We are glad you are considering applying to the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies. Below you will find detailed information regarding the application process. You will want to use the information below as well as the information found on the Stanford Office of Graduate Admissions website in order to complete your application.

APPLICATION

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 is January 6, 2009. 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 International Policy Studies program. 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 2009).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A complete application includes the following:

1. Application form
2. Official transcripts (2)
3. GRE and TOEFL scores
4. Statement of purpose
5. Letters of recommendation
6. Academic writing sample (10-15 pages)
7. Area of concentration & prerequisites form
8. Application fee (paid at time of submission)

Detailed Explanation of the Application Materials

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

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are also 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:

- calculus-based course in introductory statistics
- microeconomics
- macroeconomics
- international economics

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.

This year’s application includes a supplemental form where applicants should provide information on completed or in progress prerequisite coursework. Details on the Stanford equivalents for the prerequisite courses can be found at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/bulletin/current/schoolofh&s.html This is the University Bulletin website for the Division of Humanities and Sciences. It includes detailed program information for all academic programs within the division. Applicants may want to visit the University Bulletin PDF for International Policy Studies as it provides the formal explanation of prerequisite requirements. Following this applicants should consider reviewing the course descriptions for the prerequisite courses by visiting the University Bulletin PDF for Economics and Political Science.

SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION MATERIALS

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

1. Academic writing sample
2. Area of Concentration & Prerequisite form (download found at the bottom of the page)
3. Resume or curriculum vitae recommended (but not required)

The Area of Concentration & Prerequisite form listed above should be downloaded from the bottom of the page. Please fill out both sections and attach it as a supplemental document to the web-based application form. The prerequisite section asks you to point out the course(s) you have taken that fulfill each of the prerequisites. There is also a section to provide additional details should you desire to do so.

A resume or CV may also be included with your application materials. It may be the case that the resume/CV needs to be cut and pasted as additional pages to one of the other supplemental items as the web-based application

form allows a limited number of attachments.
If you are unable to attach the forms to the web-based application, you may also 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.

INQUIRIES

All inquiries should be directed to: ips-stanford@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

POST-APPLICATION DETAILS

Notification

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Campus Visits & Information Sessions

Currently the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies does not offer a formal prospective applicant event. If you would like to visit us, we ask that you contact the program in advance of your visit so that arrangements can be made. Usually we are able to arrange for things like sitting in on classes, talking with current students, taking a campus tour, and meeting with the advising team. Please note that it is not always possible to meet with faculty members. Also, Friday is not a good day to visit if you want to attend class as there are no IPS (or related) courses. Additionally, summertime is a great time to visit Palo Alto but it is not the best time to visit IPS as our faculty have irregular schedules and we do not offer summer courses. We would be happy to meet with you over the summer but we want to forewarn you of the limited resources.

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.