How you write your personal essay shows the reader why you are different from everybody else. It provides information a snapshot into the person that you are and provides a detailed event that had a impact on your life in which you were able to learn a lesson from.
You can use the essay to describe a favorite activity, to tell a story about yourself, or even a story about your dog, but make sure to really use it — in a way that captures the readers attention and shows that you are exceptional.
(information taken from quintcareers.com)