Prepare Required Documents

Documents That Must Accompany Your Application

You will need to submit the three types of documents detailed here with your application in order to be considered. All of the detail you will need about these documents is provided below.

Statement of Purpose

Describe in your statement of purpose:

• Your reasons for applying to the proposed program at Stanford and your preparation for this field of study
• Your research and study interests
• Future career plans and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study

Your statement should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced).

When applying online: You will be asked to upload your statement as a text file. You may upload one file (not to exceed two pages in length). Make sure to set your computer to a Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to print your statement if it is submitted in other fonts.

If you are applying on paper, include the statement (not to exceed two pages in length) of purpose with your application.

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Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required.

At least one letter should be a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student (unless you have been out of school for more than five years).

Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work.

NOTE: you must input the name and contact information of each recommender provider in the online application Recommendation Provide list.

Submitting Recommendations

Online Submission - When you apply online, recommenders may submit their letters and evaluations using our online recommendation system.

Letters of recommendation cannot be emailed or faxed; they will be rejected.

Paper Submission – Recommenders who wish to submit on paper must complete the Recommender Evaluation Form.

1. Download the Recommender Evaluation Form from the “Downloadable Forms” link in your online application.
2. Follow the instructions at the top of the form and complete the waiver statement at the bottom.
3. Send your recommenders the form and provide them with the application deadline and mailing address of your department. See Mailing Instructions. DO NOT send the downloaded form to a recommender if he/she will be using the online recommendation system.
4. Recommenders should seal their letters in letterhead envelopes (if possible), and sign across the seal.

Important: Regardless of which method your recommenders choose, you must input their names and contact information in the online application Recommendation Provider List.

If you are applying on paper – the Recommender Evaluation Form must accompany each recommendation. You are responsible for providing the form to each of your recommenders.

Recommenders should seal their letters in letterhead envelopes (if possible), sign across the seal, and mail them directly to the department. Be sure to provide your recommenders with the department address (see Mailing Instructions) and inform them of the application deadline.

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Transcripts (Academic Records)

Arrange to have two official transcripts from every postsecondary institution you have attended for at least one year as a full-time student sent directly to the department to which you are applying (NOT to Graduate Admissions). See Mailing Materials.

Transcripts must bear the official seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar.

All records should clearly indicate the name under which you are applying to Stanford.

Note to International Applicants

• Academic records should give detailed information on the content and quality of your performance, courses taken each year, and grades received. The grading scale of the institution and your rank in class should be noted whenever possible.
• Degrees must be verified by official copies of diplomas or conferral statements on academic records.
• Academic records must be original documents bearing the institutional seal and official signature of the Registrar or copies verified by a school administrative officer.
• If the institution does not issue records in English, original language records must be submitted with official English translations. We accept translations issued by the institution or a professional translating service. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

The University reserves the right to require additional academic documents. If we are unable to verify the nature or authenticity of your academic documents, we may ask you to obtain an evaluation from a foreign credential evaluation service.

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