PS Autobiographical Essay. The autobiographical essay (600-1000 words) may be submitted online as part of the online application process. The essay is a personal statement that must clearly and specifically provide the following information: A statement concerning your area of specialization to which you are applying (Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Studies, or Theological Studies) A description of your academic pilgrimage and how it has prepared you for pursuing graduate studies in religion at Baylor University A delineation of your career goals A clear description of your research agenda and how you envision fulfilling that at Baylor. While we do not expect students to have a fully defined dissertation topic, knowing the questions and topics that interest you, as well as a description of the work you have done on the topic, allows us to make more informed decisions. RL Three letters of recommendation are required from professors who have had you in their class. Transcript For application purposes the Graduate School will accept unofficial transcripts. A transcript must be submitted for each academic institution attended by the applicant. If an applicant receives an offer of admission from Baylor University, admission is contingent upon receipt of official transcripts from each academic institution attended by the applicant.