PS Academic Statement of Purpose - The Statement of Purpose is the single most important item in your application. The purpose of this essay is to give the faculty a clear idea of a) why you want to pursue a career in sociology; b) what questions or problems interest you; c) how you want to address these questions; d) your subplan interest(s), if applicable (see section below); and e) why you want to pursue your graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This statement should be about 2 pages long. Fee Application Fee Waiver Criteria: 1. You have a record of superior academic achievement (send unofficial transcript); 2. You are a U.S. citizen or premanent resident; AND you must meet one or more of the following: a) Come from an educational, cultural or geographic background that is underrepresented in a graduate study in your discipline in the United States or at the University of Michigan; b) Have demonstarted a commitment to diversity in the academic, professional, or civic realm through your work experience, volunteer engagement, or leadership of student or community organizations. By diversity, we mean efforts to reduce social, educational or economic disparities based on race, ethnicity or gender, or to improve race relations in the U.S.; c) Have experience financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances; d) Are a first generation U.S. citizen or first generation in your family to graduate from a four-year college.  RL Three letters of recommendation which evaluate the applicant’s past academic performance and potential for graduate study. Online submission is preferred, though hard copies can be sent directly to the Sociology Department to: Sociology Graduate Admissions 3001 LSA Building Ann Arbor, MI  48109-1382 Transcript One set of official transcripts sent to the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School. In addition, upload one set of transcripts when you complete the online application.  Please check the Rackham Graduate School's website regarding Transcripts for the most up-to-date information on this process.  Online submission is preferred, though hard copies can be sent directly to the Sociology Department to: Sociology Graduate Admissions 3001 LSA Building Ann Arbor, MI  48109-1382