Applying to IPS

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We are pleased that you are considering applying to the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies (IPS). Below, you will find detailed information regarding the application process. You will want to use this information in conjunction with the information found on the Stanford Office of Graduate Admissions website in order to complete your application. Also, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the IPS program that we suggest you search prior to beginning the application process.

Application Process

The application for admission to Stanford is found at http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/. The application is web-based, although paper applications are available for an additional fee. The application fee for ALL applicants is $105. You may use Visa or MasterCard when applying via the web. Payment details can be found in the “About the Application” section of the Stanford Office of Graduate Admissions website.

The deadline for all application materials this year is JANUARY 5, 2010. This is a hard deadline, not a postmark deadline. All materials should be submitted electronically or in hard copy by this date. Extensions are usually not granted. There is only one admissions deadline per year for the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies. Applications submitted in January are for enrollment in the autumn quarter of the same year. Thus, applicants applying in January 2009 would begin coursework in Autumn Quarter 2009 (late September).

Application Requirements

A complete application includes the following:

  1. Application Form
    Can be found at http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu.
  2. Academic Credentials (Official Transcripts)
    Applicants are required to hold a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university, a strong undergraduate grade point average and curriculum, and a demonstrated interest in international studies. Transcripts must be sent directly to IPS (address below) and must bear the official seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar. Stanford requires two (2) official transcripts from each institution attended.
  3. GRE & TOEFL Scores
    Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required. Students for whom English is not their native language and who have not received an undergraduate degree from a university or college in an English speaking country also must submit their TOEFL scores. Please visit the Graduate Admissions' Frequently Asked Questions for details.
  4. Statement of Purpose
  5. Letters of Recommendation
    Please refer to: http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/quicklinks/faq.html#documents
  6. Academic Writing Sample (supplemental)
    The academic writing sample can be on any topic and may either be something you have previously written or something written specifically for the application. It should be 10-15 pages (double-spaced) and should showcase your academic writing ability.
  7. Prerequisites (supplemental)
    The core of the International Policy Studies curriculum assumes that students have completed the following:
    • Microeconomics (Stanford equivalent: Econ 51)
    • Macroeconomics (Stanford equivalent: Econ 52)
    • International economics, including both finance and trade (Stanford equivalents: Econ 165 and Econ 166)
    • Calculus-based course in introductory statistics (Stanford equivalent: Econ 102A or Poli Sci 150A)

These requirements must be completed prior to matriculation. It is not permissible to complete these courses during the IPS program. It is not required to have all prerequisites completed at the time of application, however incomplete prerequisite coursework may make it more difficult to assess that portion of your application. Course descriptions for the Stanford equivalents of the prerequisite courses can be found on the Explore Courses website. It is recommended that applicants review the Stanford equivalents of the prerequisite courses in order to gauge their preparedness and familiarize themselves with the core competencies incoming students are expected to have.

Supplemental Application Materials

The Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies requires the following supplemental items:

  1. Academic writing sample (10-15 pages, double-spaced; 10 or 12-pt. font; any topic)
  2. Resume or curriculum vitae

If you are unable to attach the writing sample and resume to the web-based application, you may send them to the address below. Transcripts should also be sent to this address.

Please send supplemental application materials to:

Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies
216 Encina Hall West
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6045

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available and there is no separate process to apply for fellowship money from the IPS program. During the first year, there will be a select number of fellowships given while a combination of assistantships and fellowships will be offered to a select number of students in their second year. Admitted students will be notified of a fellowship offer in their letter of acceptance. Please be sure to denote your interest in financial aid on the application.

Post Application Details

Notification letters, including any offer of financial assistance, will be sent to applicants in mid-March. Admitted students must respond to the offer of admission by April 15. Students who respond after that date cannot be guaranteed a place in the program.

All inquiries should be directed to: jjachter@stanford.edu or (650) 725-9155. Please do not send email or written requests/inquiries to the Faculty Director. Our address and physical location is:

Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies
216 Encina Hall West
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6045

Campus Visits & Information Sessions

Applicants who are admitted into the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies are invited to visit campus in early April 2010 (date to be determined) to learn more about the program, meet faculty and current students, sit in on some classes and tour the campus. Applicants will receive more information about this event once admissions decisions have been made.

Printed Materials

Currently IPS does not maintain printed admissions or general information materials. All of the program details are available on our website. If you are unable to access the Internet and are in need of printed materials, please contact us and we will try to accommodate you. If you would like information regarding admissions, please visit the Stanford Office of Graduate Admissions.