Here are a few useful tips from University College London on what you should and shouldn't put into your personal statement if applying for a History course. (These lessons of course apply very well for Politics applications too!) For example:
1. Don't write an essay on why History is important - admission tutors already know this becuause they have chosen to be historians! Instead focus on WHY you want to study History and concentrate on your own relationship with the subject.
2. Back up your claims with evidence - mention something specific that has drawn you to the subject, such as a book or a museum.
3. Use your other interests and activities to give a rounded sense of yourself and show how these relate to your historical interests.
