PS The personal statement differs from the statement of purpose in that we ask you to write about how your background and life experiences — including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges — have motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. It should be limited to 500 words. Please do not repeat your academic statement of purpose. CV Please upload a current resume or CV as a part of your application. The application will prompt you for this. Fee The application fee for international applicants is $90 USD. RL You must register your recommenders through the online application form. Registering your recommenders generates an automated email with instructions on the process. It also grants access to the recommender's portion of the database where they can either compose a new letter or upload an existing letter that will become a part of your application. Letters of recommendation play an important role in the admissions process. Applicants are encouraged to submit letters from people, preferably faculty members, who know their strengths and weaknesses as a scholar, and who can speak to their readiness for a doctoral program at a major research institution in the United States. Letters that include information about previous research and/or teaching experience are particularly helpful. Please note that we only accept letters submitted directly by the recommenders. Photocopies or emailed copies of letters sent by the applicants will not be accepted. Transcript Send an official copy of the transcript to Rackham at this address: Rackham Graduate School Attn: Transcripts / UM ID# (if known) or Date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy) 915 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070 USA