Starting a personal statement

I’m in the same situation!!! Help!!
The only advice I have been given is to write everything down but I am also struggling to start :/

It's so annoying as all we have really been told is to show your dedication to the subject. I have read a couple history books (I want to apply for history) and that is about it. I know a some places don't even bother to read them but I don't want mine to lack the "wow factor"- which at this point I don't know how to make it have.

Have a look on online sites such as OpenLearn and Futurelearn, they offer free short online courses (the majority an be completed by doing less than an hour of study for a month at most), they’re a great boost to show engagement outside of school!

Thank you so much!

Hello, I am currently in my yr12 summer and my collage has given me NOTHING in advice towards personal statements. On the last week of term they sprung on us that we were meant to have completed our first draft and it should deffo be done by the end of the holidays. I don't even know what to write about and how to make it not sound really generic. Every time I try and start writing I am reminded of just how stumped I am. If anyone has any advice I would be eternally grateful!

Writing a personal statement can be daunting, but starting with a structured approach can help ease the process. Begin by reflecting on why you want to study your chosen subject—what sparked your interest, what experiences (academic, extracurricular, or personal) have shaped your passion, and how you see your future in that field. List your achievements, skills, and relevant experiences, and think about how they relate to your course and career aspirations. To avoid sounding generic, infuse your writing with personal anecdotes or stories that showcase your personality and motivation; this will help you stand out. Aim for clarity and sincerity, and don’t hesitate to revise several drafts—seeking feedback from teachers or friends can also provide valuable insights. Finally, remember that this statement is an opportunity to share your unique journey, so be true to yourself!

I started off by making notes of what I have done related to my subject e.g., books I’ve read, webinars I’ve been to, online courses I’ve done, extra curriculars, etc (you don’t have to have done all, or even any of these really, it’s very personal and dependent on your course/goals). From this I was able to start grouping together what I had done and create a way of making my personal statement flow. For mine, I started by questioning why people study this subject, and if it should be studied at all, then answered it (obviously by saying yes), using my experience to back this up.
I got into 5 Russell group unis - including Durham and London unis, using this personal statement and am now at the end of my 2nd year!
Best of luck!