不同學校對美國大學個人陳述內容規定的問題往往不盡相同。有的學校幾乎不作規定;有的卻列出指定問題;有的學校對字數或頁數有所限制,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，還規定一篇必寫的“個人陳述”。以下是申請普通研究生個人陳述常見的具有代表性的問題。

　　美國大學研究生個人陳述第一類問題：高度自由發揮

　　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.

　　美國大學研究生個人陳述第二類問題：講述有益經歷

　　這類問題要求申請人對以往的成功或失敗經歷做分析檢討。

　　--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?

　　美國大學研究生個人陳述第三類問題：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.

　　美國大學研究生個人陳述第四類問題：總結個人性格

　　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。

　　--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?

　　美國大學研究生個人陳述第五類問題：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.

　　通過上面對美國大學研究生個人陳述五大問題的解讀，相信對于很多計劃申請美國研究生的學生可以參考上面的信息來提前做好申請美國研究生的準備和規劃。