PS Statement of Purpose.  Recommended maximum of 1,000 words.  Focus on your proposed research/dissertation plan, intended areas of specialization, and scholarly experience.  Articulate your knowledge of ethnic studies, and how your intellectual contributions can help shape or advance the field.  Offer a vision of how your proposed research/dissertation plan fits within the department faculty’s areas of expertise and the graduate program’s three areas of specialization.  If you have not completed a significant amount of coursework in Ethnic Studies or related fields, or if you have been working in professional fields like law or social work, please address your desire to pursue Ethnic Studies research, and explain your readiness for interdisciplinary training.  Clearly and concisely describe your intellectual development, preparation, achievements, and goals.  If necessary, explain any inconsistent or anomalous aspect of your academic record. GPA The minimum GPA for admission to the program is a 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study and/or a 3.0 in graduate study. Fee The nonrefundable $100.00 application fee must be paid by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) prior to submission of your application . RL Letters of recommendation.  Minimum of three letters.  Recommenders should be familiar with your track record of achieving academic excellence, and/or your potential for graduate school success.  Two of the letters must be from professors in your major subject. The application deadline also applies to letters of recommendation, so please be sure to request your letters of recommendation far in advance of the recommended December 15 deadline. Transcript Applicants are required to submit an official copy of transcripts and degree certificates (in original language accompanied by certified English translations) from each academic institution attended after secondary school. These records should be sent directly from the Registrars Office of the academic institutions you have attended to the academic department to which you are applying. If this service is not available, applicants may also request official copies and send them in the institutions' original sealed and certified institution envelopes.