<p>Hi, my question is in regards to the common app. I've picked up Fiske's and PR's "essays that worked" and after reading through both books and many personal statements in general, it seems to be that the three ways to write a personal statement are this:
1. Write like it was an interview. Tie in some extracurricular(s).
2. Have an anecdote, and then a "how-did-this-impact-me" entry.
3. One big creative writing piece with just a story - it focuses on just one thing, and it's all "show" and no "tell".</p>
<p>Which one do you feel like admission officers prefer? I feel like each has its merits and downsides, but what seems to be the best?</p>