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Guidance on Application Materials

Guidance on Application Materials

    • Writing Sample
    • Transcripts
    • Academic Statement of Purpose
    • Letters of Recommendation
    • Resume
    • Personal History Statement
    • GRE Scores (Optional)
    • Documentation of English Proficiency, if applicable

 Writing Sample

Your writing sample should be the best demonstration of your written work in philosophy. It will probably have originated in work you did for a class or in a senior thesis. If you do not have an eligible piece of writing from a philosophy course, then you should submit a paper from work in another field that demonstrates your ability to provide an argument, engage in careful textual analysis, etc. Your writing sample is likely a paper that earned a high grade, but it is always a good idea to have another look at it and see whether you can make improvements before submitting it with your application. It should be well written and exhibit clarity of thought, and it should contain some insight of your own (as opposed to merely summarizing something somebody has written). The paper need not represent your primary interests in philosophy. For instance, you might think you are mainly interested in philosophy of mind, and yet you might still submit a paper on a topic in ethics if it is your best work to date.

Transcripts

We ask for transcripts from each college or university you have attended. While we prefer that the versions uploaded into our application system are the official copies (bearing the registrar’s signature and official seal of the college/university), unofficial transcripts are acceptable for admissions review. If admitted, official transcripts must be provided prior to registration.

 Academic Statement of Purpose

This statement is intended to give us a better sense of your general interests in philosophy and specific interest in our program. In our admissions process, we prioritize applicants whose research background and interests fit well with those of our faculty. We’d like your statement to address the following questions: 

  • What are your interests in philosophy? What topics/research areas, historical figures, specific puzzles or questions have you most enjoyed studying and which ones do you want to research further in a PhD program?
  • Why are you seeking a PhD in philosophy? What are your goals or plans post-PhD?
  • Why are you interested in our program? Here it is especially useful if you mention specific faculty you would like to work with or other features of our program/University that are of particular interest. You can learn more about faculty research here, and features of our program here and here.

 This statement should be brief—only 1-2 pages.

 Letters of Recommendation

We ask you to provide us with three letters of recommendation. We use these letters to gain a richer understanding of your previous experience, performance, and skill in philosophy. These letters should come from college professors or others who have worked with you in post-secondary academic contexts—preferably philosophy courses. Letters from family friends and community leaders will in most cases carry little weight. When seeking letters of recommendation, try to give your recommenders plenty of time to do the job. To help your letter writers remember you and your work, you may wish to give them back the written work you have done in their classes. You may also send them drafts of your other application materials (resume, personal statement, writing sample) if you have them ready. Your recommenders will send their letters directly to us. There is a place in our application form for you to enter their names and contact information (after which they’ll receive an email with submission instructions). As the deadline approaches, you should check back with your letter writers to confirm that the recommendations have been sent. 

 Resume/CV

This is an opportunity for you to provide a brief survey of your relevant experiences beyond what’s indicated in your transcript and personal statement. There is no required format, nor set of items to include. We’re most interested in things that are related to your interests in philosophy, college, and academic pursuits more generally. This may include philosophical activities outside of classes (e.g., participation in philosophy club, presenting research, tutoring or grading), as well as previous employment, involvement with extracurricular clubs or organizations, volunteering, and specific training or skills.

 Personal History Statement

This statement offers an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. As explained on the graduate studies website, this statement gives us a chance to “learn more about you as a whole person and potential graduate student.” This could involve life experiences or extracurricular activities which have influenced your approach to philosophy or your readiness for graduate study. It could involve meaningful achievements (academic and non) or barriers and challenges. It is also a space where you have the option to provide a narrative for anything you feel is unusual or non-standard about your record or application. This statement should be brief—only 1-2 pages.

 GRE Scores

Like many graduate programs in philosophy, we do not require the GRE. If you have GRE scores available and feel that sharing them would strengthen your application, you are allowed to submit them.

 English Proficiency Requirements

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Our department follows the proficiency standards set by the OGSPS, and accepts proficiency waivers provided by that office. Questions about proficiency testing, waivers, and related matters should be directed to the OGSPS: gradinfo@purdue.edu or (765) 494-2600.