How do I make my personal statement stand out?

Avoid the temptation to be too 'quirky'. Oxbridge admissions tutors can spot style over substance a mile off. What they're more interested in is a sense of genuine passion for your subject and for university-level study. Be as authentic as possible, and don't be afraid to say what you think - a large part of the Oxbridge method is encouraging you to state your ideas and then challenging them.