Many applications will include a personal essay, in which you describe "where you're coming from" – your interests ... you may wish to state your motivations for wanting to do graduate work and ...

For example, Stanford University in California ... essay that's 200-300 words in addition to a 250- to 650-word personal essay. "Sometimes a shorter essay response is not as polished an essay ...

A personal essay should center on you ... If you can’t think of a great example of teamwork, consider describing a time you helped others through teaching, mentorship or community service ...