Graduate Admissions: How To Apply

Application Form

Stanford’s Online Application, information about requirements and instructions for applying are available through the Grad Admissions website.

Apply Now

Deadlines

The application is due by the following deadlines:

• Ph.D.: Tuesday, December 8, 2015

• M.A.: Tuesday, March 15, 2016

• Coterminal M.A. deadline: January 22, 2016

Questions

For problems with the application website, please check the online help in the website.

For fee waivers, exam waivers, or general questons, please contact the Central University Grad Admissions office:

• gradadmissions.stanford.edu
• Phone: 866 432-7472
• Email: GradAdmissions@stanford.edu

For all other questions, please contact Jill Covington, Philosophy Graduate Administrator 

• Email: philosophy@stanford.edu or jillj@stanford.edu
• Phone: (650) 723-2548
• Fax: (650) 723-0985

Mailing Address

Transcripts

• Transcripts should be mailed directly to the department to which you are applying
• 2 official copies of each transcript are required
• also upload a copy of each transcript into the online application
• transcripts are required from each university or college attended for a year or more
• your official transcripts can arrive after the deadline

Writing Sample 

• A recent writing sample on a philosophical topic should be uploaded into the application.
• We recommend you send your best work.
• You can include a note directing readers to the most relevant passages.
• Secondary samples are allowed, though not required or encouraged. 
• Please mark which sample is primary if including more than one.

Letters of Recommendation 

• Please have your recommender submit their letter via the online application.  
• If your recommender is unable to access the online application, please let us know. 
• We will accept paper/email letters directly from the professor, the applicant should send us a note saying they waive the right to see the recommendation.
• Letters from professors can come in after the deadline.

TOEFL

• The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of most applicants whose first language is not English.
• This now includes US citizens as well as international students.
• Applicants who have received a Bachelors or higher degree from a U.S. school are usually exempted.
• For test criteria, please see the international section of the Grad Admissions webpage. Test information
• scores can come in after the deadline.

GRE

• GRE scores must be from within the last 5 years.

• Please check the grad admissions site for the most current requirements. TEST INFORMATION

• GRE scores can come in after the deadline.

PhD Selection process

The selection of PhD students admitted to the Department of Philosophy is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the scores on the General GRE (Graduate Record Examination), the writing sample, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments.