[header] How to write a personal history [title] Determine the audience. [step] Depending on what you are applying for, the information you include in your personal statement will differ, often significantly. In order to ensure that you address pertinent subjects, you will want to know who you are writing for. 
You should consider whether your application will be read by a medical or law school review board, or a graduate committee. Is it an application for a scholarship or an internship? Reflecting on your audience will help you determine what life stories to highlight.