If you know what field you would like to study, appeal to the nature of the subject. For example, if you are applying for a degree in the sciences, write a mock lab report that focuses on why you are being considered for this course of study, the procedure you plan to follow, the hypothesis you plan to prove, and the results you hope to achieve. Admissions may appreciate your sense of humor, as well as see that you are capable of following the scientific method.
Use stream of consciousness when responding to your prompt. If only as a brainstorming technique, writing in a stream of consciousness style when beginning your essay is a way to reveal some of your inner thoughts about the topic, which can allow you to focus on a subject for your essay. Simply write the first thing that comes to mind and continue writing for 30 minutes to an hour. You might not want to submit this as is, but there may be some themes worth fine-tuning over the course of your essay.
Write your personal statement as a third-person narrative. Instead of simply stating who you are and what you want to do with your education, look outside yourself; consider how someone from an outside perspective might see you. Your essay could function more like a short story, or even a one-act play. This format would be especially beneficial if you are applying to a creative writing program.
Define yourself as a person in a truthful way. Avoid the glowing generalizations that reviewers are constantly bogged down with: “I am a hard worker,” or “I am a dedicated student.” Honestly assess yourself as a person and commit that to paper instead of simply telling them what they want to hear. Explain your strengths, your weaknesses, your goals—and be frank about it. Reviewers might appreciate your honest approach in comparison to the piles of superficialities.
Avoid submitting a paper essay. Instead of typing out a double-spaced essay that looks like every other applicant’s, try a different medium to express your personal statement. Direct a video, make a PowerPoint presentation, paint a picture, assemble a collage, design a website, record a song or audio broadcast—anything that will get you noticed.