ABS Categories:
Academic Awards Other Awards Employment
Hobbies
Leadership
Shadowing
Research
Volunteer
When UWO came out with the ABS I knew it would be a significant portion of the new application process, so I found out what the categories were and looked at what parts I was lacking in. Basically I wanted to fill in all the holes to be the best applicant I could possibly be. So let's say you don't have research experience. I'd say go out and make it your mission to find some research experience immediately so you'll be a stronger applicant. Don't leave anything blank.
For the personal statement, I went through at least five versions until I was fully satisfied with it, spending the entire winter break perfecting it. I asked my more trusted, intelligent friends to provide feedback in terms of word choice and flow. I also tried to make my PS stand out by making it relate to a specific hobby of mine. This might be obvious, but my advice for the PS is to make sure you write something that no one else will write about; don't be generic.