Gather materials that indicate the degrees you hold, the courses you have taken, professional experience, volunteer work and anything else that will enhance your application. Have transcripts, letters of recommendation, exact titles of positions you have held, dates, and names available before you start to write.
Review your application and read the question being asked of you to make certain you answer the question. The graduate school of your choice may be asking what attracted you to the university, or why you are applying for a particular program. Make sure you address the specific question, instead of writing solely about your qualifications and experience. Let your voice shine through the prose to allow the admissions officer to get to know you.
Begin with an attention-grabbing opener in the introduction. You might want to start off by mentioning the person who inspired you to apply for this program, or a description of the pivotal moment when you knew the path you wanted to follow in life. While you should not overuse the word "I," this is a personal statement and it should be written in the first person.
Write a few body paragraphs, each with a single focus relating to why you will be a good candidate for the program. These paragraphs should start with a topic sentence and have several specific examples that relate to the topic. For example, if you are applying for a spot in a media studies program, you might want to write a paragraph detailing your experience as a reporter for the school newspaper, your stint as an anchor at the school radio station, and your summer position as a film critic for a local newsletter. Another paragraph might highlight your leadership skills, and another can focus on academic accomplishments and honors.
Reread the application to make certain that you discussed all the points you need to cover, and then write a conclusion that sums up your qualifications. Include why you will be a positive addition to the student body at this university. You can also mention how obtaining this degree fits into your long-term educational and professional goals. End the personal statement with a clincher that sets you apart from other candidates.