College application boards want to know that you are a motivated individual who will pursue a college program thoroughly. Sometimes it is best to write about yourself and your ambitions. Write about significant events that have happened in your life or the ways that you have developed and changed in the course of your high school years. Talk about your interests, or a hobby that has helped you develop good habits or characteristics (see reference 1).
Another good focus is your goals. Often, colleges want to know why you want to go to college and what you hope to accomplish with your time there. Explore your future career. Talk about where you would like to end up in the next few years and what you hope to do with your degree. Discuss why you chose your particular field and why you think you would be an asset to your future field of work (see reference 1).
Talk about your philosophies in life. Explain why you believe the things you believe. Tie this in to your future plans and goals. Discuss how earning your particular degree would enhance or add to the belief system you already employ in your everyday life. Discuss what mission you hope to accomplish in your life or what you think your life's purpose is. Talk about events that have shaped your beliefs, such as difficult times that you passed through or things that you've accomplished (see reference 1).
Talk about how a person can make changes or overcome circumstances in their life. Describe the advice you would give to someone struggling with an addiction, lack of motivation, depression or a tragic event beyond their control. Explain how you would encourage them and what steps you would offer to help them get on their feet. You can also describe what you would say to a group in a motivational speech to people who look up to you (see reference 1).
Some colleges will want you simply to focus on academic, service and extracurricular achievements in life. List any awards you have won, service organizations you have volunteered for, sports you've played, clubs you've belonged to or your GPA history. Focus on highlighting the areas of interest the college looks at the most. For example, if you're applying to a college with hopes of getting a sports scholarship, focus on how long you've played your sport and what you achieved playing your sport (see reference 1).