PS 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 degree in Asian Languages and Cultures; b) what questions or problems interest you; c) how you want to address these questions; d) why you want to pursue your graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This statement should be about 800 words long. Fee There is a non-refundable application fee, subject to change: United States citizens and those with permanent resident visa status — $75 Non-U.S. Citizens — $90 Applications received without fees will not be processed, and fees cannot be waived. The application fee is paid online with a credit card before the application is submitted. There is no need to follow-up with a paper copy of the application or an additional application fee. RL Three letters of recommendation are required for a complete application. Recommenders are required to submit their recommendations electronically through the Rackham online application. Recommenders should also complete the Rackham Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet, and will be automatically prompted to do so when submitting a letter through the online portal.  Transcript Unofficial transcript copies must be uploaded through the online application but official copies must also be mailed to the Rackham Graduate School in order for an application to be complete.  Only transcripts from institutions where a degree was received are required.