Exciting changes are on the horizon for university applicants in the UK. UCAS has announced a shift in their application process, replacing the traditional personal statement with three specific questions designed to help applicants present themselves more clearly and concisely. This change has the potential to make the process more accessible to learners completing ASDAN qualifications and provide a clearer pathway to higher education.
Historically, the UCAS personal statement has been a stumbling block for many students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have had the same support or guidance as their peers. Writing a free-form essay, often filled with jargon and vague expectations, can create barriers for learners less experienced in this style of writing. The new format removes much of the ambiguity and pressure, levelling the playing field so that all applicants can effectively present their strengths.
Making University More Accessible
Cath Moss, ASDAN’s Qualifications Manager, explains why the switch to a question-based format will help many ASDAN learners:
"The new questions focus on why you want to study a subject, how your qualifications have prepared you, and what experiences outside of education are relevant. These are exactly the sorts of reflective questions many ASDAN qualifications encourage learners to think about”
The UCAS overhaul is more than just an administrative change; it’s a game-changer for accessibility. For students who might have felt alienated by the process of applying to university, the new system provides a clearer, more structured way to tell their stories.
"For some learners, ASDAN qualifications help them see themselves as future university students," said Cath. "It enables them to believe that if they can do this [qualification], they can succeed at education at a higher level," says Cath.
How ASDAN Level 3 Qualifications Prepare Learners for University
With an emphasis on developing personal effectiveness, ASDAN qualifications mirror the independent learning environment that students will encounter at university. Students are guided through projects that require them to take initiative, seek out resources, and manage their own time – competencies that are directly applicable to university life.
ASDAN qualifications at Level 3 not only help students gain UCAS points but also cultivate essential life skills that make the transition to university smoother. As Cath notes:
"The qualities that ASDAN learners develop like self-management, reflective learning and project planning are exactly the skills that will help them succeed at university. The qualifications mirror the way of studying they will be expected to follow once they get there.”
Courses such as ASDAN’s Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) teach students to approach learning through critical thinking and self-evaluation. This reflective approach helps students unpick complex problems, conduct research and evaluate sources – all essential for success in higher education.
Assessment for ASDAN Level 3 qualifications includes writing essays, delivering projects and presenting to an audience. The familiarity with these types of assessment, which are common in higher education, means that ASDAN learners can hit the ground running when they begin their studies. "We see evidence that students who have developed these skills are better prepared for the challenges of higher education. It gives them a level of confidence that they might not get from exam-based qualifications," says Cath.
A chance to shine
The recent changes to the UCAS personal statement offer a significant opportunity for ASDAN learners to showcase their skills and experiences in a more structured, accessible format. For those who have completed ASDAN qualifications, these changes align closely with the reflective, self-directed learning they've already been doing. As the university application process becomes more focused on critical thinking and self-awareness, ASDAN learners will find themselves at an advantage, well-equipped to tackle the challenges of higher education.
Cath concludes how this can only be a positive:
"These qualifications don't just prepare students for the application process – they prepare them for life at university. ASDAN learners are learning how to manage themselves, how to reflect on their experiences and how to take ownership of their education. Those are the skills that will make them successful in the long run.”
Find out more about ASDAN’s Qualifications membership and get in touch to talk to our team of experts.