Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm currently enrolled in an academic program and won't graduate until after the admissions deadline. May I still apply?
A: Yes. Stanford understands that many of our applicants are finishing up undergraduate or graduate programs elsewhere and won't finish until after the application deadline. Your current (and other, if applicable) unnoficial transcript(s) must be uploaded to the online application. Official transcripts will only be required from admitted applicants:
Q: What is the desired format for the list of modern and ancient languages?
A: For the ancient languages, please provide a list of all the ancient authors and works you have read in the original. (If you have read only part of a longer work, you can specify which books you have read, or note "parts" or "selections".) Modern languages may be indicated using the labels "Beginner", "Intermediate", "Advanced" and "Fluent", along with the number of years studied.
Q: How many pages should my writing sample be?
A: The writing sample should be 15 - 25 pages long (double spaced). You may submit a paper written for a class, a published article, or a section of an undergraduate honors thesis or other long academic work (in which case please include a cover sheet explaining the larger project and how this excerpt fits into it). The writing sample should demonstrate your academic abilities, so the approach should be academic and the subject matter related to your proposed field of study.
Q: How many copies of my transcript(s) do I need to submit?
A: You only need to upload one copy of each unnocial transcript. Please do not mail any copies yet.
Q: How do I apply for funding for a Ph.D.program at Stanford University?
A: All admitted Ph.D. students are guaranteed funding for 6 academic years, which includes 5 summers. You do not need to apply separately for this funding.
Q: What is the minimum/average/good score I should aim for with my GRE or TOEFL?
A: The GRE is NOT required for admission. Please do not send GRE scores; they will not be reviewed. Much more important is an excellent writing sample, strong letters of recommendation, an illuminating and thoughtful personal statement about your academic background, research interests, and plans for graduate school. For the TOEFL, however, the University establishes minima of 250 for the computer-based exam, 600 for the paper-based exam and 100 for the Internet-based exam.
Q. When are letters of recommendation due?
A: The same day as the application deadline. On the letter of recommendation page of the online application, it will give you an option to notify your listed recommenders far before you submit your application.
Q: The cost of applying is so high! Are there any fee waivers available?
A: For more information on application fee waivers and GRE fee reduction certificates, visit gradfeewaiver.stanford.edu.
Q: How can I apply to the coterminal program with the Classics Department?
A: You must be a matriculated undergraduate student at Stanford University to be eligible to apply. For more information on the coterminal program visit, exploredegrees.stanford.edu.
Have Questions Along the Way?
Contact the team at classics [at] stanford.edu (classics[at]stanford[dot]edu)