Thank you very much for your interest in graduate studies within the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages (DLCL). The DLCL is comprised of five different academic departments, Comparative Literature, French and Italian, German Studies, Iberian and Latin American Cultures, and Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Each program has a unique set of requirements as well as progression of studies; you are encouraged to review the individual program to gain more insight into the academic requirements. Administrative requirements are processed through the DLCL and are the same for each student regardless of program of studies. The following information and FAQ’s are designed to help in your decision to apply to one of our programs. If applicants have additional questions not listed in the FAQ, please contact dlclgrad@stanford.edu.
Application Information
All DLCL departments require applications to be submitted by December 15, 2015.
The admissions committee will only consider complete applications for review. A complete application must contain the following items:
1. Electronically submitted application and statement of purpose.
2. Electronically submitted transcripts from every post-secondary institute attended. The graduate admissions website request that you send two official copies to departments. Please forward these transcripts to the address listed below. We recommend that applicants use some form of registered mail so that they can confirm arrival of their transcripts into the DLCL offices. We regret that we will not be able to update individual candidates on the status of their transcripts.
- DLCL Graduate Admissions - Department of ___________
- 450 Serra Mall
- Building 260, Room 127
- Stanford, CA 94305-2005
3. Writing samples vary by department. Please consult the appropriate link below for these requirements. Each writing sample submitted should be between 15-25 pages in length.
- Comparative Literature
- French
- German Studies
- Iberian and Latin American Cultures
- Italian
- French & Italian
- Slavic Languages and Literatures
4. Three letters of recommendation must also be submitted. One letter of recommendation should focus on your language skills. You are also encourage to upload a current ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) certificate if available. The OPI certificate is not required, but requested.
All materials must be submitted online.
Graduate Admissions FAQ's
When the committee is reviewing the application, is there one part that is most important?
NO. When the committee reviews the application they are looking at the entire application, past grades, test scores, writing samples, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose.
What are the chances of my application being selected for admission?
This question is the most difficult to answer. Admission is based upon the number of assistantships that can be awarded for the year, the number of applicants in the Department, and the quality of the individual application. Until admission decisions are made it is impossible to answer this question.
When will admission decisions be announced?
Offers of admission are sent via United States mail and traditionally go out in February.
TRANSCRIPTS:
Do my transcripts have to be received by the deadline?
NO. Official transcripts can be received after the deadline. However, your online application MUST contain scans of your transcripts so that they may be reviewed by the committee. Official transcripts must be received in order to make any formal offer of admissions to an applicant.
Do my transcripts have to be in English to be reviewed by the committee?
NO. Transcripts may be submitted in the language of the department in which they are applying. If admitted, an official English translation of the transcript must be submitted to the address above.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Do my letters of recommendation have to be received by the deadline?
YES. The review of applications will begin immediately following the deadline listed above, it is imperative that all letters be received by the deadline.
Can I submitt my letters of recommendation using Interfolio or University Career Center?
YES. Letters of recommendation may be sent using Interfolio or a University Career Center. All submissions must be e-mailed to the Student Affairs Manager at dlclgrad@stanford.edu. Once received, the letter will be uploaded to your application. All letters must indicate if they are "confidential" or "non-confidential".
REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:
Do my official test scores have to be received by the deadline?
NO. If official scores have not been received from ETS by the review deadline, applications will be reviewed based upon unofficial scores entered by the applicant. It is imperative that the unofficial scores entered by the applicant match the official scores from ETS. Official scores must be received in order to make any formal offer of admissions to an applicant.
Do I have to submit GRE General Test scores?
YES. Scores from the GRE General Test are required of all applicants. Scores must be from an examination taken within the last five years. Scores must be reported directly to Stanford University from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Institution Code is 4704, there is no department code needed. A GRE score must be on file no later than January 1. Offers of admissions will not be made to applicants that have not submitted valid GRE scores. There is no exception to this policy. There is no University minimum score required for the GRE.
Stanford University policy regarding Required Tests
I am an international student, do I have to submit TOEFL scores?
YES. TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. All international students should reference the International Applicants webpage for more information regarding transcripts, English proficiency and visas. University minimum requirements can be found in the Stanford University policies regarding required tests link below.
Stanford University policies regarding Required Tests
GRADUATE FUNDING:
What is the financial package awarded to Ph.D. students?
Graduate funding typically covers five academic years (autumn, winter, and spring quarters) as well as four 10 week summer quarters. Funding will cover a living stipend, tuition, and Cardinal Care. The funding is a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Funding is contingent upon successful academic progress and enrollment.
How much does it cost to live in Palo Alto?
Because each student is unique it is impossible to give exact answers regarding the cost of attending graduate school. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides an estimated expense budget and should be referenced to help answer any questions regarding expenses.
VISA INFORMATION:
As an international student, where can I find out about visas and resources for international students?
All international students must work in cooperation with Bechtel International Center to obtain visas as well as other immigration processes. Bechtel is the best resource for all international students.
