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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which programs are available?
  2. How can I apply for the Master’s program?
    You must first apply through the Stanford GSE website, you may learn more about the MA programs they offer by visiting https://ed.stanford.edu/academics/masters. You may apply by visiting https://ed.stanford.edu/admissions. Then, once accepted, you may be considered for the Lemann Center fellowship to help support your MA program. To learn more about the fellowship MA programs we support please visit: https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/masters
     
  3. Is there an FAQ for Master's program admissions?
    Yes, you may view their FAQ it answers the most common program questions, deadlines and application process, financial aid questions, GRE questions, TOEFL, and much more by visiting https://ed.stanford.edu/admissions/faq.
     
  4.  What if my TOEFL does not meet the requirements?
    The requirements for English proficiency vary depending on which program you are applying to:
    •  If you apply to an MA program, Your TOEFL must meet the requirements and be recent within the last 18 months. TOEFL is required from all applicants whose first language is not English regardless of citizenship. Tests must be taken prior to the program’s application deadline and application submission. Self-reported scores should be recorded on the application. Exception: Individuals who have completed (not only attended) a bachelor’s degree or a master's degree (or the equivalent of either degree) at a recognized institution where all instruction is provided in English. This does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken, though not all courses were provided in English. For more details, please visit the Stanford GSE FAQ https://ed.stanford.edu/admissions/faq and scroll to the English proficiency section.
    • If you apply to our Visiting Program, language skills for the Visiting Program are based on the J1 Visa requirements for English Proficiency. TOEFL is still required from all applicants whose first language is not English. However, if your TOEFL is not recent, or your score does not meet the requirements we can schedule a phone interview to assess your English the scores are from one through four (one being not satisfactory and four being above satisfactory). The minimum score to pass must be above two.
       
  5. What is the level of English Proficiency required?
    • For all programs, the minimum TOEFL scores required are 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test, and 100 for the internet-based test.
    • Exception: If you apply to our Visiting Scholar program, language skills on the Visiting Program are based on the J1 Visa requirements for English Proficiency. The minimum requirements still apply, however, if your TOEFL is not recent, or your score does not meet the requirements, we can schedule a phone interview to assess your English which would be another acceptable form of the English proficiency assessment. We base this on a score from 1-4 (1 being not satisfactory to 4 being above satisfactory)
       
  6. How recent must the TOEFL score be?
    The TOEFL scores submitted to Stanford must be from a test taken within the last 18 months.
     
  7.  How can I learn more about LDT?
    You can learn more by watching our LDT info session: https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/events.  
    You may also learn more about LDT by visiting the program website https://ed.stanford.edu/ldt.
    All other MA program websites are also available by visiting our website https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/masters.
     
  8. Do you need to have a background in the exact subjects to apply for this program?
    Yes, your areas of interest must align     with the research areas of the Lemann Center faculty directors.
    You can learn more by taking a look at the MA programs we support and by learning more about our mission statement at https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/mission and https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/lemann-center-visiting-fellowship-program-stanford.
  9. How does the selection process work?
    The selection process is done in two stages. First, you apply, and then the faculty reviews the applications submitted. It is up to their discretion whom they select. To learn specifics please visit https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/lemann-center-visiting-fellowship-program-stanford, and select the "Application Form" tab.
     
  10. Can we reach out to past fellows for questions?
    Yes, you can access the people section on our website and reach out to our alumni who have their contact information on their profiles. You may view the profiles by visiting https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/who-we-are.
     
  11. Are IELTS scores accepted in place of the TOEFL?
    No, Stanford nor the Lemann Center accept IELTS scores instead of the TOEFL.
     
  12. What Areas of experience does one must have before applying to MA programs?
    Your areas of experience may vary as long as your research interests align with that of the Lemann Center or MA/doctoral program you apply for. To learn more about the Lemann Center programs you may visit https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/lemann-center-visiting-fellowship-program-stanford, and to learn more about the Lemann Center research interests please visit https://lemanncenter.stanford.edu/mission.
     
  13. Where can I find contact information for the Lemann Center, application deadlines, and questions?
    You can find the latest announcements on our website and social media platforms listed below.