- Do I have to take the GRE? Can the GMAT or LSAT be taken in lieu of the GRE?
The GRE is traditionally required of all external MIP applicants. We cannot accept quantitative résumés, GMAT or LSAT scores in lieu of the GRE. However, the GRE requirement has been waived for Fall 2025 applicants. The application review process will be GRE blind.
- Can I use my GRE scores if they are more than five years old?
No. Stanford University requires GRE scores to be no more than five years old. ETS does not maintain records of GRE exams taken more than five years ago. If ETS is unable to send your test scores to Stanford electronically, you will need to retake the exam.
- Can I substitute work experience for the GRE?
No. Work experience is not a substitute for the GRE exam.
- What is the minimum GPA or GRE score?
Most applicants to the MIP program have a GPA above 3.5 and GRE scores in the 90th percentile. Because MIP applicants come from universities in every part of the world, we consider each application in its entirety, weighing grades and test scores along with career and internship experience.
- What is the minimum TOEFL score?
Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Stanford requires a minimum score of a 100 on the TOEFL. Applicants who are admitted into the MIP program typically score 105 or higher.
- Can I take the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL?
No, Stanford does not accept IELTS scores.
- Can the TOEFL requirement be waived?
The TOEFL requirement is set at the University-level rather than at the program-level. Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned (or will earn, before enrolling at Stanford) a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provided in English. Please review the Office of Graduate Admissions' policy on Required Exams. In some cases, applicants may submit a TOEFL Waiver Request Form after submitting their application.
- When should I take the GRE/TOEFL exam?
We strongly recommend that you take both exams by early to mid-December. Scheduling tests after mid-December is risky because ETS scores can take up to six weeks to be sent to the MIP program's database. Scores that do not arrive by late January may not be included in an applicant's file when the Admissions Committee begins its review period.
- What is the institution and program code for the GRE/TOEFL?
Stanford University's institution code is 4704. No program code is needed.
