The goal-oriented essay is one kind of personal statement that is both personal and academically revealing. Describing one's goals shows the reader---the admission team---that you have dreams that are rooted in learning and growing as a student. This is important, as colleges want to know that students are serious about furthering their education.
The writer should start by describing her main goal. A good introduction for a student interested in psychology, for example, might read, "I have always believed helping people through difficult times is how true happiness is found." The writer should relate that to her desire to study psychology, providing relevant information that pertains to psychology and describing any internships, clubs or courses she has taken. The writer can then discuss how the specific college can help her work toward her goal. Using the goal as a main thread through the essay gives it structure.
Some candidates prefer a more straightforward topic, which is where the academic-oriented statement can come in handy. In this sort of personal statement, the writer should focus on an academic topic he is passionate about. For instance, if the student wants to study writing, he should describe a club or internship he had that allowed him to write and learn about writing. He can detail what he learned, how passionate he is about writing and why he believes he is a perfect writing candidate. The main focus here should be on academic- or employment-related tasks that show the student is dedicated. This allows the essay writer to keep the subject about what he has learned, showing a professional side all around.
Writing an essay about overcoming obstacles allows for a more personal statement. The writer should focus on something that has been difficult for her---this could be an accident, a learning disability or a family problem. Whatever the issue, the writer should be able to present her situation in an objective way, letting the admissions reader know that she is willing to go above and beyond any problem that makes school and life difficult. According to the website The Three Common Types of Personal Statements, it is important to show positivity and not a victimized attitude when writing this type of essay. Let the admissions team know what is difficult, what you've done to overcome it and what you plan to do in the future, especially in college.