Ual foundation in art and design help

I’m desperate to apply for the UAL foundation in art and design. I am currently working on more completed drafts for my personal statement (500 words) but I have juts applied for the UAL autumn/winter insights. If I do this should I mention it in my personal statement or will the university already know that I did it? My personal statement at the moment seems alright to me but I don’t know if it’s what they are looking for. I’ve written about extra stuff I did, but again don’t know if that’s what they want to hear?

I’m also a bit unsure about portfolio. I did loads of oil painting stuff in school last year and some 3X experimentation stuff - which I will include and I’m about to look at sewing and printing on fabric as part of my new project. Does this have the range they are looking for on the portfolio? I’ve seen loads of people say it can’t just be coursework.

Also, how many pieces do you have to put in your portfolio, and what types? I’m just completely lost with what it is and what it entails at the moment any advice would be really, really appreciated.

My last question is when about is it best to send in the portfolio, or more when is best to start making it. My teacher said to wait until my project develops more but I don’t want to apply last minute.

Thank you