I have read more personal statements than I probably want to. IMO, the absolute worst ones have been the ones that try to explain away the weaknesses in the application. In theory, you might think that it would bring your application to a higher level, but in my experience, it doesn't.
The best personal statements are the ones that make the interviewer or admissions personnel feel really good about you and want to get to know you through an interview. This can be accomplished primarily through emphasizing your dedication/motivation to medicine &/or emphasizing your strengths that will make you a good physician. We can totally see through the BS of listing the traits you have heard that adcoms are looking for, but a far flung, crazy essay can be worse.
Keep it simple and write honestly.
As for the interview, the "tell me about yourself" question is always very interesting b/c sometimes you can get a lot of information about the person through their answer. Most people answer w/ the undergrad, major, blah blah...stuff that is already on the application that we are looking at when we are interviewing you. Tell us something personal...a couple of your hobbies, pets, etc. Interview questions are most of the time to assess your ability to "think on your feet." This doesn't mean that you have to answer immediately after the question is asked, but once you start speaking, be confident and in control.
My $.02...hope it helps
