PS This should be a short essay demonstrating writing skills, and the ability to conceive and express ideas. It should also describe your academic and intellectual development, interest in history, and reasons for pursuing an advanced degree in history. The Graduate Committee strongly encourages applicants to seek the advice and guidance of their undergraduate mentor or an undergraduate history professor when preparing their State of Purpose. GPA The applicant must have a grade point average, based on a 4.0 system, of 3.0 overall, or 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program. Fee The application fee is $65 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and $80 for international students. Please note that application fees are non-refundable. RL The History department requires three letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters are received electronically, via the Graduate School’s online application portal. They should be from mentors or teachers familiar with the applicant’s academic work and intellectual potential. While we do not require that all recommendations come from undergraduate faculty, they are particularly useful in evaluating the applicant. Transcript UA requires one official transcript (digital or hard copy) from each institution that granted the applicant a degree, as well as transcripts of any completed graduate coursework. Transcripts should be sent to the Graduate School.