Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to major in the social sciences to attend the BSIW Program?

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

Can I apply for the spring quarter of my senior year?

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

Can I apply as a sophomore?

Sophomores may apply for Winter and Spring quarters, juniors and seniors will have priority to attend the program.

Can I attend an overseas program and the BSIW Program?

If you plan carefully, you should 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.

Is there a minimum GPA for admission?

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 essays, resume, and your transcript, into account when considering your application.

Is there any required coursework for attending the BSIW Program?

There is no specific required coursework to attend the BSIW Program. However, we encourage  you to take coursework related to the type of internship you will be seeking, if you are not sure what this means program staff are happy to discuss this.

I applied to the Program, but was not admitted. Can I apply again?

Of course! We encourage you to reapply. To reapply follow the directions in Section 5, entitled reapplying, on our Instructions page.

What will I be doing in my internship?

Nearly all interns are required to do some degree of administrative work- including answering phones, making copies, etc. However, BSIW Program interns are guaranteed to have some substantive aspect to their internship, such as:

• Research projects
• Writing letters to constituents and members of Congress
• Attending briefings and hearings around town and reporting back to office staff
• Drafting memos
• And much more!

What do you mean by "full time" internship?

Full time internships average 35 to 40 hours per week, not including commuting time. Most interns work a traditional workweek: Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM or 6PM. Some organizations will require their interns to arrive earlier in the morning or stay later in the evening. This depends on the schedules of the key policymakers in your office and the nature of the work.

Academics

How can I get credit in my major for classes taken at SIW?

It is up to your department whether they will give credit for a SIW course. If your department has a list of outside courses that have previously received credit look for the code SIW. In the past, many departments have given credit for our classes and we are happy to provide syllabi or any other information you may need to help you get credit.

When and how can I register for classes?

You can register for classes when enrollment opens for the quarter. SIW courses are Stanford courses and you enroll just as you would on campus, all of our courses are listed as SIW in Navigate. Please note, the course schedule will not appear and will be distributed upon arrival at Stanford in Washington or a few weeks before.  Students are able to shop for classes at SIW; however, all campus deadlines must be followed.

Do any SIW classes count toward Ways?

Some do, if a course at SIW counts toward one of the Ways that information will appear in Navigate.

General

Will the BSIW Program cost more than a quarter on campus?

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.

How much free time will I have?

The schedule with internships and classes is busy. However, if you manage your time well you should have many opportunities on the weekends to explore Washington. Our students regularly explore the restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, museums, and cultural venues throughout the city.

Can the BSIW Program accommodate varsity athletes?

Of course! Many varsity athletes have attended the BSIW Program over the years. Your coach may be able to help you plan a workout schedule, which takes into account your work schedule here in Washington and the availability of exercise facilities. There is a small gym in the SIW building and larger gyms nearby. There are also many great places to run in the area.

Can SIW accommodate students with a disability?

Yes. We will work with the Office of Accessible Education on campus to make sure students can be accommodated, as they are on the main campus. We have ramps and elevators, which provide wheelchair access to the entire building. There is also a wheelchair accessible shower in one of the student rooms. We also have one single for students and if space is available we grant more students single room accommodations. To qualify for a single, the Office of Accessible Education on the main campus must grant you a single or private sleeping space. There are many more housing options available on campus so what is possible on campus may not always be possible at SIW, we encourage you to consult with your OAE Advisor.

Can I bring a car to SIW?

No! There are many alternative means of transportation in Washington, DC, but the center does not have any parking.