Please read the following information before contacting the Mathematics Department:

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
Please do not contact the Math Department to ask if your application materials have been received or if your application is complete. If for some reason your application is not complete, you will be notified. Please understand this is a very busy time. Emails or voice messages asking to check the status or completeness of an application will not be answered. Thank you for your cooperation.

Frequently Asked Admission Questions:

Does the Math Department offer a Master's Degree?
The Mathematics Department does not offer a Master’s of Science (MS) Degree to non-matriculated students. For outside (non-Stanford) applicants, the Mathematics Department offers admission to the PhD program only. The Financial Mathematics and Statistics programs offer MS Degrees. Contact the respective departments for program and admission information:
Financial Math: http://finmath.stanford.edu/
Statistics: http://www-stat.stanford.edu/

What fields of mathematics can students study in the PhD program?
Both pure and applied mathematics can be studied; there is no separate Applied Mathematics program. To see faculty specializations go to: http://math.stanford.edu/faculty.html

Is the Financial Math program part of the Mathematics Department?
The Financial Mathematics program is an interdisciplinary program administered jointly by the Statistics and Mathematics Departments. However, admission matters for this program are handled exclusively by the Statistics Department which is also the home of all of its incoming graduate students. For admission, contacts, and program information see http://finmath.stanford.edu/.

Do I need to have a Master’s Degree to apply for the PhD program?
No, a master’s degree is not required.

Are students admitted in Winter and Spring terms?
No. The Math Department does not offer rolling admissions. Students are admitted into the PhD program for Autumn Quarter only.

What are the minimum GPA and GRE scores needed to apply?
The Mathematics Department does not have minimum GRE or GPA requirements, however admission is extremely competitive. Admission is based on letters of recommendation, depth of undergraduate program, GRE scores, course grades, statement of purpose, and for non-native English speakers, TOEFL scores.

How many years of study is the PhD program?
Five years is the typical amount of time it takes to complete the program.

If admitted to the PhD program, will I receive financial aid?
All admitted PhD students who make satisfactory progress are fully funded for five years. Funding sources include: department fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

Do I need to take the GRE Math Subject Test as well as the General GRE?
Yes. The General GRE and Subject GRE in Math are required for all applicants.

I missed the GRE test date. Can I still apply?
No. The GRE (general and subject) is required of all applicants. There are no exceptions. Applicants wishing to apply for 2012 admission must take the GRE no later than November 30, 2011.

Is it okay if my GRE scores arrive later than the December 6th deadline?
As long as you take the GRE before November 30, 2011, you are fine. We allow a small grace period for scores to come in. Scores from the November GRE test date are sent to Stanford mid to late December, which is fine.

Do I need to take the TOEFL?
For complete TOEFL requirements, please see the following link:
http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/gradadmissions/applying/exams-international

What TOEFL scores do I need to apply?
http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/gradadmissions/applying/exams-international

How do I submit test scores?
Scores must be reported directly to Stanford from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Stanford score recipient number (also called "Institution Code") is 4704. You do not need to specify a department code.

How do I know when my GRE and/or TOEFL scores will arrive at Stanford?
Please contact ETS (Educational Testing Service) at http://www.ets.org for scoring information.

If I applied to the PhD program last year do I still need to send GRE scores?
Yes. You must submit a completed application and application materials each time you apply to the PhD program. This includes letters of recommendation, test scores, transcripts, and application fee.

What is the application deadline?
December 6, 2011 - 9 :00 PM/PST

Do letters of recommendation and transcripts need to be submitted by the Application Deadline?
Yes. Letters of recommendation and transcripts must be in by the December 6th deadline.

I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply?
No, we do not accept late applications.

How do I apply?
Applicants must apply online. Please see the following link for what you need to apply:
http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/gradadmissions/applying/ready

What additional items are needed in order for my application to be considered complete?
A completed application to the Mathemaitcs PhD program must have the following items:
- Application (submitted online)
- Application Fee of $125.00 (USD) (paid online)
- Statement of Purpose (uploaded in the online application)
- Official GRE Scores
- Official TOEFL Scores (International Applicants Only)
-*Transcripts (2 official copies mailed to the Math Department)
- Letters of Recommendation (sent online via online application system)

*Transcripts (Academic Records) – As part of the application process, you will upload scanned official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended for one academic year or longer. In addition, two official copies must be mailed to the Math Department. Transcripts must bear the official seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar.

Where should I mail official transcripts and/or supplemental application materials?
Graduate Admissions
Department of Mathematics
450 Serra Mall
Building 380
Stanford, CA 94305-2125

When are admission decisions made?
Admission decisions are made mid to late February. The Mathematics Department will notify all applicants via email as soon as decisions have been made.

Please do not call us to check on the status of your application.

For Additional Questions not answered on this site contact:
Gretchen Lantz
Student Services Manager
Department of Mathematics
Email: glantz@math.stanford.edu