While writing about an experience/event which was a fundamental component to the person you are today is pretty much the basic background to the essay…in writing about the event how often should I go on tangents to better portray my personality and what matters to me as a person?
It depends whether the essay prompt is about the event. You get more leeway if it’s a more general prompt vs. “Explain how you overcame an obstacle.” As long as you don’t stray so far from your original narrative that your essay seems jumpy and unfocused, go for it and see how it turns out.
As a general rule. the more the essay portrays your personality and what matters to you the better off you are. It is a personal statement after all.
Thank you, do you think anecdotes would be an effective way to do so?
Yes, anecdotes are an especially effective way to do so
Thank you so much, you’ve been so helpful. If I PM’d you my essay (so far) would you mind reading it and giving me some input? @CHD2013
Sure, I’d be happy to read it