PhD Program


application process

All prospective degree candidates should note that the program in Biomedical Informatics emphasizes research in novel computational methods aimed at advancing biology and medicine. The BMI program focuses on investigating new approaches to conceptual modeling in biology and medicine and on developing new algorithms to address challenging problems in these fields. Students who are seeking graduate work in biology that emphasizes computation or who wish to use computational methods in their pursuit of research questions in the natural sciences would be better suited for Stanford's graduate programs in the biosciences, including programs offered in departments such as Genetics, Structural Biology, and Developmental Biology.

Candidates may submit only one application at a time. The application may go to to the academic M.S. program, the professional M.S. program, or the Ph.D. program. Applications to the academic M.S. or Ph.D. programs are not accepted within 2 years of applying for the professional M.S. (unless the M.S. is awarded). The application process for the Academic Master’s and Ph.D. programs is the same.

Please refer to the funding page before starting the application process. Applicants are encouraged to check the FAQ page for frequently asked questions and answers about the admissions process. Candidates should not inquire about the status of their application. If materials are missing or have not been received, the BMI Admissions Officer will notify the applicant by January. All applicants will be informed of the final decision by the end of March.

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Admissions website to complete the formal Graduate Admissions application. The application will be available by September 15 for the 2008-2009 academic year. Please do not send application materials to the BMI program until after the Graduate Admissions application has been posted online.

Supplemental application, transcripts, photocopies of test scores, and CV must be sent via postal mail to:

BMI Admissions Officer
Stanford Medical Informatics
Stanford University School of Medicine, MSOB X-215
251 Campus Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5479

We are no longer accepting PhD applications for Fall 2007. The application deadline for Fall 2008 enrollment is December 11, 2007. The updated BMI Supplemental Application is now available.

Formal application forms are required by the University. All applicants may begin to apply now online at Graduate Admissions for Fall 2008 enrollment. This year's application fee is $105. The application fee when applying online is paid only by credit card including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. You are strongly encouraged to apply online. The fee for applying on paper is $20.00 in addition to the regular fee for all applicants. The formal application is submitted online.

Checklist of required application materials:
(Please do not staple pages together)

Submit formal application online
Register, complete, and submit the formal application online through the Graduate Admissions website.

Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is an important component of the application for graduate study. The Admissions Committee will be reading the statement of purpose carefully to determine how well your aspirations align with the mission of the BMI Training Program. The Admissions Committee will want to know why you are applying for a degree in Bioinformatics rather than in Computer Science or the Biomedical Sciences. In writing the statement of purpose, please provide the Admissions Committee how your previous training prepares you for the work you will complete at Stanford and how your participation in our training program will enable you to achieve your goals.

2007 Supplemental Application
The SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION FORM is available through the BMI website. Print and send as a hard copy with the transcripts, copies of test scores, and CV.

Letters of Recommendation
We require three letters of recommendation; two letters must come from a current or previous academic or research advisor. If your background includes industrial experience or entrepreneurial activities, you may wish to include one reference who can comment on that part of your experience. Indicate on the recommendation form whether or not you are waiving your right to see the letter. You can obtain the recommendation form pdf OR you may utilize the provision in the online application. Many recommenders prefer to submit letters directly on-line.

Recommendations not submitted on-line must be sent to:

BMI Admissions Officer
Stanford Medical Informatics
Stanford University School of Medicine, MSOB X-215
251 Campus Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5479

GRE scores
GRE scores are required of all applicants. U.S.-trained physicians may submit MCAT scores. GRE scores should be no older than five years. Please contact the BMI program if your MCAT scores are older than five years. The Stanford GRE institution code is R4704. The BMI program does not consider the subject tests. You must submit a photocopy of your GRE or MCAT scores to the BMI program in addition to entering your scores in the online application and requesting them from ETS .

TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
Scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Note that individuals who have completed a U.S. bachelor's degree or a two-year master's degree (or the equivalent of either degree) at a recognized institution where all instruction is provided in English are not required to submit TOEFL scores. This exception does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken, but not all courses were taught in English. Being a citizen of the United States does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL. If your first language is not English, you must meet the exception above or submit TOEFL scores. If you are unsure about your situation, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office. You must submit a photocopy of your TOEFL scores directly to the BMI program in addition to entering your scores in the online application and requesting them from ETS.

Transcripts
Please submit two original, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended full-time for one year or more. Send them directly to the BMI program.

Curricular Vitae
Please submit an updated CV to the BMI program.

The university is committed to the principles of affirmative action in the admission of students and in the employment of faculty and staff and does not use any racial, religious, ethnic, geographic, or sex-related quotas.

 

 

Updated 9/13/07