FAQ

Frequently asked questions by prospective PhD students
Can I apply to receive a Master's degree in Economics?
No, we do not offer a terminal MA degree in Economics. You can only apply to the PhD program and then add the MA as an additional degree once in the program.
I have taken the GRE more than once. Which score will be considered for my application?
We will consider your highest score on each section of the exam as long as the exam was taken no more than five years prior to our application deadline.
Will you accept my GMAT score?
No, we only accept the GRE. There are no subsitutions.
I am an international student, but I am currently in a MA program in the U.S. Do I need to submit a TOEFL score?
The TOEFL score requirement is waived for international students who have spent two or more years at an institution where instruction was given in English.
Do you have a minimum GRE score?
Most of our successful applicants score a perfect 800 on the quantitative section of the GRE, and at least a 4.5 on the analytical section. If you do not score at least a 780 on the quantitative section and a 4.0 on the analytical section, we recommend that you re-take the exam and try to improve your score. In the admission process, the verbal section of the test is not as heavily weighted.
Is there a department code for ETS to use in order to send my test scores?
No, there are no individual department codes, only the Stanford University score recipient code which is 4704.
Frequently asked questions by current PhD students
When does math camp begin?
A math refresher course is offered to new incoming PhD students during the four weeks prior to the start of autumn quarter. This is an informal review which does not require enrollment.
When are comprehensive exams given?
The micro, macro and metrics comprehensive exams are held in late May/June (last three weeks of spring quarter), with a make-up exams in September, the week before the autumn quarter begins.
How many chances do I get to pass the comprehensive exams?
You must pass all three comprehensive exams prior to the start of your second year.
What do most Stanford Econ PhD students do during their first summer?
You must be enrolled in order to receive a fellowship stipend. First year students on fellowship enroll in a directed reading with their advisor, which does not require the student to remain in residence at Stanford. In addition, students may:
- Work as a research assistant
- Work for an economic consulting firm
- Study to retake failed comps (note that comp results may not be available until late June)
- Travel
Can I select finance as a field and take courses in the Business School to fulfill the field requirements?
Yes, you can choose finance as one of your fields. GSB624, 625, and 626 are automatically accepted as field courses, GSB620 is not accepted. Other courses outside of Econ must be pre-approved by the DGS in order to fulfill field or distribution requirements.