How important is the personal goal statement to apply for fnp school?

I think personal statements can be a pretty big deal, depending on the university. Some programs do not require personal statements. I think personal statements have a lot to do with how well you can follow directions and not drift off to "lala" land; stick to what they ask you -- but at the same time expand on the topic and make it interesting. And of course, your statement is to assess your intellect and writing skills (correct grammar, punctuation, spelling..). I did not have my statement professionally critiqued, but I spent a great deal on it, especially trying to get it to a puny 500 words; there was so much I wanted to say! I think all requirements are mostly taken into consideration. Like, someone may have a 4.0, 1 year as a nurse, no community service, terrible essay, decent LORs versus someone with a 3.4GPA, outstanding LORs, lots of commuity service, amazing essay, 4 years as a nurse. My grades weren't that great; I had a 3.2 GPA. And, I think I had a pretty decent essay. I had community service, great LORs from: supervisor, educator, PA, surgeon. I also had 4 years as a RN. It all depends on what they're looking for. I specifically asked my program's "go-to" person if I had a chance since my GPA was a 3.2; she told me there is still a chance because they do take LORs and the personal essay into consideration. So, I say give it your all. Follow directions. Don't exceed the word limit too much. Don't get off topic. Make sure there are NO errors. Have someone look over. Make the committee WANT to keep reading your personal statement. Good Luck! :-)

@BCgradnurse: So who did you have professionally critique your paper? If I knew someone other than friends and family I would pay to have them look at it. The paper is definitely my weakness at this point though it really shouldn't be. Thank you for your help

I had an admissions committee member tell me that they have had students on the fence be accepted/rejected because of their personal statement/essay. I would say make every aspect of your app as strong as possible.