PS Each applicant must submit a statement that explains his or her interests in religious studies. Faculty read these statements closely to ascertain an applicant’s aptitude for graduate study and to determine whether the program at UNC-CH would be a good place for the applicant to pursue his or her goals. Upload your statement of purpose via ConnectCarolina where instructed. In 4-6 pages (double-spaced), discuss the following questions. Provide whatever information you think will help us judge whether your background, plans, expectations, and goals are such that our Department is an appropriate context for your academic training. What led you to want to do graduate work in religious studies? In what field of specialization do you wish to work? How will work in the field of your choice at this university prepare you to realize your objectives? What traditions of scholarship do you find useful, interesting, or compelling? Which books, authors, or approaches do you regard as most important for the area(s) of your interest? GPA The average grade point average of both applicants and admitted students is about 3.7 on a 4-point scale. As a rule, the Graduate School does not admit students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0. Fee Application fee (non-refundable $85): [Fee waiver: there are several categories of applicants who may qualify for an application fee waiver. For more information, please see the Graduate School’s Information on Application Fee Waiver Requests. Application fee scholarships are available for applicants from populations historically underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. Please contact Dr. Ashalla Freeman for information about scholarship eligibility.] RL Three letters of recommendation must accompany your application. Upload all recommendation letters via ConnectCarolina where instructed. The most helpful letters are those written by faculty who know you well and take the time to assess carefully your aptitude for graduate education. Letters from employers are acceptable, but generally address issues of secondary importance in the admissions process. Transcript You will need to upload unofficial transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work via ConnectCarolina. Do not mail official copies of your transcripts to the Graduate School. Mailing transcripts will significantly delay the processing of your application. If offered admission, one paper official transcript for each university attended will be required at a later date. While many of our accepted applicants majored in religious studies as undergraduates, this is not a prerequisite. Careful attention is given to what courses applicants have taken and how well they have done in them. The average grade point average of both applicants and admitted students is about 3.7 on a 4-point scale. As a rule, the Graduate School does not admit students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0.