Help with Environmental Science MS personal statement

[wildlifebio19]

I am applying to an Environmental Science masters program after graduating six years ago with a BA in Classics (Archaeology-focused) and having spent 5 years in the military. Could anyone tell me what admissions will be looking for in a personal statement (only 500 words) and also what they will be looking for in a letter of recommendation? I hope to become a wildlife biologist afterwards. 

[Crucial BBQ]

There will be a few specific questions they are asking you to answer found within the essay prompt.  The questions may not seem obvious, but they are there.  

 

What they are looking for in general is:

 

1.  Your motivation for a Masters/Ph.D. program.

2.  Future career goals.

3.  Why this particular program.  

4.  Preparation for graduate school/why you feel prepared. 

 

And so on.