读书计划是入学审查的一项重要文件，它是申请人未来导师无法直接面对申请人之前，所得到的先入为主的印象，第一印象往往事关重大。读书计划英文有许多说法如Objectives, Plans for Study, Academic Statement, Academic Objectives, Educational Goals, Statement of Purpose, Letter of Intent等。它应包含：
1. 选择该校的理由；
2. 准备主修什么学科；
3. 集中研究该学科的哪一方面；
4. 与主修和主攻方向有关的知识背景和工作经验；
5. 从事该研究的目的和毕业后的打算。
有的学校提供读书计划表格要求填写，还有的学校要求将个人简历和读书计划合二为一。这些在对个人简历和读书计划的写法有所了解后，都不难完成。
范例1 计算机系毕业生读书计划
When I was a high school boy, my father undertook a task of rearranging a data processing system with computer equipment for a government office. Which increasing contact, I decided to be a computer engineer to satisfy my curiosity about this incredible machine.
To realize the dream of getting into this miraculous world of computer, I studied very hard to pass the College Entrance Examination. According to the result of the Exam, I was admitted to Beijing University of Science and Technology, majoring computer science. A year later. I transferred to Tsinghua University, which is famous for its computer science.
During my five-year undergraduate study in the university, I had scholarship every semester because of my excellent academic performance. Besides, I tried to spend every summer working in a computer firm to get practical experience. I have produced a small Pascal compiler and a sample computer storage system for a company. Also I joined the research work "the arrangement of computer image" for the department.
I believe the future century will be a "computer" century and the world will greatly depend on it. Therefore it is necessary for us to broad my knowledge on this part. I intend to help the development of my country in this area. emphasizing in the objectives such as office automatism, the build-up of computer network, artificial brain and CAD / CAM, etc.
If I am able to complete my master degree within two years, I plan to continue to pursue a Ph.D. degree thereafter. As soon as I complete my study, I will come back home immediately to contribute what I have learned to my own country.
范例2 医学工程专业转攻计算机专业读书计划
I majored in Biomedical Engineering at Nankai University after graduating from high school. There, I took courses on Introduction to Computer Science, Computer Programming, and Microprocessor. Therefore, I became greatly interested in the field. In my spare time, I attended BASIC Training Class and read lots of related books whenever I was free. Also, I decided to further my study in the field of Computer Science.
After the graduation. I was hired by Tianjin Medical Equipment Co., LTD. to be a Service Engineer taking charge of the maintenance of X-ray instruments of Phillips and Siemens. Owing to the need of the work. I attained ASSEMBLY and PASCAL Training classes and realized more of the importance of Computer Science.
I would like to enter your Graduate School to study Computer Programming and System Analysis as computer is definitely going to play an important role in the life of humanbeing. Upon the completion of the study, I will return to China to devote my knowledge to Biomedical Engineering, to manufacture new products to be either marketed or applied to hospital management and help computerizing hospital management.
范例3 经济系转计算机系读书计划
After my undergraduate study at Hebei University where I majored in Economics. I became a sales representative for Tang Shan Textile Co. I have worked in this position for about three years. In my work, I have witnessed the growing role played by computers in today's business administration and research. This trend became acute after the advent of minicomputers and microcomputers.
The computer programmers and engineers trained in this country cannot meet the pressing demand. I wish to devote myself to the application of computers and therefore, I have decided to pursue an M.S. degree in Computer Science. If admitted, I will concentrate my studies on the computer software.
I have some fundamental knowledge regarding the characteristics and capabilities of computers in a course on the Introduction to Computer Science which I took as an undergraduate, Nevertheless, I am willing to take more prerequisite courses if necessary.
Upon completing the studies, I will return to my country and seek a position as a programmer.