Make sure you know exactly what your educational program wants from your essay. If you have any questions, call the admissions office or academic department for clarification.
Compose a rough draft. Write in first person and give your reader some background information about your life that encompasses how you want to be perceived. For example, write about a challenge in your life that you were able to overcome.
Include why you want to be a part of the academic program as well as some of your goals for the future. For example, explain what you admire about the school to which you are applying.
Give examples of your previous academic work, affiliations with groups and extracurricular activities. Emphasize qualities that will appeal to the admissions committee. For example, if you're applying to a program in social work, emphasize your passion for helping others and list some of the charitable work you have done.