Writing is easier if you have the information you need at your fingertips before you begin. Brainstorm to discover your talents, personality, strengths and outstanding characteristics. Don't assume that if you are good at something, everyone else is, too. Ask others who know you what they think your strongest points are to gain perspective. A list or a web can help you organize your thoughts. Think about achievements and experiences in your life that demonstrate each characteristic, and list several of them on your web. You should now begin to see patterns. For example, if you are the organizer for cooperative groups in class and you are the captain of the high school tennis team, you probably have leadership characteristics.
When you have the information you need, create an outline before you write to keep yourself on track. Remember that a good essay is organized with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. The introduction should start off with an opening sentence that grabs the reader's attention. Think of a main idea for your personal essay, and mention the name of the college. Your body paragraphs should each have one main focus with supporting details. Anecdotes and narratives can give the admissions officer a sense of who you are and how you view the world. Your conclusion can tell how attending the university will forward your long-term goals.
This is the time to make your essay more concise. A college essay is typically 500 words, or one page. Your college essay should be a polished piece of writing that is error-free. Edit your draft for spelling, grammar, punctuation and word usage. Check your organization to be sure you have a main focus with supporting details arranged with a beginning, middle and an end. Hone your personal statement so that it is unique and memorable. It helps to take a break after the first draft. When you come back to the project after a day or so, you may find that your words flow more easily. Enlist a classmate, teacher or family member to help with the editing and give you feedback.