Frequently asked questions about plagiarism

1. Can I ask for help when writing my personal statement?

Yes. We would expect that you would have done so. This may be the first time you have had to write about yourself in this way. You can ask for suggestions from parents, teachers and friends and look at example statements in books or on dedicated sites on the web. But the important word is 'personal'. The idea is that this is you writing about yourself. So, after listening and reading and taking notes, just sit down with a blank screen or sheet of paper - don't look at your notes - and write about yourself. Remember that you are the world expert on yourself. Only you know what you really like and think about and enjoy. Writing your personal statement this way should guarantee that your work will be categorised as individual and that a similarity report is not generated.

2. Where does it state that the personal statement must be my own work?

The 'help' pages on the website say 'Make sure that your personal statement is your own work' and the 'declaration' which you agree to on completion of your application says that you have confirmed that the information you have given is complete, accurate and all your own work. Further information regarding the definition of 'all your own work' can be found in question 1 above.

3. Will all of my chosen institutions contact me?

Not necessarily, as it depends on individual institutions' policies and procedures.

4. When will the institutions contact me?

If an institution wishes to discuss your personal statement with you, this may be on receipt of your application or when the institution is considering their decision. In some circumstances, you may not be contacted at all.

5. Who should I contact at the institutions?

If an institution contacts you, keep a note of the name and contact details of the person you have been speaking to and copies of any written correspondence for future reference.

6. Who should I contact at UCAS?

For general enquiries, please contact our Customer Service Unit on +44 (0)871 468 0 468 or email similaritydetection@ucas.ac.uk

7. Can I submit a replacement personal statement?

Once you have sent your completed application to us, we are unable to change your personal statement. Should you wish your chosen institutions to consider further information regarding your application, this should be sent direct to the institutions quoting your personal ID/application number. Please do not send it to UCAS.

8. Will I still be able to receive offers?

Yes. Institutions will consider your application and make their decision in accordance with their own admission policies.

9. Can I appeal and if so how?

The transcript available via Track shows where similarities have been detected. UCAS is not involved in the decision making process and any appeal should be directed to the institution and not UCAS. Should you have any need to complain about our service or procedures, please follow the complaints procedure.