Tazz

Yeah, I feel you! I saw one tip that's been super helpful. Connect your reason for applying directly to your writing samples or vision. You want the school to see how their program, specifically, will help you grow as a writer. So, for example, if your work has strong ties to cultures in non-English-speaking countries, you might say you're interested in the school's robust language/translation courses (supposing they have them). Or if you're applying to a program that encourages students to experiment, mention a few specific forms you're hoping to experiment with while you're in the program. 
I've heard a good general SOP structure is something like: 
Your literary vision, what you write, why you write it, what you hope to improve in your writing  Literary influences, authors you feel your work is in conversation with  Writing background, where you are in your writing career, which workshops you've taken, ways you're already engaging with the community Program specifics, what you hope you get and bring to the program, tie this part into your writing vision by calling out a few specific things the program offers that would make your work stronger  Goals for what you want to happen after graduation. Keep this focused on internal goals instead of external ones (like getting an agent or getting published, since you have no direct control over that)  As for personal statements, take a look at Cornell's Admissions page. They have some guidelines on what belongs in an SOP vs. a personal statement. Basically, your SOP should focus on your writing, program specifics, and goals, while the personal statement should give insight into your life experiences outside of writing and how these life experiences will help you foster a healthy workshop environment with your cohort. 
This ended up being longer than I expected! Hope this was helpful! 

Yeah I'm looking into workshops, just feels tricky to find a good fit sometimes! But yes, either way I am keeping in mind I can ask my previous manager if I need to - I think on my list of schools, only Johns Hopkins doesn't mention an employer as a potential reference, so I may reach out to the admissions office and see if that's allowed. My job isn't in the arts but they'll be able to speak to my ability to collaborate, my work ethic etc. Thanks
And @shadygrove thanks for the advice - I did reach out to one of them 2 years ago as a reference for a job and he was really responsive, so hoping for the best. Good luck with your professors!

Hi all - it's my first time applying this year. Wondered if anyone had any advice - I'm from the UK and graduated in 2018, so I'm concerned about who my three letters of recommendation should come from. I've been working with a writing mentor this year who I plan on asking, but I'm unsure about the other two. My professors from university likely won't remember me very well by now (and in general, study at UK universities is more independent/self-directed than in the US, so relationships between professors and students aren't as developed). I've thought about emailing my personal tutor and asking him if he'd be happy to read my work and write a recommendation after that if he's comfortable, but not sure if that'll work. Any advice welcome, particularly from people who've applied before/are also a good few years on from graduation!

Hi all - it's my first time applying this year. Wondered if anyone had any advice - I'm from the UK and graduated in 2018, so I'm concerned about who my three letters of recommendation should come from. I've been working with a writing mentor this year who I plan on asking, but I'm unsure about the other two. My professors from university likely won't remember me very well by now (and in general, study at UK universities is more independent/self-directed than in the US, so relationships between professors and students aren't as developed). I've thought about emailing my personal tutor and asking him if he'd be happy to read my work and write a recommendation after that if he's comfortable, but not sure if that'll work. Any advice welcome, particularly from people who've applied before/are also a good few years on from graduation!