PS The personal statement is a very important part of your application. At a minimum, you need to clearly answer the questions: "Why Geography?" and "Why Rutgers?" You should explain what it is you want to study, and how your previous education, training or experiences have qualified or compelled you to choose that topic. You should mention strengths or skills relevant to your research interests that might not be evident elsewhere in your application, and you should explain any discrepancies in your academic record (such as, for example, a high GPA and low GRE scores, a slow start in your undergraduate program, or a long absence from academics). Finally, if you have been in contact with certain faculty members or have ideas about whom you would like to work with, you should identify those individuals by name and explain how your interests match theirs. Fee $70 nonrefundable application fee RL Letters of recommendation (3): Fill in your recommenders' email addresses carefully so that they can receive your request and submit your recommendation without delay. Please refer to http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/before-you-apply for more information. Transcript Request official transcript(s) from institutions you’ve attended, including Rutgers. Your institution(s) should send original, official transcripts, showing your degree awarded, to the appropriate graduate admissions office. If your institution is a sending member of Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or National Student Clearinghouse, Rutgers will be able to receive your official transcripts electronically. We also accept electronic transcripts from India sent via TrueCopy Credentials. View address information for Graduate and Professional Admissions offices(http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us). If the official copy of your transcript will be delayed past the program deadline, consider uploading an unofficial, scanned copy of your transcripts.