How do I write a successful personal statement when applying to university?

Your personal statement should really get across your passion for your subject and your desire to continue it at a more advanced level, and the motivations and experiences guiding you towards that choice.  This can feel like a lot to get across in one, short statement, but a clear structure will be key to achieving this.  

Start by giving some brief background on your personal reasons for wishing to pursue your subject.  Were there any experiences, people, books, or shows that have inspired you in particular?  If you are aiming for a subject new to you - why were you drawn to it?  Then spend the main body of the statement showing both your academic knowledge of the subject, detailing relevant modules and extra-curricular activities.  Any subject-relevant trips you attended or books you have read will make you stand out here, but make sure to clearly explain what you have gained from these - insight into the subject, or writing skills, for instance. Then move on to a discussion of what makes you suited to university life. Think about how you can show some of the transferable skills needed to complete a demanding degree programme: time-management by working in your school holidays, commitment by regularly attending clubs or societies, self-motivation through any leadership activities you have partaken in.  By working through your GCSEs and A-Levels you will have gained these skills, but the Personal Statement is your chance to bring them out.  Summarising how these experiences have motivated you to apply to a given course, and how that course will take you on from there, will provide a strong basis for the other aspects of your application.