A personal essay focuses on who the student is, how she sees herself and the experiences she has had. She might be asked to describe her strengths and weaknesses. The essay might also be pointed toward a specific aspect of a student's life such as asking a student to describe the most influential person in the student's life or reflect upon an experience that shaped an important value. The essay might also pose a question about the student moving forward --- where does he see himself in five, 10 or 20 years.
Students might be asked to think about views they hold in respect to different societal or cultural issues. These might include environmental issues, immigration and its impact, current social trends such as views on social networking, online degree programs or larger political ideology such as national health care or the effects and impact of high unemployment. The essays might be analytical in nature, narrative or in a compare-and-contrast style.
Students might be asked to write about a hypothetical situation and place themselves into the scenario. As an example, imagine yourself being stranded on a deserted island for two years and share what two items you would want with you and why. Another topic might be to ask the student to imagine that he is being given the chance to make one significant difference in the world. Describe what that change would be and why.
Many colleges offer the opportunity to write your essay on any topic you would like. Select a topic you are familiar with, one you have passion about. Make sure you follow the required guidelines and stay focused. The pitfall of this format is that it's easy to go off topic and slide down too many paths to make sense. This type of essay is often best if written as a narrative, with the focus on something about you.