美国留学申请个人陈述写作中常见的五类典型问题

不同学校对陈述内容规定的问题往往不尽相同。有的学校几乎不作规定;有的却列出指定问题;有的学校对字数或页数有所限制,有的则没有;有的只要求一份“个人陈述”，有的却要求几篇短文;还有的除写一篇或几篇任选的短文外，还规定一篇必写的“个人陈述”。以下是申请普通研究生和法学院、商学院及医学院研究生院常见的具有代表性的问题。

　　类问题：高度自由发挥

　　这类问题只是泛泛要求申请人谈谈自己的背景、爱好、目标或任何自己感兴趣的话题，有的甚至连篇幅长短都不作限定。

　　--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.

　　第二类问题：讲述有益经历

　　这类问题要求申请人对以往的成功或失败经历做分析检讨。

　　--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?

　　第三类问题：挖掘求学动机

　　这类问题比较明确地要求申请人回答为什么选择该校，尤其是申请人能从该校获得什么。

　　--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.

　　第四类问题：总结个人性格

　　这类问题要求申请人在回答的同时,对自己的性格特征进行分析总结。

　　--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?

　　第五类问题：剖析不足之处

　　这类问题要求申请人对自身的不足之处作进一步说明。

　　--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.