, and once the results were returned, UCAS decided to do away with the entire process. UCAS plans to replace short essay questions with short answer questions, potentially impacting students’ rationale and readiness for higher education, particularly for middle-class teens. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for doing away with the ucas subjective utterance for student applicants and the new measures that will be implemented.
Why UCAS is doing away with personal statements for student applicants
Ucas proposes a procedure reform to make the entries operation more equitable, eliminating the need for scholars to submit essay-based personal information and instead asking questions about course selection reasons. The Department for Education has decided against a post-qualification admissions scheme, citing worries that personal statements could broaden the gap between applicants, particularly for students without adequate coaching. Over 80% of respondents found drafting a contention stressful, while 79% found it challenging to finish independently. From 2024-2025, questions will replace personal messages, and referees will use questions instead of free text. Ucas will provide personalized advice on post-secondary options and introduce an Outreach Connection Service to support universities and employers.
The new application process
The last university application procedure involved scholars building a personal statement for UCAS Hub, which universities read as part of their initial application. The new process mandates learners to answer six critical questions instead, and the questions include the following;
- Why are you fired up to do the course?
- How set are you for the course?
- What other factors have you implemented to help you get ready for the class you are referring to?
- Is there any other information the university needs to know about?
- Which modes of learning do you prefer?
The new ucas questions help kids to express themselves more effectively, with teachers’ references changing for more factual remarks, and future versions may be adjusted based on user feedback.
When does the whole process kick-off?
The UCAS application technique will change in 2024, starting in October 2023, for Oxbridge applicants. The existing format for personal statements will remain. A customised mechanism will hand over entry-grade reports using UCAS data over five years.
How are referrals from teachers evolving?
Teachers are evolving their referrals to provide unbiased feedback on scholars, focusing on career objectives, professional backgrounds, and expected grades. In 2025, the procedure for candidates will change, with referees answering structured questions and teachers providing general remarks about schools, mitigating conditions, and other relevant situations.
Conclusion
The whole application procedure will change in 2024, as we have seen in the above proclamation. Even if this is so, the new policies being put in place are better and more efficient for the students and teachers as well.
