PS Your statement of purpose should be a clear, readable narrative that contains information relevant to your application into our graduate program. If you are applying for the PhD program you should specifically address these questions: why you want to pursue an advanced degree in linguistics at Rochester, what your allied field might be and what your research interests are. Also address why a degree in linguistics will further your goals. Don't repeat information found elsewhere in your application. MA candidates do not need to address allied fields, but should address what their specific goals are. If you have areas in your application that you feel deserve explanation, address them concisely in your letter. Your letter is best kept to about 500-600 words. RL We require three letters of recommendation. These are submitted online. You should ask for letters from people who know you as a student, have supervised your research or who you have worked for and know you well. If possible select people who know what linguistics is and can address your interest and ability in undertaking linguistic research and working in a cross-disciplinary environment. Transcript Transcripts are required from all prior college level schools attended. A scanned copy of the official transcript is submitted as part of the online application. Please do not mail hard copy transcripts to the department at the time of application.