Transcript: Official transcripts of all degrees obtained or in the process of being obtained. Personal Statement: A completed application form, containing a short -statement of purpose-. This can be downloaded from the Graduate School website at http://www.vprgs.umd.edu/ or completed online. Recommendation Letter: Three letters of support from previous instructors. Writing Sample: Writing sample in philosophy (normally one or two essays, totaling no more than twenty to twenty-five pages).