UK university staff only read students’ personal statements for two minutes

Huge increase in applications means officials are left with little time to read student statements

The hours spent by students writing personal statements for UK university applications may be in vain, according to figures, showing that many are barely read by admissions officers.

The ritual of applying for a place at university has for decades included a personal statement as part of the admissions process, with the applicant - and often their parents, teachers and even paid consultants - helping to craft an essay limited to 4,000 characters, approximately 600 words.