Questions on personal statement

[darjeelingdarling]

1.) Is it a terrible idea to directly address my application and my strengths in the essay? I am thinking of doing a fairly risky, direct essay. Usually I would right an essay where I obliquely state my awesomeness through some kind of ancedote. But I am thinking of directly pointing out my awesomeness. Like, 'I am make good candidate because perseverance is the most important barometer of individual success and I have perseverance.' Or something like that.

2.) Should I use references in my essay? If so what style should I use too cite them? This directly attached to above because I want to reference studies that show that perseverance is the most important trait.

Any thoughts?