PS Your statement of purpose should use the following format.  At the beginning of the essay, first state: Research area you would like to contribute to (1-2 sentences) Potential advisors (2-3 UMSI faculty) Essay should then address the following questions in 4-6 pages (double-spaced) in any order or format: Describe prior research experiences, courses, or projects that have prepared you for doctoral study. Explain in some detail the research area you would like to contribute to: Specify at least one area, discipline, or method that you would like to learn in depth; Describe one other area, discipline, or method that would round out the breadth of your knowledge and why it would be a valuable part of your education. Explain why you identified the potential advisors you did. Give an example of a research project you are excited about: one you have conducted, one you would like to conduct, or one that you have read about. CV Upload a copy of your resume/CV with the online application. Fee U.S. citizens and permanent residents: $75 (U.S.) International applicants: $90 (U.S.) You should pay this fee via credit card when you apply online.  For information about fee waivers and grants, please see Rackham’s policies here. RL Submit three recommendation letters written by faculty members and/or professional colleagues who are in a position to judge your potential for success in the doctoral program, your aptitude for research, and your capacity to make a contribution to your chosen profession. If you were recently a student, faculty members are appropriate. Personal friends and family members are not appropriate recommenders. Ask your recommenders to submit their letters online. Register your recommenders for online submission when you apply online. Transcript One set of official academic records/transcripts should be mailed by your undergraduate and postgraduate institutions directly to the Rackham Graduate School: Rackham Graduate School Attn: Transcripts/U-M ID# (if known) or Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) 915 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070