PS The statement of purpose should address the following questions: What are your reasons for undertaking graduate study at the University of Maryland, College Park? You may wish to discuss past work in your field, your plans/goals for a professional career, or how you developed interest in or knowledge of the field. What life experiences have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree at a large and diverse institution such as UMD? You may want to provide some examples of your determination to pursue your goals, your initiative, and/or your capacity for working through problems independently. GPA Applications with an undergraduate GPA of slightly less than 3.0 may be considered if they have demonstrated strong performance in prior graduate studies and/or professional experience. CV Optional Fee Submit your application and pay the $75 application fee. RL Letters of Recommendation (3) Recommendations must be completed electronically through ApplyYourself. We require official institutional email addresses for your recommenders. Recommendations should be professional and/or academic references. Transcript Official transcripts (marksheets) from all previously attended higher education institutions should be uploaded to your application. If a transcript is not in English, both an original language version and English translation must be provided. Only admitted students who choose to enroll will be required to submit official hard copy transcripts to the Graduate School by the end of their first semester. To be considered, uploaded transcripts must adhere to the following items: Scanned copy of the original/official paper version Originated from the Registrar's Office (evidence of such includes: university seal, stamp, signature, copy of sealed envelope, etc.) Transcript must be complete, i.e. show all coursework completed and grades/marks received Transcript must show evidence of degree awarded, if applicable Scanned copy must be readable Electronically generated transcripts are not acceptable