Know what kind of personal statement you're being asked to write. According to Purdue's Online Writing Lab, some schools ask for a generic personal statement while others ask for answers to specific questions. If specific questions are asked, be sure to answer them!
Research the profession, the school and the program. Understand what attributes you need to succeed in the profession, and know what makes the school and the program unique from other, similar, institutions and programs. To research the profession, job shadow or volunteer in the field and read job descriptions on popular employment websites. To learn more about your prospective school and program, speak with advisors, attend information sessions and schedule onsite visits.
Analyze yourself, your experiences and your unique qualities. McMaster University's Career Services department suggests creating a list of jobs, volunteer positions and educational experiences you've had over the past five years. For each, ask yourself what you learned, achieved and liked.
Write your personal statement, striving to link your personal stories and experiences to the qualities important for success in the profession, school or program. For example, if the program you're interested in uses group-focused, problem-based learning for instruction, discuss how your experience working in teams to solve business problems at work gave you the skills to co-operate with others and find answers.
Edit your personal statement carefully, and have someone else look it over after you're finished. Your spelling and grammar must be perfect to leave a good impression.