Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the application deadline?
A: Tuesday, December 1, 2009 (9pm PST)
Q: Is there a minimum GPA or GRE?
A: There are no minimum GPA or GRE scores required to be considered for admissions. Each program's admissions committee reviews all coursework taken, letters of recommendation, test scores, the personal statement, and prior research experience(s) when evaluating each applicant file
Q: What is the GRE and TOEFL score recipient number for Stanford University?
A: It is 4704
Q: Do I need a GRE and/or TOEFL score recipient number for each program to which I'm applying?
A: No, you will not need a separate department code number. All GRE and TOEFL scores with the recipient number, 4704 go to the central Graduate Admissions Office at Stanford. The Biosciences Admissions Office will receive your scores from the central office.
If you have already had your scores sent and you have used an individual department code, do not worry. As long as the Stanford score recipient number is correct, your scores will arrive in our office.
Please note that self-reported GRE, GRE Subject or TOEFL scores will be used by the Admissions Committee in their initial review process. Your unofficial test scores will be validated when your official scores are received by the University.
Q: Where should my recommenders submit their letters of recommendation?
A: All recommendations should be submitted online. When you enter the names and email addresses of your recommenders in the online application, they will receive a message directing them to the online evaluation form. Recommenders will also be asked to upload their letters of recommendation. They will then be able to electronically submit their letters and their evaluations directly to us. If your recommender(s) will not be submitting the evaluation and letter online, you may download a recommender form from the online application. Your recommender must send the letter and form directly to:
Biosciences Ph.D. Admissions
Stanford University
300 Pasteur Drive, Alway M105
Stanford, CA 94305-5121
Q: What process occurs if you apply to more than one Home Program?
A: In that case, the admissions representatives confer and attempt to determine which Home Program should serve as your host. The final decision will be related to the information you have provided about your choice of Home Programs and the list of faculty you provide. In some cases, an admissions committee member may contact you directly to discuss with you which Home Program would be the best to host your visit.
Q: What is your timeline for reviewing applications?
A: Your application will be evaluated in late December/early January. The committee will create a list of top-ranked applicants to be invited, at our expense, for a four-day visit to the Stanford campus. The selected applicants will be invited to arrive on Wednesday, March 3 and depart on Sunday, March 7, 2010, our only interview session. Highly qualified applicants residing in other countries and for whom a visit would not be possible may be selected for a telephone interview.
Each applicant who is not selected for an interview will receive a letter, which states that no further action can be taken on the application by the Committee on Graduate Admissions and Policy. In general, if you have not heard about a possible invitation by late February, it is unlikely that you will be invited to Stanford for interview weekend or admitted.