FAQ-Admission

Q: I need to send in my GRE scores but don’t know the institution code for Stanford.
A: Stanford’s institution code is 4704. There is no department code.

Q: Can my recommenders send their letters to you directly?
A: Yes, they can. Use this PDF: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/pdf/recform03.pdf

Send To:
Attn: Graduate Admissions
Department of Chemistry
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-5080

Q: What is the profile of a successful applicant?
A: Competitive applicants in the past have the following average scores: 3.7 GPA, 617 verbal, 770 quantitative, 5.0 analytical writing, and 789 GRE subject exam in chemistry. Successful applicants also have impressive research experience with stellar letters of recommendation from their research advisors.

Q: I’m an International student currently attending a university in the U.S. and wonder if my TOEFL can be waived?
A: TOEFL scores are required for all applicants whose first language is not English unless they meet the following exception:

Exceptions are granted for those who have earned a U.S. bachelor’s or masters 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-U.S. college or university of recognized standing where all instruction is provided in English. This exception does not apply if the courses were completed in country where English is spoken but not all courses were provided in English. If your college or university publishes that courses are offered in both English and the native language you will not be eligible for the TOEFL waiver. English needs to be the only mode of instruction for the entire college or university.

If you do not meet the exception above, you will need to submit TOEFL scores with your application.

Q: Can I apply without the GRE subject exam?
A: The subject GRE is required. We will still review your application without the GRE subject score but it will be more difficult to compare your application against others and consequently more difficult to gain admittance.

Q: When is the subject GRE test given?
A: It is offered in April, October, and November.

Q: Can I apply to more than one graduate program at Stanford University?
A: No, you can only apply to one graduate program.

Q: Can you get the application fee waived?
A: Applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. may get an application fee refund if they can obtain a GRE Fee Waiver. To learn more go to: http://www.gre.org.

Q: Are letters of recommendations sent from my university’s career center or letter service accepted?
A: Yes, you can use the career center or letter service from your university.

Q: What is the minimal required TOEFL score for admission?
A: A TOEFL score of 600 or more is the University’s guideline but you are still eligible to apply to the P.h.D. Program in Chemistry with a score below 600.

Q: Does Stanford University close during the winter holidays?
A: The Chemistry Department and the entire University will be closed between December 22nd and January 3rd . During this time there will be no one available to answer questions regarding your application. We encourage you to apply well before the deadline should any questions arise regarding your application or supporting documents.

Q: When can I expect to hear from Stanford?
A: As soon as your application has been reviewed, but in no instance later than March 15th.

To learn more about the application procedure please visit the Guide to Graduate Admission:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/pdf/gradadmisguide.pdf