Write a list of facts, experiences, characteristics or other information that make you unique. List the interesting and impressive acts you've accomplished that will make you stand out from other applicants. Remember that the admissions committee will read hundreds if not thousands of personal statements. You want yours to be memorable but always truthful.
Describe how the items you listed in Step 1 shaped your outlook or philosophy. For example let's say you volunteered for a local mentoring program where you met children who made it to the fifth grade without being able to read. This experience led you to believe all children should get the dedicated attention needed to learn to read. You now want to see significant changes in the public school system.
Relate your philosophy to the area of study you propose to undertake. Continuing our example from Step 2, your philosophy about the public school system relates well to an education program, an education administration program or even a politics or local government program.
Explain why your philosophy and interest in the area of study make you a stronger candidate for the program. For our example, you could say that your philosophy about the school system shows that you have experience in the area of study, you have the passion to make a difference and you have some ideas about what changes you want to make.
Ask several people to read your personal statement. Ask them to make sure that you have clearly demonstrated your philosophy and why it makes you a candidate the committee should choose.