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What are your top tips for writing a personal statement?

Remember: it's about you and to help your applicationSome universities will use only your personal statement and academic records to judge whether you deserve a place and/or how you will fit in at their university, so it's worth taking the time to make sure your personal statement reflects the best version of yourself. For those universities that conduct interviews as part of the application process, the personal statement might shape some of that interview and to that end might help you feel more comfortable - so be honest, mention things you have done (academic or otherwise) that you would be happy to talk about and let your personality show
2) Point Evidence Explain is a fail-safe structure for all walks of life, including the personal statementDon't just list everything you've done, instead say what you did and why or what you learned/gained from it (and why it makes you a good/better candidate)
3) Structure Vs Wow factor?!Don't worry about needing to follow a specific template, but also don't worry about making your personal statement the most attention-grabbing, original piece of writing ever produced! Admissions tutors will have read thousands of personal statements and they know what they're looking - so just think about hitting the points of the general criteria for whatever you are applying for (chances are there will be hints at this on the university/course website and/or prospectus) and don't overthink the rest.
4) Quality not quantity - as simple as that: only include it if it's relevant and helps to show that you are an applicant worthy of a place.
5) A problem shared is a problem halvedWrite it yourself (see point 1!!) but don't be afraid to seek out as much help as you feel you need/want from parents/teachers/anyone you think could help, even if it's just to check it over one final time before you hit send (i.e. PROOF-READ PROOF-READ PROOF-READ!!)