Brainstorm and outline your personal statement before you write anything. Think about the motivations and goals that have brought you to this point. Try to think about a statement or idea that expresses who you are and what interests you. Show why your personal philosophy, goals and motivations make you an ideal candidate for this program.
Writing the first paragraph of a personal statement is by far the most difficult part of the process. Your first sentence needs to jump out and grab the interest of the reader. Begin the statement with an attention-demanding sentence that conveys some element of your personal philosophy or motivations.
Write a paragraph or two explaining your history, goals and interests. Do not give a detailed personal history; the best strategy is to provide some personal information that shows who you are and what you would like to do. With every piece of information you include, make sure to explain how it relates to the program to which you are applying.
Finish your statement by returning to some of the personal sentiments with which you began. Once again, you don't want to sound too poetic or emotional, but a good closing statement should express something personal about your choice to study at the graduate level. Rewrite and edit the statement as necessary, focusing on how your personal philosophy informed your decision to apply to this particular graduate school program.