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Questions about the UCAS Similarity Detection Service

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

Yes, we expect you to. We understand this may be the first time you have had to write about yourself in this way. In fact, it is a good idea to ask for suggestions from parents, teachers and friends and look at sample statements in books or on dedicated sites on the internet. But the important word here is 'personal'. This is you writing about yourself - remember that you are the world expert on yourself. So, after discussing and reading and taking notes, just sit down with your blank screen or sheet of paper and write about yourself. Only you know what you really like, think about and aspire to. Writing your personal statement this way should guarantee that your work will be categorised as your own writing and that a similarity report is not generated.

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

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

3. Will all of my chosen universities and colleges contact me if similarity is detected?

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

4. When will the universities and colleges contact me?

If an institution wishes to discuss your personal statement with you, this may be when they receive your application, or when they are considering their decision. In some circumstances, you may not be contacted at all.

5. Who do I contact at the universities and colleges?

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

6. Who do I contact at UCAS?

For general enquiries, please contact our Customer Contact Centre or email similaritydetection@ucas.ac.uk

7. Can I use the personal statement I wrote for a previous application again?

Yes, you can use a statement from a previous application provided the original was all your own work. The service removes all matches where the name and date of birth of the applicant are the same, so if the service highlights similarities it will not match with your previous statement but with other sources already in our library.

8. Can I submit a replacement personal statement?

Once you have sent your completed application to us, we cannot change your personal statement. If you want your chosen institutions to consider further information regarding your application, send this direct to them quoting your Personal ID. Please do not send it to UCAS.

9. Will I still be able to receive offers?

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

10. Can I appeal and if so how?

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

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