PS This should provide a clear explanation of the applicant's objectives are in pursuing an advanced degree in Linguistics, and at Maryland in particular. Specific interests or relevant experience should be mentioned where applicable. The Statement of Goals is not a literary contest or an invitation to flatter the department or its faculty, and there is no 'recipe' for a strong statement . The statement allows the department to better understand an applicant's goals, interests, and how well the applicant will be served by the departments strengths and emphases. The statement should be submitted online via the ASF. Note that the department does not have a length limit for the statement (contrary to statements on the Graduate School site). CV An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV, or resume) is preferred. This may be submitted as part of the ASF. Fee Non-refundable application fee (currently $75.00). RL Applicants should solicit letters of recommendation from at least three people who are familiar with the applicant's work and who can offer a detailed, honest assessment of the applicant's abilities, experience, and suitability for an advanced degree in linguistics. These letters should be confidential. Non-confidential letters generally carry much less weight. These letters may be submitted online by the recommender following submission of the initial online application form and receipt of the ASF (see below). Alternatively, hard copies may be mailed directly to the Enrollment Services Office (address listed above). However, hard copies are dispreferred, and may lead to a delay in the processing of an application. Letters that are submitted on-line are immediately accessible to the admissions committee, whereas letters that are submitted in hard copy are often delayed by 2 weeks or longer. Transcript One complete set of official transcripts for completed and in-progress undergraduate and graduate degrees is required. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for purposes of review, but the Graduate School cannot complete official admission without official transcripts. Transcripts should be submitted in hard-copy form and sent to the Enrollment Services Office at the following address: University of Maryland College Park, ESO - Application for Graduate Admission, 0130 Mitchell Building, College Park MD 20742, USA.