PS Tips for writing a strong statement of purpose and objectives: Share your passion about the field of public health and the specific program you are applying to. Write about how you learned about public health and why you believe it’s the right choice for you. Highlight your experiences that you believe make you a strong candidate for admission. Explain why you want to pursue your education at the University of Minnesota. Edit, edit, edit! GPA The minimum preferred GPA is 3.0. Some programs may have a higher preferred minimum GPA. Check with specific programs for details. CV Resume or C.V. Fee A limited number of fee waivers are available through SOPHAS’ Fee Assistance Program. They are given out to qualified applicants until no more remain for the cycle. There are two types of fee waivers available which applicants may apply for: Financial-Based Fee Waivers These are available to applicants who meet certain requirements based upon income level and size of family. Service Organization Participation Fee Waivers There are available to applicants who are: Active AmeriCorps volunteers Gates Millennium Scholars Peace Corps In-Country volunteers McNair Scholars Leadership Alliance members Vietnam Education Foundation members International applicants meeting certain citizenship and residency requirements RL 3 letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references. Transcript Official transcripts are required from each U.S. college or university attended and must be sent from that institution directly to SOPHAS. This includes a University of Minnesota transcript (if applicable), and a transcript from each school where the student completed courses. All applicants need to provide evidence of at least a U.S. baccalaureate degree (or foreign equivalent) at a regionally accredited institution of higher education; OR of a post-baccalaureate graduate or professional degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Admission to certain programs requires a prior advanced degree in a related area.