How to Apply: PhD Program: Stanford GSB

What's the timeline for applications?
The PhD Program admits only once a year for Autumn Term entry. Application materials are no longer available in paper form and all applicants must apply on-line. Supplemental application materials must be received by the deadline. Each year the online application is available in August. The program strongly urges applicants to take the GMAT, GRE, or TOEFL as early as possible so that the score can reach us by the application deadline. Each field of study has a different standardized test requirement so it's important to note which test to take. Admission decisions are made available online around mid-March.

I already have a master's degree (or PhD). Do I still need to take the entrance examination?
Yes. Entrance exams are never waived.

I took the GMAT or GRE a few years ago. Will you accept my scores?
For autumn 2008 we will accept test scores taken from December 1, 2002 through December 1, 2007. If your scores date back prior to December 2002, you will have to retake the exam and submit new results.

May I send some papers I have written?
Please do not send copies of papers that you have written. Faculty don't read papers in the review process.

I'd like to interview before I apply to the GSB. Can I meet with some faculty?
No. We don't arrange for interviews or encourage applicants to meet faculty. We have about 2,000 inquiries into the program each year and it is not feasible for faculty to honor each request for a personal interview. In the interest of fairness, we advise students to learn about the program by reading the program literature and acquainting themselves with faculty research by researching publications. Once a student is admitted into the program, the faculty and students are happy to meet with the individual before the applicant makes a final decision about joining the program. In addition, if you have access to the World Wide Web, you can find more information about the faculty and their research interests.

Do you offer a distance learning degree or part-time program?
No. The program is a full-time academic program. Residence is required for the majority of the program's duration.

Does your program prepare a person to be a consultant?
No. The program is geared specifically for those whose main interest is scholarly research and teaching. Almost all our graduates work in academic institutions.

I already have an M.B.A. Will it help shorten the program?
No. The M.B.A. is not a required first step in pursuit of the PhD, and the PhD is not master's work at a higher level. M.B.A and PhD course requirements are quite distinct.

I am a senior in college. Can I apply?
Yes. Applicants who have at least a bachelor's or comparable academic degree will be considered for admission.

Does GSB require any specific coursework?
No. However, the Program encourages all applicants to include the following math courses - Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Mathematical Statistics. All fields except Organizational Behavior and Marketing also require coursework in analysis, probability, and optimization. The program is especially well-suited to students who have previously studied engineering, natural sciences, or social sciences (such as economics, political science, psychology and sociology).

What is the duration of the program?
Approximately four years, whether or not an individual enters with a master's degree.

What are the faculty looking for in applicants?
They base any admission decision on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's file, including quality of academic background, strength of recommendations, weight of test scores, appropriateness of statement of purpose, and a good fit between the applicant's research interests and the faculty's. Prior exposure to research, preferably academic work, is a plus. There are more elusive, qualitative aspects, not measured by quantitative indices, such as creativity, imagination, perseverance, ability to provide deep insights and criticism, and (usually) a predisposition toward being independently motivated, which are significant.

Does the program offer financial aid?
Yes. The PhD Program provides financial aid to qualified doctoral students and generally guarantees four years of support based on satisfactory academic performance. Students making satisfactory progress and needing financial aid normally receive full tuition and at least 90 percent of estimated living expenses (not including expenses for dependents) in the form of a fellowship stipend and/or a research or teaching assistantship.

The Admissions Committee evaluates application files without any knowledge or consideration of an applicant's financial status. The Program announces financial aid awards at the same time as admissions decisions in mid-March.

In the case of outside funds, the program tries not to eliminate financial aid if students win outside grants. Instead, the program hopes to provide an incentive for students to apply for outside financial assistance.

Does GSB accept a foreign transcript sent from a U.S. institution?
Due to difficulties of getting transcripts in some countries, we do accept foreign transcripts sent from a US institution. The transcripts have to be certified and signed by the University Registrar (sender).

Do you have an Admit Day?
Yes, we do. This is a formal program normally scheduled during the spring. You will have the opportunity to meet with PhD faculty and current students in a personal and friendly atmosphere. We are able to offer you some financial support to help you attend. Additional information about Admit Day is included in the packet sent to student who have been admitted to the program.

How many doctoral students are currently in your program?
About 100 students.

Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Exceptions are granted for applicants who have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the equivalent of either degree from a non-US college or university of recognized standing where all instruction is provided in English. This exception does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken but not all courses were provided in English. Being a citizen of the United States does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL; if the applicant's first language is not English, the applicant must meet the exception above or submit TOEFL scores. Scores must be submitted from a test taken within the last eighteen months. The TOEFL school code for the Stanford PhD Program is 4704.

Test of English as a Foreign Language
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ
08541-6151 USA
Telephone: (609) 771-7760 or (510) 653-5400

I'd like to take the GMAT or GRE. How do I contact the Educational Testing Service?
ETS can be contacted by phone at (800) 462-8669 (U.S. and Canada) and at (609) 771-7670 for the GRE.

Which exam am I required to take? Where do I send the GMAT or GRE score report?

All applicants are required to take either the GMAT or GRE based on the field of study to which they are applying. The test requirements, by field of study, are as followed:

Accounting - The GRE is preferred, although the GMAT will be accepted.
Economic Analysis & Policy - The GRE is preferred, although the GMAT will be accepted.
Finance - The GRE is preferred, although the GMAT will be accepted.
Marketing - Either the GMAT or GRE is accepted.
Organizational Behavior - Only the GRE will be accepted.
Operations, Information & Technology - The GRE is preferred, although the GMAT will be accepted.
Political Economics - Only the GRE will be accepted.

Institutional Codes:

GMAT - Institution Code L9R-KW-27

GRE - Institution Code 4704 preferred code; or 4730

We also require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all applicants whose first language is not English. Exceptions are granted for applicants who have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the equivalent of either degree from a non-US college or university of recognized standing where all instruction is provided in English. This exception does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken but not all courses were provided in English. Being a citizen of the United States does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL; if the applicant's first language is not English, the applicant must meet the exception above or submit TOEFL scores. Scores must be submitted from a test taken within the last eighteen months.

Institutional Code:
TOEFL - Institution Code 4704

Must I send all supporting transcripts together to Stanford, or can I send them separately?
We prefer that you send all transcripts together, but you are not disadvantaged by sending materials separately, or if they are sent directly from the institution. All transcripts must be received by the application deadline if you wish your application to receive full consideration.

I plan to reapply to your program. What are the procedures?
For those who have applied within the past three years the reapplication process is somewhat simpler than the normal application process because a number of credentials are still on file in our office and may be reused. Recent applicants (within three years) must submit the following credentials:

Complete a new application and $75 application fee
Submit an updated Statement of Purpose
Explanation on what has changed since your previous application
Submit 1 "new" letter of recommendation*
Submit new test scores (if applicable)
Provide updated transcripts or grades not contained in previous application
Submit a TOEFL score if you are an international applicant who did not attend an English speaking institution

*Note: Reapplicants must submit one new letter of recommendation. Applicants may use two recommendation letters from a previously submitted application if they have applied within the last three years. You are still required to register three recommenders online before submitting your application.