How personal should they be? If I have some very personal things that I think sharing would best answer the prompt, should I share them? Will the adcoms be turned away by that or like that?
<p>depends on what you are talking about. if its "too" personal, than that might be risky and its best to avoid those topics.</p>
<p>Would family problems be too personal? My parents got divorced and I want to talk about that and the stuff preceding it.</p>
<p>I guess as long as it doesn't get cliche</p>
<p>Go for it, just don't make it sound like they have to feel sorry for you. Write it as an experience, not an explanation.</p>
<p>Put yourself in their place, and ask if you would want to read.</p>
<p>or even better, write a draft and give it to someone to read.</p>