#  PhD Admissions FAQ 

 



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Frequently asked questions related to the Department of Statistics Ph.D. admissions process. Learn more about the [Ph.D. admissions process](https://gsas.harvard.edu/programs-of-study/all/statistics).



 

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###    What is a qualified applicant's likelihood for admission?  expand\_more  

 Admission to the PhD program is extremely competitive, so it is difficult to assess any qualified applicant's likelihood of admittance. However, on average, we admit approximately 10% of qualified applicants 



 

 

 



###    What is the application deadline?  expand\_more  

 The complete online application, fee, and supporting materials (including official GRE scores) are due by December 1, 2024, 5:00 pm EST, for September 2025 enrollment. We cannot make exceptions for late applications. Applications that are not complete when the faculty begin reviewing them will not receive full consideration.

 



 

 

 



###    Can I start the program in the spring?  expand\_more  

 No. Students may only enroll in the fall. 



 

 

 



###    Can I apply to two different GSAS degree programs at the same time?  expand\_more  

 Yes, but two separate applications are required, each with its own supporting letters of recommendation, transcript, GRE scores, etc. Each department will then independently consider the application. If admission is granted to both programs, the applicant will need to decide in which program to enroll. Once admitted, note that students may cross-register in courses offered by the other program, so there is flexibility to design a program that suits his/her needs and interests. 



 

 

 



###    Is a Math or Stats major required for admission?  expand\_more  

 No, but it is helpful. An applicant should have the equivalent math background of Mathematics 21a and 21b (see Harvard course catalog), at minimum. Students who do not have that level may not compete well against undergraduate math or statistics majors in admissions and will struggle in upper-level statistics courses 



 

 

 



###    Is the GRE required?  expand\_more  

 The GRE is optional, not required. Students who wish to submit GRE scores can follow [instructions on the GSAS website](https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply/applying-degree-programs/completing-your-application/gre). The institution code is 3451. 



 

 

 



###    What are the guidelines for proficiency in the English language for an international applicant?  expand\_more  

 Applicants who are non-native English speakers and who received their undergraduate degree from an institution where English is not the primary language of instruction must prove their English proficiency by earning either a minimum score of 80 on the Internet based test (iBT) of the [**Test of English as a Foreign Language**](http://www.ets.org/toefl) (TOEFL) or a minimum score of 6.5 on the [**International English Language Testing System**](http://ielts.org/) (IELTS) Academic test.” 



 

 

 



###    What is the TOEFL institution code for Harvard GSAS?  expand\_more  

 3451 



 

 

 



###    How much is tuition?  expand\_more  

 Please read the [GSAS "Cost of Attendance" website](https://gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support/cost-attendance#masterphd). 



 

 

 



###    Is Financial Aid available?  expand\_more  

 Virtually all PhD students are fully supported with a combination of tuition, stipend grants, teaching, and research assistantships. PhD students are required to work part-time during the academic year as teaching fellows and research assistants. Harvard University does not provide any financial aid for AM students, however AM students may be eligible for on-campus employment. 



 

 

 



###    What is the cost of living in Cambridge/Boston?  expand\_more  

 Please read the [GSAS "Cost of Attendance" website.](https://gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support/cost-attendance#othercosts)