What should I prioritise in my personal statement?

It's a common misconception that a personal statement should say lots about your extra-curricular life and experiences. However, it's important to realise that including these details really depends on the universities you're applying for, and that as a result, all personal statements differ widely: there should be no formulaic approach. For UK universities, a focus on the subject, or subjects that you're studying is crucial. Extra-curricular achievements should be limited to a maximum of about two to four sentences towards the end of the statement, unless you are studying a practical subject where such details might be relevant - like sport science - or unless you are trying for a specific scholarship or grant where, again, extra-curricular is specifically relevant. American universities also require huge extra-curricular input. For UK universities, prioritising very specific details about what you like in your subject, why you like it, and how you've demonstrated this interest in your life, both inside and outside school, is essentially the point of the personal statement.