PS We cannot tell you exactly what to write, because the statement is going to vary tremendously from one student to another. The members of our Graduate Admissions Committee want to get to know you a little as a person and a scientist. We would like to hear how and why you want to pursue a PhD in Chemistry; tell us about people and experiences that were influential in this decision. Why do you think LSU is a good place for you to work toward this advanced degree? What kind of research interests you? Name 2-3 LSU Chemistry faculty members whose research interests you and what excites you about their science. Do you have ideas about where you would like your career to continue after graduate school? You should tell us whatever you think is relevant to your pursuit of graduate studies in chemistry and aim for a statement that is 400-800 words. GPA The LSU Graduate School requires a GPA of 3.0. CV Curriculum vitae is required. Fee The application fee is $50US for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and $70US for all other applicants. RL We require 3 letters from people with whom you have interacted professionally, known in an organization, taken a class, or performed research. You should enter the names and contact details of the people and the system will request a letter. You should have discussed your graduate school plans with these people, so that they are prepared to receive this request and have agreed to write on your behalf. Unlike many schools we do not have a form to fill out. Instead, ask these people to address the following:http://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/graduate/application_process.php Transcript We require transcripts from your undergraduate institution/s and any institutions where you have pursued graduate studies to-date. Unofficial versions (scanned, copied) are acceptable for the purposes of reviewing your application. However, we will require official transcripts before we can formally admit you. Inherent in your transcripts are your grade point averages (GPAs). We realize that these vary from school to school and country to country. The LSU Graduate School requires a GPA of 3.0. If your GPA is slightly lower than 3.0 but all other aspects of your application are strong, we can petition to have you admitted on academic probation. You will come off probation, providing you achieve a 3.0 GPA during your first semester at LSU.