UW Essay Guidelines; Academics portion / Personal Elements / Comments

I'm having quite a bit of difficulty with the UW Personal Statement guidelines. Here they are: admit.washington.edu/Admission/Transfer/Statement

I should make it clear that I've got no problem answering these questions. The problem I'm having is trying to address all of these things in an essay that actually flows and doesn't sound like I'm just answering each point off the list.

I've looked at other sample essays and they all seem to emphasize Academics more than the Personal Elements. Even as I'm outlining my own statement, it seems that the Academics portion seems to take center-stage, while Personal Elements are much harder to integrate without them sounding too forced.

Try to put numbers and facts about your self. For example, don't say i was one of the best students, say i was ranked ( ) in my class.

Try to mention academic achievements in an attractive way. That what will catch the reader's attention.

Good luck!

You did not address my question. The question I'm asking is how do I craft an essay that includes all of these things without it being too lengthy, but still covers all the requirements that the UW wants? Please read my post before replying next time.