Most health professional school application packets require an essay. The personal statement or essay is a very important part of your application. It will be added to your application file and during your interviews you might be asked to comment on anything mentioned in it. 

This is your opportunity to let the admissions committee know why you, rather than someone else, should be admitted into their school. In addition to trying to demonstrate your abilities; try to write your essay to answer the following questions:

•  When did you decide you wanted to become a health professional?
• Did you have role models who influenced you? How did they inspire you?
• How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
• How have you demonstrated the personality and character that are necessary and sought in a health professional?

Also, use this as an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants.  In general:

• Be positive.  For example, there are ways to tell why you took a year away from college to support a family need, how you persisted in hardship, and how you have overcome the difficulty; but don't dwell on the disadvantage.
• Give the readers enough information to reach the conclusions you want them to make.   It is better if you don't just say "I have shown .  .  .”  Be specific and personal.
• Persuade the reader to want to know more about you.
• Ask others to tell you what they think about your essay. Get an expert's opinion.