FAQs
FAQ-Admission
Q: What recipient number do I use for sending test scores to Stanford University?
A: Stanford’s institution code is 4704. There is no department code.
Q: For how long are GRE and TOEFL scores valid?
A: GRE scores are valid for approximately five years from the date taken. TOEFL scores submitted to Stanford must be from a test taken within the last 18 months. No scores are valid beyond the date ETS will send or resend them to schools.
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: I’m an International student currently attending a university in the U.S. and wonder if my TOEFL can be waived
A: 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-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 a country where English is spoken but not all courses were provided in English. Being a U.S. citizen 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.
Q: Can I apply to more than one graduate program at Stanford University?
A: No, you can only apply to one degree program per academic year.
Q: Can I get the application fee waived?
A: Applicants who are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States may be eligible for a waiver of application fee. To learn more visit https://sites.stanford.edu/grad-diversity-council/fee-waiver.
Q: Are there minimum scores required for the GRE’s or the GPA?
A: There are no minimum scores required for applying to the chemistry Ph.D. program. The admissions committee evaluates each applicant’s potential for success based on all materials in the file, recommendation letters, test scores, transcripts, and personal statements. It's best to get letters from referees who have observed your research promise.
Q: What is the minimum required TOEFL score for admission?
A: The minimum TOEFL score is 600 (IBT 100).
Q: I would like to check the status of my application. Who do I contact?
A: Your application status will be updated online periodically as we receive your application materials so please check the online application status for updates. If you have submitted your materials for a while, but the status still remains unchanged, you can send an email to chem.admissions@stanford.edu. All applicants with incomplete applications will receive an email about their missing documents by the end of the second week in January. The Chemistry Department and the entire University will be closed between December 18th, 3 PM PST 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: I have previously applied to your program but was not admitted. Do I have to submit another application if I reapply?
A: You must submit a complete application and pay the application fee. We do keep transcripts, recommendation letters and other application materials on file from the previous year. You can contact us if you want material from your previous application to be included when you reapply.
Q: When can I expect to hear from Stanford?
A: As soon as your application has been reviewed, but not later than March 15th.
To learn more about the application procedure please visit the Office of Graduate Admission