What should I include in my Personal Statement?

What kind of Things to Include in my Personal Statement (For College)?

• I would really like to get accepted into one of the Ivy League schools, particularly Yale, Brown, Columbia, or Princeton.. (and also 1 non Ivy league school, which is Stanford University) Now I've heard that these kinds of schools take a great notice in their applicant's personal statement essays, as a way of getting to know if the student fits in with the environment of the University, and I would like to take this opportunity to write (get a head start anyways, for next year) the best personal statement that I could possibly write. Im not a writer, its not exactly something Im good at, but I want to get the reader of my essay to enjoy it as much as they can, and get to see my personality.. Should I include my "secret" ambition/ dream of getting nominated for a Noble prize in Physics? (Is that a little "weird" to write about in your essay) Should I demonstrate my will power to get what I want, knowing what I want, and what I have to do to get it (meaning, I know what my career choice is, should I mention that Ive made up my mind and know what I want to do, and that the education that one of those schools will provide for me is exactly what I need ?) or should I leave that out? What kind of things would you recommend to include in my personal statement?

• Answer:

  Make it formulaic. State your ambitions, especially if they include winning a Noble Prize, in the very beginning. Mention why the exact school is good for you. I mean actually include a professor's name, his research, and how you want to enhance it. It always is in your best interest to say you want to do research. If you are aiming for a Master's of PhD make sure you say that. Include a bit about how something difficult in your background really motivates you. Don't outwardly say you're determined. If you research into the professors and tell them you want a Noble your essay will say that by itself.