Transcript:
It is not required to send a hardcopy of your official transcripts. Instead, upload a scanned copy of it/them in PDF, along with all the other supplementary materials, into your online application. Upon admission you may be required to provide the original transcript(s).
Personal Statement:
This part of the overall application carries an extremely important weight and the ones that are written in a clear and focused manner will be favored. Namely, upon reading it, an evaluator/faculty should get a crisp idea as to:
Why is it that you would like to work in a particular major/specialization/topic and with a particular faculty as your adviser (for MS applicants this could be a project or thesis adviser)?
Why is it that a particular faculty should be interested in having you as an advisee?
In each case, a successful applicant will provide a good balance between background, vision, and desiderata.
Recommendation Letter:
A minimum of two letters is required, but three is highly recommended. The Recommendation File Service (RFS) acts as an intermediary in the process. It is a common expectation that students be willing to waive the right to view their letters without question.