How to Write a Self-Portrait Essay

Start thinking about yourself. Who are you? What are the characteristics that make up your personality? Think about where you came from, what kind of person you are and what kind of person you want to be. Make note of what you do in life, what your dreams are, and what your accomplishments and failures have been. Take note of how they make you feel and how they all fit into the larger picture of your life. Look at things honestly.

Take note of a few things you'd especially like to write about. This could be one experience or a series of experiences. Decide if you'd like to write about your life as a whole or focus on one significant event. Make sure that whatever you write, you provide insight about who you are, how your life made you who you are and what your personal ideas are.

Start your essay by introducing yourself. Discuss where you were born, what sort of family you were born into, and how these factors influenced your personality, beliefs and behaviors. Continue the essay by talking about your life as a whole or about a few aspects of your life, including how you were affected by these aspects and what your thoughts were and are. Shed some light on your personality, your likes and dislikes, and your general outlook on life.

Instead of simply listing random things about yourself, use your experience or background as a jump-start: It can provide an opportunity to look at how you react, think and believe. Talk about your religion, philosophy, social behaviors, desires and limitations.

Edit the essay for grammar and spelling. Set the essay aside for a few days and come back to it to see if it's honest and accurate.