Applying to Graduate Programs in Materials Science and Engineering
Application Deadline
Applications for the Fall of 2008-09 academic year are available on-line beginning in September. Stanford strongly encourages using the on-line application process (though paper applications are available upon petition to the Graduate Admissions Office). The official deadline for applications is noon on December 4, 2007. We need all data by the deadline.
The Best Way to Apply is On-Line
The most efficient, effective and least costly way for prospective graduate students to apply to Stanford University is via the world wide web (www) through the Graduate Admissions Office at: http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu. The fee for online graduate applications is $105.00. Please see the Graduate Admissions website for instructions on requesting a paper application.
The application consists of the basic University application form, a set of test scores - GRE, and TOEFL scores if applicable, a statement of purpose about why you want to study materials science at Stanford University, three original letters of recommendation, and two copies of official transcripts from all the schools you have attended for one year or longer.
We request your email address on the application form. Please make sure this is up-to-date and accurate as we will mainly be in touch with you through email. Please also provide a mailing address where mailed materials will reach you.
The University application is found through the website given above and you must access it through the Graduate Admissions website. You are required to read the information provided there prior to applying. (Any general graduate admission information given on this website is subject to revision by the Graduate Admissions Office.) Remember that the GRE and TOEFL tests must be taken early enough for us to receive the test scores by the application deadline. (Mailing, FAXing or emailing your GRE/TOEFL test scores to us will enable us to have them sooner and is very helpful in addition to the required official scores.)
Applying Early Benefits You
We urge you to apply early. The Student Services Manager of the department is Fi Verplanke, email: verplanke@stanford.edu. Please make every attempt to get your application done and questions answered early. The student services coordinator will also be available to answer questions. (Doris Chan, email: dschan@stanford.edu).
Late Applications on a Space-Available-Only Basis
We can only accept late applications if there is still space in our incoming class. Please contact the department if you are unable to apply by the December 4th, 2007 deadline. Financial aid is highly unlikely if you miss the December 4th, 2007 deadline.
Full-Time Study Starts Fall Quarter
Full time Ph.D. and M.S. students generally begin during the Fall Quarter. Starting a different quarter is highly unlikely due to the nature and structure of our program.
Part-Time Study Available
We do offer the M.S. degree through the Stanford Center for Professional Development on a part-time basis for working students. Students who participate in this program may begin in Fall, Winter or Spring and can apply accordingly.
Obtaining Both M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees
If you expect to obtain both an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. degree, apply to the Ph.D. program only. Apply to the M.S. program only if you want a terminal M.S. degree. We do not accept direct applications for the Engineer's degree program.
Suitable Backgrounds
Any engineering discipline or related science discipline (i.e., physics, chemistry, etc.), or mathematics is a good base for graduate study in materials science and engineering.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose should be completed with the on-line application. You do not need to send additional paper copies. Letters of recommendation can be sent on-line by your recommender if you chose that route and follow the instructions given in the application. You may also send sealed and signed original letters or have your recommender mail them directly to us. You will need TWO COPIES of official transcripts. You can collect all of these things together in sealed envelopes and mail them to us in one packet (easier for us) or have them mailed separately. Send them to: Student Services Office, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 416 Escondido Mall, Bldg. 550, Rm. 551-F, Stanford, CA 94305-2205. Please DO NOT mail these things to the Graduate Admissions Office.
Notification of Admission Decisions
We make admissions decisions first, then make financial aid offers from among those students who have been accepted to the Ph.D. program. You will receive emails as well as letters regarding any admissions decisions and financial aid you may be offered. If you are admitted to our Ph.D. program, you will be invited to visit Stanford February 21-23 to meet the faculty and current students, and get a feel for graduate life here. We will ask if you plan to attend the visit day when you are accepted.
Campus Housing
On campus housing is promised to first year students willing to accept any housing assignment AND who apply by the housing deadline which is in early May, so submitting your application on time and making your school choice is important for that reason.
We look forward to receiving your application and are willing to do whatever we can to help you get through the process of submitting it. Please contact us with any questions you have at: matsciengr@stanford.edu. We will get back to you as soon as we can.