Check your personal statement or scholarship essays against the official limits as you write.
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Limits at a glance
| Application | Format | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| UCAS (2026 entry on) | Three questions | At least 350 characters per answer, 4,000 characters in total including spaces |
| Common App (2026–27) | One essay from seven prompts | 250 to 650 words |
| Chevening | Four essays | Up to 500 words each |
The three UCAS questions
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Admissions tutors read the three answers together, so don’t repeat the same example. Draft in a separate document and paste it in, so you don’t lose work if the form times out.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the UCAS personal statement?
Up to 4,000 characters including spaces across three answers, with at least 350 characters in each.
What is the Common App word limit?
250 to 650 words for the personal essay.
What is the Chevening essay word limit?
Up to 500 words for each of the four essays.
Are my drafts saved?
Yes, in this browser only. Nothing is uploaded.
Sources
- THE: Guide to the 2026 UCAS personal statement changes
- Goldsmiths: Writing your personal statement
- Chevening: Common application errors
- Common App: Essay prompts
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