1. Another Degree of Success
  2. Admissions
  3. Admissions Requirements
  4. Additional Admissions Materials

Additional Admissions Materials

Whether it’s a statement of purpose, a writing sample, resume, CV, or portfolio, your admissions materials offer an opportunity for you to show the graduate faculty reviewing your application who you are, what you’ve accomplished already, why you want to pursue graduate studies, and why you’re a good fit for their program.  

Not only do these documents provide evidence of your qualifications and aptitude for graduate studies, but they also demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Take your time on them and make sure to proofread. 

Please upload any required additional materials to the application portal under "Supplemental Items." 

Aerial view of the ˾ Quad with the fleur de lis statue and sidewalks

All graduate school applicants must submit the following admissions materials as well as any additional materials required by your selected program.  

Statement of Purpose  

Focus your statement of purpose on the reasons you are interested in attending a specific graduate program at UL ˾. Show that you’ve spent time researching the program, the department, and why our program and faculty are the right fit for you. It can be tough to do, but you also want to “brand” yourself by expanding on why you would be a good fit for the program and the value you would add as an individual.  

Don’t be afraid to consult with your graduate coordinator for guidance on preparing your statement of purpose.  

Generally speaking, your statement of purpose should address:  

  • reasons for pursuing graduate study  

  • reasons for pursuing graduate study in this particular graduate program at UL ˾  

  • background (both personal and academic)  

  • relevant work experience  

  • future plans  

  • other information that may be of special interest or importance to the graduate program  

Unless otherwise stated by the program, the personal statement should be no longer than two, single-spaced pages.  

Resume or Curriculum Vitae  

Providing an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae (CV) offers the graduate program a snapshot of your academic and professional credentials.  

Please, do not include personal information like your age, marital status, or children on your resume or CV.  

You will want to ensure that your Resume or CV includes your:  

  • name  

  • contact information  

  • educational degrees (including dates, majors, GPA, thesis titles) and certificates (chronological order)  

  • professional work and volunteer experience  

  • publications  

  • presentations  

  • grants, fellowships, honors, awards  

  • research and teaching experience  

  • other relevant skills and experience  

Get more resume writing tips from UL ˾’s Office of Career Services!  

Writing Sample 

A writing sample is a piece of your previous academic or professional writing that highlights your ability to express ideas and present arguments effectively. It serves as a demonstration of your writing skills and analytical thinking. Choose a sample that best showcases your abilities, providing the admissions committee with insight into your writing proficiency and intellectual capabilities. 

Portfolio - Required ONLY for the Master of Architecture Degree 

Applicants with previous architectural or design education are expected to submit a portfolio of work with a minimum of 4 projects, including at least 3 buildings, that shows evidence of the following: 

  • Purposefulness 

  • Critical thinking skills 

  • Advanced communication 

  • Exemplifies traits of good writing 

  • Representation/graphics: process, 2D, 3D, and models 

  • Design Synthesis 

  • Demonstrates clear decision-making in the synthesis of user requirements, regulatory requirements, site conditions, and accessible design, and consideration of the measurable environmental impacts of their design decisions. 

  • Building Integration 

Demonstrates clear decision-making in the integration of building envelope systems and assemblies, structural systems, environmental control systems, life safety systems, and the measurable outcomes of building performance. 

The portfolio should provide a clear identification of academic or professional products, collaborations, and roles.