關于不同學校對陳述內(nèi)容規(guī)定的問題各有千秋。有的學校幾乎不作規(guī)定;有的卻列出指定問題;有的學校對字數(shù)或頁數(shù)有所限制,有的則沒有;有的只要求一份“個人陳述”，有的卻要求幾篇短文;還有的除寫一篇或幾篇任選的短文外，還規(guī)定一篇必寫的“個人陳述”。下面由美嘉導師講解申請普通研究生和法學院、商學院及醫(yī)學院研究生院常見的問題。

類問題：高度自由發(fā)揮

這類問題只是泛泛要求申請人談談自己的背景、愛好、目標或任何自己感興趣的話題，有的甚至連篇幅長短都不作限定。

--Provide any additional information you wish to bring to the attention of the Admission Committee. You may wish to discuss particular accomplishments, activities, employment, hobbies, or professional goals.

--We require all applicants to submit a personal statement. The statement should describe any unusual aspects of your background which might contribute to the diversity of our student body as well as describe any extraordinary skills or traits that you might possess which would be relevant to us.

--Please submit a personal statement not exceeding 500 words in length on a matter that interests you.

第二類問題：講述有益經(jīng)歷

這類問題要求申請人對以往的成功或失敗經(jīng)歷做分析檢討。

--Please discuss any significant activities or work experience which might enrich your study at our school.

--Describe an experience (either personal or professional) in which you failed. What did you learn from that experience?

第三類問題：挖掘求學動機

這類問題比較明確地要求申請人回答為什么選擇該校，尤其是申請人能從該校獲得什么。

--Tell us your reasons for seeking a professional education.

--At this point in your life, what motivates you to consider further education at our school?

--Discuss the aspects of your background and experience that have led you to choose a career in…

--This statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and to discuss your personal and professional goals.

--How would you want your professional achievements and contributions to be remembered after your death?

--Discuss how a degree from our school/program will assist you in reaching your short - and long-term goals.

第四類問題：總結(jié)個人性格

這類問題要求申請人在回答的同時,對自己的性格特征進行分析總結(jié)。

--Please comment on your strengths and weaknesses in certain courses or activities.

--Discuss an ethical dilemma you have faced and how you dealt with it.

--If you could have dinner with any three people (alive now or from another era), who would they be and what would you hope to learn from them?

第五類問題：剖析不足之處

這類問題要求申請人對自身的不足之處作進一步說明。

--If you are unable to submit the minimum number of recommendation forms that we request, please give your reasons.

--Please explain anything in your application that does not accurately reflect your abilities or potential for successful graduate study.

--Discuss any unique aspect of your personal or professional background that may not be adequately presented elsewhere in this application.

當然，由于申請的學校(學院)不同，問題也會有所變化。下面對法學院、醫(yī)學院及其他各類研究生院分別介紹有關要求。

法學院

由于法律行業(yè)要求研究人員或從業(yè)人員都具有很強的文字表達能力，法學院比其他類型的學院更加注重從"個人陳述"中體察申請人傳情達義和縝密推理的能力。因此,法學院評審委員會更看重的是從申請人的陳述中，他們能發(fā)現(xiàn)什么，而不是陳述文章的長短。

商學院

商學院的申請材料中往往包含考察申請人是否具有成為經(jīng)理、領導人員和團隊成員的潛質(zhì)。以下是三個常見的要求：

--Describe a situation in which you were compelled to take a stand against the majority. How did this experience strengthen your understanding of leadership?

--Discuss a significant accomplishment that demonstrates your potential as a leader and a manager.

--Describe a situation in which you were part of a group working to solve a problem and your contribution to that goal.

這三個問題分別從與壓力抗衡、領導潛質(zhì)和合作精神三個方面入手考察申請人的素質(zhì)。

醫(yī)學院

標準的AMCAS(American Medical College Application Service, 美國醫(yī)學院申請服務中心)僅要求申請人提供一份“個人陳述”，而各個醫(yī)學陸軍的附加申請材料則常有關于以往經(jīng)歷的問題。

其他各類研究生院

美嘉導師提醒:申請人一般情況下需在"個人陳述"中標注自己的學術(shù)研究興趣所在及長期計劃。