Brainstorm possible essay topics or work within the parameters assigned by the university. Look for help and ideas from the specific school's website or at the library.
Make a list of a handful of personal anecdotes or experiences that you could draw from. Narrow it down to one that you feel comfortable with. Choose a basic
story that illustrates a larger concept you feel is important.
Write a rough draft in one or two sittings. Don't stop and edit, just get your ideas onto the page.
Go back and add things that occur to you afterward. Cross out sections you'd like to change or rewrite.
Edit the piece for content and grammar. Focus on the central message and how lucid your story is. Check to insure your piece matches the length and content requirements.
Create a title that is indicative of the entire piece. Read the entire essay a final time to check the content for minor errors.