Frequently Asked Questions - Applying

No. All majors are welcome. Majors in the Humanities, Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science have participated in all three quarters of the BSIW Program.

Yes, you can attend and an overseas program in addition to the BSIW Program. However, be sure to carefully calculate your units and develop a prudent study plan for your remaining time at Stanford. Do not count on classes to be offered every quarter or on obtaining credit in your major for all of your classes taken at SIW or BOSP. However, if you plan carefully, you may very well be able to participate in the BSIW Program and go abroad as well. Many SIW students have done both and find that the experiences complement each other.

There is no definitive GPA requirement. We take into account your major and coursework in evaluating your transcript. Please be aware that many agencies and organizations routinely request transcripts when considering applicants for internships. We take everything including your personal statement, reference, as well as your transcript, into account when considering your application.

No. We do not accept students during the spring quarter of their senior year or their last quarter at Stanford.

Of course! We encourage you to reapply, you may wish to check in with our staff about how your application could be strengthened. To reapply view the Instructions for Reapplying. 

There is no specific required coursework to attend the BSIW Program. It is useful to have coursework related to the topics you are interested in exploring in your internship appear on your transcript. Certain internships may require that you have taken coursework in particular areas: economics, for example. Please contact us with questions regarding your specific interests.

No, the cost of attending SIW are roughly the same as the costs on campus. You will pay the same Stanford tuition that you do on campus. Our room and board charges are roughly equivalent to those on campus, because there are a variety of options on campus our rates may be slightly lower or higher than your campus housing. You will not pay campus activities fees for the quarter you are away.

If you are on financial aid they will adjust your standard budget to take into account any increased costs associated with SIW such as the distance traveled to arrive at SIW from your home or the purchase of new clothing or an additional meal.

Every student regardless of financial aid status does receive an internship stipend from the program (this is subject to the FAO stipend policy.) There are also some student work hours available through the program, that will not conflict with your internship, coursework, or other program activities.

We do not want any student to feel that their financial situation will limit them from attending the program and our program staff are committed to enabling everyone to participate. Please consult us for more information about your specific situation.