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news for & about the philosophy profession

Philosophy Majors and the GRE: Updated Data (w/updates)

When students are compared by major on how far above average they do on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), a standardized test used in many disciplines to assess applicants to graduate programs, philosophy majors come out on top, according to a new look at test score data over the past few years.

If you just add up raw scores from the three sections, Philosophy doesn’t have the highest total score. But, because of the different standard deviations for each section, you might think that what’s more interesting is how  far  above average students are scoring on each section, i.e. how many standard deviations above the mean for all students is the mean score for each major. When you do that, and take the average number of standard deviation from the mean for all three sections, Philosophy majors are on top. And that seems to be because of how exceptionally well they do on the Verbal and Writing sections, which makes up for their relatively modest (but still well above average!) score on the Quantitative section. 

Below is a table showing mean GRE scores, by major. In addition to performing better than all others in terms of standard deviations above the mean, philosophy majors score higher than all others on the Verbal and Writing sections of the exam. They also score higher than all other humanities majors on the Quantitative section of the exam. (Note: the following table is a revised version of the one originally included in this post. Thanks to Tom Hurka for spotting a problem with the original table.)

UPDATE 2:  Professor Bogardus made a new chart that includes more of the majors:

And here is the same information presented differently:

I feel like an idiot for asking this but here goes:

How is it that, on average, pretty much every major scores above the mean? What majors are scoring below the mean?

The testing center is in Lake Woebegone.

A couple of guesses: (i) some of the majors here that do score below the mean are very large majors; (ii) there are quite a few majors not listed here.

I don’t understand the Writing (Converted) scores, where higher gross scores seem to result in lower converted scores.

Can you give an example of a couple majors for which this is true? I’m not seeing it.

Oh, because it’s been fixed.

Not Clever: That’s a good question. Professor Norcross is right: I didn’t include all the majors in the data table. Really, just the ones I thought were most popular. Also, on the chart, I didn’t include majors with negative values for distance from the mean, because it made the chart pretty cluttered and messy. (Somewhat regrettable, since it might have been useful to have Business Admin appear on the chart…) If you look at the data table, you’ll see some majors that are below the mean. And if you check the complete data sets, you’ll see even more majors.

Tom Hurka: You’re right! Thanks for catching that! I had input the formula incorrectly to convert the Writing score to a 130-170 point scale. (My bad! I had it right on a second sheet, which I didn’t include with the Excel spreadsheet I’d sent Justin. But then I just flat out input it wrong. Mea maxima culpa.) I’ve sent Justin a corrected version.

And you can access the Excel Spreadsheet here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rb3fkknb50lu7d5/GRE%20Data%20%28no%20graph%29.xlsx?dl=0

So, even with the correction, Philosophy still is not on top with the combined raw score (looks like we’re #2 behind Physics&Astronomy), but this error didn’t affect the average #SD from the mean calculation at all. Philosophy is still #1 there.

Thanks again!

Thanks, Tomas. I’ve now updated the post with the revised table and spreadsheet.

It seems like there might be some interest in a chart that includes more majors, including ones like Business Administration, as well as Accounting. The result is a little less pretty, and the font is definitely smaller, but in case you might find it useful, I’ll include it here:

Can you do it with the majors on the y-axis and the scores on the x-axis, so the fonts don’t have to be so tiny?

Good idea! This is stretching my MS Excel skills to the limit, but how does this look? 🙂

It’s probably worth clarifying that the major grouping is based on intended graduate major and not undergrad major (though there’s overlap obviously) – see description at top here https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_guide_table4.pdf . That is, a philosophy major who intended to go to law school would be filed under the “law” bin in this data.

Oof, yes, good point! I hadn’t thought of that. Definitely worth clarifying. Though one might think there won’t be tooooo many law-school-bound philosophy majors taking the GRE, no? I’d think they’d probably be taking the LSAT… But, yes, definitely worth pointing out! I’m not aware that ETS keeps track of the actual majors of their test takers, which would be nice data to have.

Curious–if that’s the case, then what’s wrong with this simple explanation. Philosophy graduate admissions is highly competitive and a bit niche, and so the vast majority of philosophy majors applying to graduate philosophy programs are very strong students. Very strong students tend to better on the GRE. Compared to, for example physics and astronomy, I would guess (though I could be wrong) that you don’t need to be a top student in order to gainfully apply to graduate school.

This also explains why more humanities (religion/theology, english, foreign languages) appear at the top. I would guess (though again I could be wrong) that a majority of those applicants are either applying to PhD programs or to master’s with an interest in a PhD, and hence those students will be fairly strong. Terminal MAs in philosophy are a thing, but from what I understand most are geared towards the PhD. But there are more, e.g. Biological/Biomedical sciences graduate programs where a PhD or other highly competitive program is not the aim. In other words, there are useful programs for weaker students in the sciences, but there are very few for the humanities.

Are there any interpretations of the data that suggest that this isn’t what’s going on? I have no agenda, just curious.

Yes, this is what I was thinking. Another factor is the relative importance that the fields place on the GRE. Some fields rely on the test more so than others. The more competitive a field is and the more they weight the GRE the higher the GRE scores we should expect from the majors. Another related factor is the type of person who is applying to graduate school in that discipline and whether they are going for a PhD or a MA. It’s irresponsible to use these data to suggest that a BA in philosophy causes you to perform better on the GRE.

I should have said this:

The more competitive a field is and the more they weight the GRE the higher the GRE scores we should expect from the applicants to that field.

It’s ages ago now, but back in 1989 I wrote a newspaper column about the then-version of these statistics, which the APA was publicizing, which also included the MCAT, GMAT, and LSAT. As I recall, the breakdown then was by undergrad major, not intended later subject of study, and the philosophers had the highest score on the LSAT as well as on the GRE verbal. The APA take-home was that philosophy students had the highest lowest rank of students from any discipline, i.e. their rank on the test they did worst on (GRE quantitative) was higher than the rank on their worst test by any other group, e.g. the physics students ranked lower on the GRE verbal than the philosophy students did on the GRE quantitative.

The headline my editor put on the column was “How to Get to the Top: Study Philosophy”, which I thought was nice. As others have noted, philosophy students’ performance on these tests has been consistent for many decades now.

Presumably, the point of compiling this data is to convince people that if they choose to major in Philosophy rather than, say, Psychology, they will end up with better cognitive skills – as evidenced by the difference in GRE scores for Philosophy majors as compared to Psychology majors. That may be so, but these GRE test score data don’t show that it is because they only give us subject variable comparisons. The experimental protocol required to establish a causal connection between choosing to major in Philosophy and having better cognitive skills, as reflected in higher GRE scores, would call for taking a large number of people, randomly assigning them to complete various undergrad majors, then getting all of them to take the GRE, and only then comparing the correlations between someone’s GRE score and their undergrad major. If the Philosophy majors stood out under these experimental conditions, then the claim that one can improve their cognitive skills by doing a Philosophy major instead of a Psychology major would indeed be established. Alas, from a practical point of view, such a properly orchestrated experiment cannot be carried out, of course. As it stands, it could be that the positive correlation between majoring in Philosophy and possessing the superior cognitive skills that enable one to achieve an above average GRE score is best explained by the superior training one’s receives in the course of completing the requirements for a Philosophy degree. But it could also be that the type of person who is attracted to the prospect of majoring in Philosophy will tend to have above average propensities for abstract and linear thought, mental compartmentalization, structured understanding, etc. as well as healthy supplies of mental curiosity, bookishness, introversion, etc. If this is so, then the best explanation of a person both choosing to major in Philosophy and scoring above average on the GRE is their possessing the distinctive combination of mental characteristics that they do. In that case, you are not really helping someone who is not constitutionally cut out for Philosophy by encouraging them to major in it anyway, in the hopes of improving their cognitive skills. More to the point, it’s just bad thinking to draw that inference from these data. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for increasing the number of Philosophy majors. But I don’t think Philosophers should continue to present a bad argument for this obviously laudable conclusion. That just defeats the purpose of what we do.

I agree. We don’t know the causal explanation for why philosophy majors do well on standardized tests, but if I were to make a bet I’d put my money on its being in very large part a selection effect (philosophy selects for a certain kind of person who does well on the GRE). All my experience with philosophy majors suggests to me that this is the case.

As I mentioned above, it would not just be a selection effect because philosophy selects for a certain kind of person, but the even stronger effect that philosophy *graduate school* selects for a certain kind of person.

I was pretty scrupulous in avoiding drawing any inferences, because it’s a very tricky topic! But I’ll go out on a limb here and say I think these graphs are evidence that Philosophy improves one’s ability to think critically. Because what if philosophers performed the very *worst* of any major on the GRE? I’d think that would count as evidence against the claim that Philosophy improves critical thinking. But then shouldn’t it follow that, if philosophers perform the very best of any major in the GRE, then this is evidence that Philosophy improves critical thinking?

Let’s call the hypothesis that Philosophy improves one’s ability to think critically, “H.” And the hypothesis that it doesn’t, “~H.” And the evidence that philosophers perform the very worst on the GRE, “E.” And the evidence that they don’t perform the very worst, “~E.”

John Hawthorne, Matthew Benton, and Yoaav Isaacs (2016) tell me this is a theorem of the probability calculus:

P(H|~E) > P(H) iff P(~H|E) > P(~H)

If you look at that right bijunct, that seems true in our case: the probability of ~H (the hypothesis that Philosophy doesn’t improve one’s ability to think critically) on E (the evidence that philosophers perform the very worst on the GRE) is greater than the intrinsic probability of ~H. If philosophers really performed the worst, that would be evidence that Philosophy doesn’t help critical thinking. (I think this might be the weakest link in this argument… But it seems to have a lot of truthiness, does it not?)

So, then, I suppose the right bijunct follows: the probability of H (that Philosophy *does* improve one’s ability to think critically) on evidence ~E (that philosophers do *not* perform the worst on the GRE) is greater than the intrinsic probability of H.

So that means that ~E raises the probability of H. Which means that the evidence I’ve shared (that philosophers don’t perform the worst on the GRE) is evidence that Philosophy improves one’s ability to think critically. A fortiori when the evidence is even stronger, namely that philosophers perform the very *best* on the GRE! 🙂

Feedback welcome! There’s quite possibly a mistake somewhere up there.

Sorry, I meant to say that my last comment was directed at Wayne Fenske. 🙂

Also, whoops, I wrote “I suppose the right bijunct follows” above, but I meant to say “I suppose the LEFT bijunct follows.” My bad. :-/

Suppose there is a selection effect, and call that proposition S. Then it’s true that P(~H|E&S) > P(~H), since if the top philosophy students were the ones taking the GRE, and they did poorly, then surely that’s evidence that philosophy does not improve critical thinking. But from the theorem you cite does it follow that P(H|~E&S) > P(H)? I don’t see why immediately, though maybe I’m wrong. What immediately follows is P(H|~(E&S)) > P(H). But intuitively no, since both (1) they didn’t test the worst and (2) only the best were tested don’t jointly seem to support that philosophy improves your critical thinking.

Just because these data don’t show that a philosophy degree *causes* students to do well does not mean it’s not useful or interesting data, or not worth compiling. If the criterion for gathering and reporting on data in the social sciences was ‘demonstrates a clear causal relationship’, we’d have much less social science research. I used to be our department’s undergraduate advisor. I had many conversations with students who worried (in part no doubt because their parents worried) that while philosophy was interesting, it wasn’t *useful*, was a waste of time, and would never lead to a good job. And it was always nice to be able to point to data like this to say, effectively, ‘students who study philosophy tend to do pretty well. Don’t worry that you’d be consigning yourself to a life of chronic underemployment.’ Maybe it’s all selection effect. (It’s definitely *partly* selection effect!) Maybe no undergraduate program actually teaches anyone any useful skills. But even so: if you’re the kind of student who is interested in studying philosophy but who worries about employability, you probably have the skills that the selection effect is selecting for. So study philosophy if you want to. I’d be very upfront with students that the data didn’t show any causal relationship and that it might all be selection effect, and they both understood and (I think) appreciated this point. They also saw the data as useful.

Why use average standard deviations above the mean instead of the average official total score (at which philosophers didn’t end up top)? Of course any score can be objected against, but the average official score is of obvious intrinsic interest. It’s less clear why this score is interesting (and why it’s more interesting than the official score).

Hi Stefan. 🙂 My thought was this: the different subsections have different standard deviations. That means some sections are “harder” than others, i.e. getting a high score on some sections puts you in a higher percentile than getting that very same score on other sections. https://www.mbacrystalball.com/gre/gre-score-percentiles

But then it could happen that two students (or groups of students) get the same total score across these different sections, even though one student (or group of students) managed to do that by getting higher scores on the “harder” sections. I’d think that, in a case like that, we should be more impressed by this student (or group).

My understanding is that z-scores (number of SDs from the mean) can let us measure this. If you look at the data table provided above, you’ll see that Physics&Astronomy and Philosophy have *almost* the same total score when you add up the three sections. But Philosophy managed to do this by getting more impressive scores on the “harder” sections. Significantly more impressive. So hooray for philosophers, and that’s worth noting. 🙂

But, I’m a total amateur at stats, so I could well be wrong about this!

This effectively means that one puts more weight on some sub-tests, and less on some sub-tests, than the test developers did. Presumably they had some reason for their weights. As stated, of course their relative weights could be criticised, as could any other relative weights, such as yours. But theirs is intrinsically interesting, because it is the official score which is used by, e.g. universities.

That’s not correct. The total GRE score has no particular meaning or significance from the point of view of the test constructors. It’s the subtests that are normed and scaled.

…and reported. Thus, if you want a composite score, you need to create it yourself. Bogardus’s way of doing it makes at least as much sense as simply adding up the scores on the subtests.

I think this approach makes sense. However, a major reason why the quantitative portion of the GRE has a lower ceiling than the verbal portion is not because it’s “objectively” easier, but simply because a huge number of non-native English speakers take the test.

Does anyone have recent data on annual salaries and salary growth by major? Particularly in an easily readable chart for including on a philosophy dept. poster?

Here’s one: http://dailynous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/salary.01.jpg

Florida State University

FSU | Department of Philosophy

Department of Philosophy

Graduate (ma/phd) admissions, ready to apply.

Click the appropriate link below to find instructions for the application procedure:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Once you submit your application, you will receive an e-mail with a link to your application status page.  The status page contains the modules for uploading your supporting documents and entering the contact information for your letter writers.

We ask that you submit three letters of recommendation, a resume/curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, copies of your test scores and transcripts, and a writing sample that does not exceed 20 double-spaced, typed pages.  Applicants must submit official test scores and transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

GRE scores are now an optional component of applications to our MA and PhD programs. The department reviews each application holistically, so, for those applicants who choose to submit GRE scores, these are merely one data point among several; they are not used to filter out any applications. And their absence has no negative impact. When GRE scores are not submitted, the applicant will be assessed entirely on the basis of the required materials as far as admission to the graduate program, and departmental funding, are concerned. However, GRE scores may have an impact on funding decisions outside the department’s influence, such as university-wide fellowships.

No, but you do need a background in Philosophy (or the equivalent of a minor in Philosophy, i.e., at least 12 credit hours)

The deadline to ensure full consideration of your application for admission and funding is  January 2nd . However, applications will be accepted until the final application deadline of March 31st.

PhD applicants who wish to be considered for the MA program if not accepted to the PhD program should indicate such interest at the end of their statement of purpose.

All applicants are automatically considered for a teaching assistantship by the department, and any student admitted to the program (either MA or PhD) is typically offered one. A teaching assistantship is a funding award that includes a stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance, and requires that the student work as a teaching assistant. In addition, there are some departmental fellowships available, which are offered to exceptional PhD applicants by the department. University fellowships are special financial awards offered by the university. They are competitive, with only a few being offered each year across all disciplines within the university. For a complete list of university fellowships and their requirements, please consult the FSU graduate school fellowships and grants page.

Neither the department nor the university has a minimum score requirement, but a competitive applicant to the PhD program will usually have scores at or above the 90 th percentile (162) on the verbal section and the 65 th percentile (156) on the quantitative. However, the department evaluates applicants using several additional criteria that may outweigh lower GRE scores.

Florida State University's institution code is 5219.

The university requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. Successful applicants will typically have a very strong background in Philosophy, with a GPA of 3.8 or higher

You may send them in one large envelope as long as you have each of your letter-writers seal the envelopes and sign across the seal before you collect the letters. Otherwise, the recommenders should mail their letters separately.

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Sometimes your application is complete with the Department of Philosophy, but incomplete with University Admissions. This situation can occur because the Department of Philosophy considers your file complete once we have the information required to make an admissions decision. University Admissions, however, will consider your application incomplete until they have received and processed your application fee and official copies of your transcripts and GRE scores. We cannot officially admit you until your file is complete with University Admissions.

We endeavor to make admissions decisions as early as possible in the calendar year, so we hope to inform applicants about their status by the end of February. We adhere to the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution concerning offers of funding, which sets an April 15 deadline for the acceptance of funding offers.

If you do not find your question or concern answered here, please contact Dr. James "Jack" Justus, Director of Graduate Studies, by e-mail at [email protected] or by completing the inquiry form below.

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General admissions information.

There is only one application round for our PhD program in Philosophy each year; c ompleted PhD applications are due on Thursday, December 14 . The Application for Admission and Financial Aid, with instructions, deadlines, and department-specific information, is administered through the divisional Office of the Dean of Students and is available is available online .

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Application facts (selected).

• The Department of Philosophy receives around 200-250 graduate applications per year from highly qualified applicants.
• We offer admission with the same full fellowship support package to about 5-10 applicants per year. 
• All faculty are intensively involved in the selection process (a four-phase process involving an admission committee and a full faculty vetting of the 30-40 most qualified candidates).
• The Department of Philosophy does not admit students who seek only a master’s degree, but, like all humanities departments here, we customarily refer a select group of qualified applicants to the University's Master of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH). (See below in this section for details.)
• Applicants will be notified of the results of their application for admission, at the latest, in early March.

Eligibility for the PhD Program

• A bachelors degree (or equivalent) is required to matriculate in our PhD program, although students needn't have finished that degree at the time of application.
• Some applicants may already have (or are working toward) master’s degree in Philosophy; note, however, that this is neither an asset nor a liability in the application process.
• Some applicants may be (or may have been) undergraduate majors in Philosophy; other applicants who weren't officially Philosophy majors should have significant background in philosophy (evinced by having at least taken a number of philosophy courses).
• Overall, what we care about is the applicant's aptitude for philosophy and readiness for graduate-level work.
• Scholars with a PhD in Philosophy from another program are not eligible to apply.

The Required Elements of the Application

In addition to the standard Division of Humanities forms and application fee, a complete application to the Department of Philosophy will include:

• A one-page, single-spaced personal statement outlining your philosophical interests and goals, and your reasons for wanting to pursue them at the University of Chicago;
• Up-to-date transcripts of all your post-secondary school education;
• All applicants for whom English is not a primary language may be required to submit current scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Current scores are no more than two years old at the time of application submission. Here is a complete description of the English proficiency policy , and questions about the English proficiency requirement should be directed to [email protected] .
• Three or four confidential letters of recommendation from people who are in a position to comment on your philosophical background and ability;
• A recent sample of your philosophical written work; and
• Official Graduate Record Examination scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytic writing sent by ETS). NOTE: sending GRE scores is an optional part of the application.

All of the above should be in English, or accompanied by English translations. It is particularly important for non-native speakers to demonstrate their competence to read, write, and participate in class discussions in English. Your writing sample and personal statement must be written by you, in English.

In some years, a few of the final candidates for PhD admissions spots may have a brief, exploratory Skype interview with departmental faculty members.

Advice about the Required Elements of the Application

A. the writing sample.

All of the components of your application are important and will receive careful scrutiny by our graduate admissions committee. The single most important credential in your application, however, is your writing sample, for it provides the best direct indicator of your ability to do first-rate graduate work in philosophy. The rest of the application provides the broader context within which we evaluate the writing sample, but note that we are unlikely to admit an applicant if one of the other components of their application raises ground for concern regarding their ability to succeed in graduate school. Note: Please do not put any identifying information on your writing sample. At a later point in the admissions process, some of these essays are read "anonymously" by faculty.

Selecting a Writing Sample:

• Your writing sample should provide the best possible demonstration of your philosophical writing and reasoning abilities. In general, the more perspicuous the overall structure of your writing sample is—the more clearly it displays how each of its parts contributes to the argument of the whole—the better it will serve as a credential for admission to our graduate program.
• Most often, a writing sample is a term paper written for a philosophy course—one that reflects your interests, that you put a lot of work into, that you did well on, and, above all, that you're proud of. Nonetheless, you should also consider selecting a sample that is devoted to a topic that is not overly esoteric, for your writing sample must be understood and positively evaluated by a wide range of members of our faculty.
• As for the length of the writing sample, a paper of around 20 pages is plenty; we're interested in quality, not quantity. An 8-10 page paper, by contrast, is almost always too short to give much of an indication of how a person thinks. If you are excerpting a writing sample from a longer course term paper, you may want to add some paragraphs (1) at the beginning of the paper to provide an overview of the paper’s philosophical interest or (2) at the end of paper to explain clearly what you have accomplished and why it is original.
• Sometimes, students want to submit a senior thesis (or even a MA thesis) running 50 or more pages. And, if that's your best work, then that is what you should send. But you should then also give us some guidance as to what part or parts of it (totaling 20-25 pages, say) we should examine carefully (or, at least, look at first).  
• It may be that you have more than one major philosophical interest. If so, it might be appropriate to submit up to two writing samples along with a cover note providing some guidance to the readers.

B. Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are important, but letters from faculty members who are not professors of philosophy will in general not be of much assistance to us in our efforts to assess your credentials as a candidate for our PhD program. Ideally, your application should contain at least three letters from professional philosophers. Any further letters from other teachers of yours included in your application dossier should therefore always be in addition to, not instead of, letters from philosophers. What we look for from the writers of your letters of recommendation is a candid and detailed evaluation of your philosophical abilities and accomplishments and an informed prognosis of your likelihood of succeeding in a top-notch philosophy PhD program. Far more important than the recommender’s professional stature or philosophical fame is the degree to which he or she knows you well and can provide a vivid portrait of your philosophical personality and a detailed account of your philosophical work to date.

C. The Personal Statement

The personal statement is not, strictly speaking, an admissions credential and it is not the place to cram in additional evidence of your philosophical ability. It should focus succinctly on facts about the philosophical work you have done to date, your primary philosophical interests and goals going forward in the future, and your reasons for thinking that the University of Chicago might be a good place to pursue them. In addition, if there is anything unusual about your philosophical trajectory or academic career that you think we should know, your personal statement is the place to provide that information. In particular, if there are significant portions of time during which you have not been enrolled as a student, we would appreciate a brief indication of what you were doing during those times.

D. Transcripts

We cannot enroll you without up-to-date transcripts of all your post-secondary school education: no such transcript may be omitted from your application. If you are applying from another country and you anticipate that we might have difficulty deciphering your transcript(s), then any additional guidance with which you, or especially your recommenders, can provide us in interpreting your transcript will be appreciated. Please contact Michael Beetley in the Humanities Dean of Students Office if you have any questions about transcripts.

E. GRE Exams and GPAs

Official documentation of your general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores with your application are optional for the application. We do not require (or take into account) any subject tests. For those who have taken multiple GREs: our policy is to look at an applicant's best scores for each section of the test and to throw out the lower scores. Note to applicants: Over the years, we have found that undergraduate grades, especially those in philosophy courses, are a somewhat better indication of philosophical potential than GRE scores. The average GPA in philosophy for our recent admitted students has been about 3.9 (out of 4). The analogous GRE averages are 710 verbal, 740 quantitative, and 5.5 analytic writing.

F. TOEFL Exam

In evaluating the GRE scores of applicants, we make allowance that these examinations are more difficult for non-native speakers of English. For this reason, it is all the more imperative that non-native speakers of English take the TOEFL exam, if they are not in a position to supply us with academic transcripts from an English-language college or university located in an anglophone country. The University has information regarding what counts as acceptable TOEFL scores for consideration for admission in Philosophy (see Humanities Division standards) .

Hearing Back from Us about Your Application

While curiosity is natural, as a general rule, please do not inquire about admissions decisions in February. There are a number of reasons why we won't be able to let you know the decision prior to the second week in March, most of which are out of our control (please be patient!). Of course, if you have some special reason for concern about your application, please feel free to contact us.

Master of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH) Referrals

We refer some promising applicants who have genuine potential for success in graduate school but whom we are not able to admit to our PhD program to the  Masters of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH) , which is a standalone Masters in Humanities program run through the Division of Humanities here. So if you are not admitted to our PhD program, you may be contacted by MAPH about your possible interest in enrolling in that program. (Note: if you already have an MA or a PhD in Philosophy, then you are not eligible for this program.)

Enrolling in MAPH, taking numerous graduate philosophy courses, and concentrating on philosophical academic work is an excellent option for students who are not admitted to a prestigious philosophy PhD program in their first attempt. We look for students whose intellectual interests and future applications to PhD programs would benefit from the intensive and rigorous one-year MAPH program.

If you are admitted to the MAPH program, we strongly urge you to visit our campus in order to learn more about the opportunities for students in the MAPH program and to meet the MAPH administrators, the MAPH Philosophy preceptors, and selected departmental faculty members.

MAPH Program Website

Campus Visits

Prospective graduate students who have been notified that they have been admitted to our PhD program are strongly encouraged at that point to make a campus visit before they accept our offer of admission. A campus visit serves its real purpose best if you learn things about the department that you couldn’t find out reliably merely through word of mouth or simply by perusing the departmental website—things such as the real character of the intellectual atmosphere of the graduate program, the accessibility of the faculty, the nature and depth of philosophical discussion in seminars and workshops, the sort of quality and care which goes into dissertation supervision, and the extent to which graduate students in the program are excited by the education which they are receiving. Since these are not things that are easily gleaned in a brief and superficial visit, you should also consider being selective in the number of PhD programs you visit.

If you are admitted to the PhD program, we will contact you, possibly as soon as early February, to inform you of our offer of admission and the timing for our visiting week, which usually occurs during the first week of our Spring Quarter . For your visit at UChicago, we will (1) schedule individual appointments for you with numerous faculty members and (2) arrange a number of activities for you together with some of our current graduate students and other prospective students in your cohort. Finally, we will encourage you to attend some seminars and workshops. We will pay for (or heavily subsidize) your transportation to Chicago and arrange for you to stay with one of our current PhD students.

Note: Prospective students are also discouraged from making a campus visit prior to their having been officially admitted to our PhD program. It is simply not feasible for faculty to meet personally with the many individuals interested in our department. While your application is under consideration, you should feel free to peruse our detailed website and to contact one or more current PhD students whose interests overlap with yours to find out more about whether our graduate program fits your interests. Our students are happy to answer your questions.

Graduate Admissions

Application.

Stanford’s  Online Application , information about requirements and instructions for applying are available through the  Grad Admissions website . The application opens each year in Fall quarter. 

The online application is due by the following deadlines:

PhD: Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Masters: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Knight Hennessy: No later than December 1, 2023 (per Knight Hennessy program ) 

Coterminal Masters (internal Stanford students only): end of second week of Winter quarter,  Friday, January 19, 2024

Knight Hennessy:  No later than December 1, 2023

GRE scores will not be required in the 2023-24 admission round.

Please DO NOT mail paper transcripts at this time. E-transcripts are accepted.

Transcripts

• Please wait to mail official paper  transcripts  until we request them.
• Official e-transcripts can be sent directly by the school or clearinghouse to  philosophy [at] stanford.edu (philosophy[at]stanford[dot]edu)
• Please upload an unofficial transcript from each school you attended for a year or more with the application.
• NOTE: An official transcript is one that is received directly from the issuing institution (or CollegeNET CertiFile Service (CHESICC/Educational Perspectives) that bears the seal/signature representing its validity. To be considered official, paper transcripts must be sealed and unopened.
• Transcript information at  https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/starting-your-application/required-application-documents/transcripts-academic-records-0

Writing Sample 

• Should be a recent writing sample on a philosophical topic
• We recommend you send an example of your  best work
• needs to be uploaded into the application
• Typically samples are around 20 pages or less
• If submitting a thesis or document longer than 20 pages, please include a note pointing to most important passages
• Secondary samples are allowed, please mark which sample is primary if including more than one

Letters of Recommendation 

• Please have your recommenders submit their  confidential  letter via the online application.
• Letters from recommenders are due by the deadline. Please have them in as soon as possible.
• The application requires a minimum of 3 recommendations.
• If a recommender is unable to submit their letter via the online application, please let us know. We can accept email letters directly from professors. 
• For emailed letters from professors, the applicant must also send us a note saying they waive the right to see the recommendation.
• Please check the grad admissions website for the latest updates about required tests: 
• https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/starting-your-application/required-exams
• Grad admissions requires the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for most applicants whose first language is not English. This includes US citizens as well as international students.
• Applicants who have received a Bachelors or higher degree from a U.S. school are usually exempted from the TOEFL.
• For test criteria, please see the international section of the  Grad Admissions  webpage.  TEST INFORMATION

GRE scores will not be required by Philosophy in the 2023-2024 admission round.

• The GRE general test has been required in the past for Philosophy applications.  If submitting them, GRE scores must be from within the last 5 years.

Check the status of your application (e.g., letters of recommendation received, official ETS scores, etc.,) by logging into your application account Activity Log.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars cultivates and supports a highly-engaged, multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers a diverse collection of educational experiences, preparing graduates to address complex challenges facing the world. Each year, Knight-Hennessy Scholars selects up to 100 students who are newly enrolling in a graduate degree program in any of Stanford’s seven schools. Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in an experiential leadership development program and receive funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. Candidates must submit two applications to be considered; one to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by early October and one to the graduate degree program by its deadline. Visit  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/  to learn more. 

• Apply at  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
• The KH application deadline is October 11, 2023, 1:00pm Pacific Time.
• For more information on the Knight-Hennessy Scholars please see:  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
• Applicants also need to apply separately to the department where they wish to study. 
• The deadline for the application to the Philosophy department for consideration for the KH program is December 1, 2023.

Please do not mail paper transcripts at this time. We will request official transcripts at a later stage.

PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT Building 90 450 Jane Stanford Way STANFORD, CA 94305-2155 USA

• Email:  philosophy [at] stanford.edu (philosophy[at]stanford[dot]edu)  
• Phone to list for mailing address if needed: (650) 723-2547 (for fastest response, please email)
• For problems with the application website , please check the online help in the website.

For application fee waivers, apply through:

• Application Fee Waivers

For exam waivers, or general questons, please contact the Central University Grad Admissions office:

• https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/about#contact

For other questions, please contact the  Philosophy Graduate Administrator 

• Email:  philosophy [at] stanford.edu (philosophy[at]stanford[dot]edu)
• Phone: (650) 723-2548 (for fastest response, please email)

For a helpful  guide on getting into grad school  from the School of Humanities and Sciences, please check:

• https://humsci.stanford.edu/prospective-students/guide-getting-grad-school

The Department of Philosophy welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

The Philosophy Department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Phd program admissions, admissions information.

The only way to apply for admission to the Philosophy PhD program is by filling out an online application.  The application can be accessed via the following linked website from The Graduate School at Northwestern:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The online application for matriculation in Fall 2024 is now available.  All application materials are submitted via the online application system, CollegeNet, at the above link.   Your application and all supplemental materials  must  be received by the application deadline of Friday, January 5, 2024.

Application Materials

The Department of Philosophy requires the following supplemental application materials :

• Transcripts  from each post-secondary institution attended. Students working toward a master's degree at another institution should submit transcripts of all undergraduate work as well as transcripts of all graduate work completed at the time of filing the application. The department accepts the uploading of unofficial transcripts when you apply. Once accepted into the program, The Graduate School will require the submission of official (bearing the registrar's signature and/or the institution's seal) transcripts.
• At least  three  letters of recommendation . The recommendation form is available as part of the online application and is sent directly to the letter writers through the online application system. Prior to requesting that your providers complete the recommendation online, be sure to check with them to ensure they have a personal email address and access to the internet.
• Academic Statement - This statement concerning your academic interests and goals should not exceed two single-spaced pages.
• Personal Statement - Please include in the personal statement a description of any particular challenges or hardships faced during your academic trajectory. The personal statement should not exceed one single-spaced page.
• Writing Sample -  10-20 pages, double-spaced.
• TOEFL Scores  are required for applicants who are not native English speakers, although this requirement will be waived for those who have completed four years as an undergraduate, or two years as an MA student, in an institution where all instruction is conducted in English. Official scores must be less than two years old and must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The institutional code assigned to The Graduate School at Northwestern is 1565 . The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 577 for the paper-based test and 233 for the computer-based test. The minimum score required for the iBT TOEFL is 90. The Graduate School will accept the results of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as a substitute for the TOEFL, with a floor of 7.0. For information regarding the internet-based TOEFL exam and an explanation of the exam, please consult http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/admission/requirements/test-scores/index.html .

The following supplemental materials are optional, but not required:

• A cluster statement expressing your interest in participating in an interdisciplinary graduate cluster. Please see Mellon Clusters in the Humanities and Qualitative Social Sciences: The Graduate School - Northwestern University for information about the themes and activities of the various clusters. 
• GRE Scores*  - Official scores must be less than five years old and must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The institutional code assigned to The Graduate School at Northwestern is 1565 .

* The department provides a holistic review for each application.  For those applicants who choose to submit GRE scores, these count as simply one data point among many.  They are not used to filter out any applications.  The absence of GRE scores in an applicant's dossier has no negative impact; when GRE scores are not submitted, the applicant will be assessed entirely on the basis of the required materials.

If you have any questions about the graduate application process that cannot be answered by consulting the Frequently Asked Questions page, the Department of Philosophy website, or The Graduate School's Admissions website, please feel free to email the Philosophy Graduate Program Coordinator at:  [email protected]

Department of Philosophy

• Graduate Program >

Admissions and Financial Support

Admission to the doctoral program is very selective. Recent applicant pools have averaged about 250 per year, with about 1 in 25 applicants being accepted for the program.

The main criteria for admission are:

• Quality of a philosophical paper submitted to the department.
• Previous academic background and record
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE scores (There is no automatic cut-off based on GRE scores, but average scores for students admitted recently are: 93rd percentile in verbal; 84th percentile in quantitative; and 87th percentile in analytic.) GRE scores are optional for applying. 
• Curriculum Vitae

How to Apply

Complete an online application . Learn more by reading frequently asked questions about graduate program applications. 

A complete application requires:

• Optional: Arrange for the submission of official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores. The scores reported must result from a test taken within the last five years. To expedite the review process, you may also upload preliminary (unofficial) scores, if available. (GRE and TOEFL school code: 1841, GRE department code: 2801, TOEFL dept. code: 20)
• Submit unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution (upload through the online application).
• Submit a Curriculum Vita or resume through the online application system .
• Arrange for three letters of recommendation from persons able to evaluate the applicants philosophical ability and potential, to be submitted through the online recommendation system associated with the online application.
• Submit a sample (typically 10 - 15 typed pages in length) of the applicant's philosophical writing and attach it electronically to the online application through the Uploads section.
• Submit a statement of intent through the online application system (a brief, no more than two to three typed pages, statement of the applicant's motivations and goals in undertaking graduate study of philosophy).
• Submit the application fee by credit card, check, or money order using the payment system associated with the online application.

The deadline for admission is January 15 of the year for which admission is sought. All application materials must be submitted by this deadline.

Typically, only students planning to begin graduate work in the fall semester are considered for admission. In special circumstances, applications to begin work in the spring semester will be considered; but these must meet the same January 15th deadline as ordinary applications.

Applicants will be informed of the Department's decision on their applications by April 15.

Financial Support

All regular full-time students in good academic standing and in residence receive full tuition scholarships. In addition, students receive a stipend from the College of Arts and Letters for five years of graduate work.

During the term of the five-year stipend, students are expected to serve the Department as teaching assistants (TAs) in their third, fourth, and either fifth or sixth semesters. Students are expected to teach their own class once, typically in Spring of their fourth year. The remaining six semesters are designated for undistracted coursework, research and writing. In exceptional cases, a student may elect to teach a second class in his or her fifth year.

Students who complete their PhD by the end of their fifth year are automatically awarded a one year postdoctoral fellowship from the University, which comes with a stipend, minimal teaching, and a research budget. Learn more about the 5 Plus 1 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at Notre Dame.

Fifth-year students making timely progress who are not scheduled to finish their dissertations but expect to do so by the end of their sixth year may apply to the College for a sixth year of stipend support. If a sixth year stipend is awarded, students are expected to serve as TAs both semesters.

Students in good standing beyond the fifth year and not supported by stipends are typically hired by the Department to teach courses each semester. At current adjunct rates, a reasonable income can be made by teaching 5 courses in an academic year.

Our students, with departmental support and outside funding, regularly visit distinguished philosophy departments both in the U.S. and abroad to undertake further study. Notre Dame graduate students have recently visited at Arizona, Brown, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, Rutgers, Cambridge, Oxford, Louvain, Göttingen, Münster, Halle and the Free University.

How to Apply

The Department offers admission in the fall only for its Ph.D. program. (Please note that there is no separate M.A. program in philosophy.)

Application may be made online . Applicants must submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a sample of philosophical writing. Brown Philosophy Department  no longer requires  GRE scores to apply to its PhD program  (no advanced subject test is required either). The application deadline is 2 January.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

Inquiries regarding graduate admissions should be directed to the Graduate School and not to the Director of Graduate Studies. This includes questions about waiver of the application fee . (See here for information.) The Director of Graduate Studies is responsible only for the Graduate Program and plays no role in the admissions process.

The Department is not able to schedule individual meetings with prospective applicants. There are simply too many prospective applicants for that to be practical. This website, and faculty member's individual websites (see here ), should answer most questions about the PhD program, faculty research interests, and the like. Admitted students will be invited to visit the department in late March or early April, expenses being paid by the University (except in the case of some international students).

Application Advice

Students who are interested in applying to graduate school are often puzzled by the application process. This page is intended to provide some guidance. 

The best guidance will, however, be provided by a student's own undergraduate advisors and mentors. Almost every professor you have was once an undergraduate nervous about applying to graduate school, and most of them are happy to talk about their experience.

(Alex Guerrero, from Rutgers, also has some advice for prospective applicants.)

The Application Process

Application deadlines are typically in mid-January, but some departments, including Brown's, have deadlines at the beginning of January. It is really best to think, then, in terms of 1 January and, with the holidays being just before that, in terms of mid-December.  

Philosophy Department deadline for Fall 2023 Admission will be  January 2, 2023  before 12 midnight.

Application Documents

Departments make their admissions decisions based on all of the information available to them. It is very important that applicants have solid grades, and not just in philosophy. Most programs expect a student to have exposed themselves to other areas of learning, especially when those other areas are relevant to the areas of philosophy in which they are interested. Thus, for example, students interested in political philosophy should strongly consider taking some courses in political science; those interested in philosophy of language, in linguistics; in the history of philosophy, in relevant areas of history or history of science; and so on.

It is also important that students take a wide range of philosophy courses. It is natural to 'specialize' and take a large number of courses in a specific area of central interest. But it is equally important to have a solid undergraduate education in philosophy generally and particularly, for our program, in contemporary analytic philosophy, both on the 'metaphysics and epistemology' side and on the 'value theory' side, as well as in the history of philosophy. (Breadth is as important as depth, here as elsewhere.) That one has satisfied the requirements for a concentration (or 'major') in philosophy does  not  guarantee that they have such a broad education: There are different ways one can satisfy those requirements, and some ways of doing so will leave gaping holes. Students interested in pursuing graduate study should therefore consult with the undergraduate advisor, or some other mentor, no later than the second semester of the junior year regarding selection of courses.

The 'statement of purpose' is intended to give the admissions committee some general information about why a particular applicant wants to go to graduate school and what they intend to do once they get there. Do  not  tell a long story beginning, "Ever since my childhood, I've wondered about my dreams", although, if there are specific life-experiences which have sparked or sustained an interest in philosophy, these may be worth mentioning.

It is  not  expected that applicants will be able to commit themselves to some very specific project for their dissertation. Indeed, many students find that, when they get to graduate school and are exposed to a wider range of philosophical thought than they were previously, their interests change quite dramatically. Many programs will be suspicious of applicants who seem not to be interested in  philosophy  but only in some very small fragment of it.

What you  should  do in your statement of purpose is explain, as clearly and ( nota bene ) concisely as you are able, what it is about philosophy has so gripped you that you are considering graduate study. It is an odd way to spend one's life. What is it about philosophy that makes you want to spend the next six or so years of your life studying it? To spend at least three years writing a dissertation on one, small topic? And to spend the rest of your life pursuing research, teaching philosophy to unsuspecting teenagers, and so on and so forth? Your statement should include a serious explanation of your interests, as you now find them to be. And it is worth also including a reasonable assessment of what you hope to accomplish when you enroll in graduate school: Are there specific areas of philosophy about which you would like to learn more? Are there specific areas which bear upon your main areas of interest which you think you need to know more about?

Note that it's best to be detailed. Don't just say you're interested in meta-ethics. What questions interest you? What have you done to pursue these interests?

The statement of purpose is also the one chance the admissions committee has to get to know you a bit as a person. Graduate school is hard, and, while the love of philosophy will take you some distance, there are other intellectual and personal virtues that are important as well, such as persistence and an ability to respond well to (constructive) criticism. Departments are also communities of scholars, who work and learn together, and an ability to 'play well with others' is important. Most departments also value a diversity of perspectives. So, if there are particular life experiences that speak to these aspects of your personality, you should feel free to discuss them.

The letters of recommendation are one of the two most important parts of the application. It is typically these on which admission to the committee's shortlist will turn, and admission itself depends heavily upon the contents of these letters. Remember that the admissions committee has very little information available to it. It is therefore happy to rely upon colleagues who, presumably, have access to more information.

Because the letters are so important, anyone who thinks they even  might  be interested in graduate study must work to develop close professional relationships with at least two members of the faculty  before the senior year . The reason for this is that, given the large enrollment of most courses, it is difficult for any faculty member to get to know all of the students in any particular such course. And it is, as should be clear, impossible for a faculty member to write a cogent, informed letter for a student if they know of that student only as one among many members of one large lecture course. The best letters of recommendation are detailed, speaking honestly and convincingly about both the student's strengths and weaknesses, and good letters say something interesting, and equally convincing, about the applicant's potential for further growth and development.

How can one develop such relationships? Most obviously, by attending professors' office hours to discuss the material from lecture. Do not feel as though you have to have a question fully worked out before going to office hours. It's fine simply to want to talk about something you don't quite understand or something from the reading that is bothering you. Office hours are for just such things. (You would perhaps be surprised how often some faculty sit in their office hours wishing a student would come talk to them.)

Ideally, applicants will have three letters from philosophers who know them well. Letters from non-philosophers usually carry less weight. Such people may be able to speak to your general abilities as a student and scholar, but often they do not know much about philosophy and so cannot speak specifically to your potential as a philosopher. (Of course, there are exceptions: professors in other departments who are philosophically sophisticated.) It is also better to have letters from faculty than from graduate TAs, simply because the former have more experience than the latter. But, at the same time, a letter from someone who knows you really well is better than one from someone who can only speak in generalities. So this can be a balancing act. Talk with your mentors about whom you should ask for letters.

The writing sample is perhaps the single most important part of the application. Almost always, it is what will decide an application's fate. An application with a poor writing sample, but stellar letters and grades, will gain acceptance almost nowhere, since the poor quality of the writing tends to undermine one's confidence in the letters; but one with middling letters and an excellent writing sample might still stand a chance. (Strong grades are just assumed here: The writing sample won't get read if the grades are mediocre.) It is, therefore,  not  a good idea simply to select some paper that got an 'A' and submit it unchanged. You should, rather, look upon the task of producing a writing sample as if it were an additional course and plan to devote a fair amount of time just to this task.

It is, for this reason, also rarely a good idea to submit a paper one is writing for a course taught in the fall of the senior year (if that is when one is preparing the application). There is just not enough time to polish such a piece for inclusion as a writing sample. A better idea is to use a successful paper written in the junior year as the  foundation  for your writing sample, and then to work on it further, doing additional reading, polishing the arguments, getting feedback on drafts, and so on and so forth. You can begin this process by discussing the comments you received on the paper with your instructor. Note that this is also a good way to strengthen your relationship with that instructor and so to give them a solid basis for a letter of recommendation.

A good writing sample addresses a substantial philosophical problem, whether it amounts to a critical evaluation of an argument or a serious attempt to interpret difficult philosophical texts. Mere reports of what some philosopher or other thinks—or mere 'compare and contrast' efforts—are not likely to impress. Do not, however, think that you have to make an original contribution to the area about which you are writing to produce a solid writing sample. Very few undergraduates are capable of writing such a paper. Still, though, you should be thinking for yourself: We want to see that you are able to do philosophy, not just talk about it.

Mostly, admissions committees are looking for two things: promise and a solid basis from which a student can start learning to do original philosophical work. What the writing sample should demonstrate, then, is that you have acquired the basic skills needed for the serious study of philosophy: An ability to read and write philosophy and to think critically and creatively about philosophical problems.

The writing sample needs, as was said, to be a substantial piece of work. It should therefore be at least 12–15 pages long, as it is hard to do anything serious in less space. It should not be excessively long: The members of admissions committees, being human, have been known to get annoyed by overly long writing samples; they simply do not have the time to read 40 pages from every applicant. Rarely will there be any reason to go over 20 pages, and 25 pages is probably an absolute maximum. Generally speaking, it's not a good idea, either, to submit a longer piece of work, such as a senior thesis, even if you indicate to the committee that there is some portion of it that you would really like them to read. It is far better to re-work the relevant material so that you can be sure it is self-contained.

It is permissible to submit more than one sample of writing, but you should not do so unless you have some  very  good reason. (An example of a good reason: You have serious interests both in the philosophy of language and in Aristotle.) If you do submit more than one sample of work, you should indicate which of the pieces you intend as primary and which as supplemental, in case the committee deems itself unable to read everything (as is likely).

You should be  absolutely certain  to proofread thoroughly: Do  not  trust spell-checkers and the like to do this for you. It is a good idea, too, to have friends read through the paper and comment upon your style, grammar, and so forth. The paper needs to be well-written: Being able to write well is an absolutely fundamental prerequisite for graduate study. (You will learn to write better as a graduate student, but you need to have a solid foundation already.) Make sure, too, that your citations are in good order, that quotations and footnotes are properly formatted, and so on and so forth: You want your paper to look as if you've spent real time with it—and as if you are proud of it.

Finally, the writing sample does  not  have to be connected, in any way, with the area or areas you think you most want to pursue in graduate school. So long as your record shows a sufficient foundation to pursue those areas, a writing sample in some other area might even impress the committee as a demonstration of your philosophical breadth. Your faculty advisers can help you choose a paper that would be appropriate for a writing sample.

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• Department Intranet

The Department of Philosophy typically receives nearly 300 applications each year. We ordinarily expect an entering class of five to eight doctoral students. Although the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of offers the department can make, we invite all who would like to study Philosophy at Harvard to apply.

Note regarding GRE scores:   The Philosophy Department does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. Submission of scores is permitted, and, when submitted, GRE scores are taken into account in the admissions process. But those who do not submit such scores will not be penalized.

Note regarding application fee waivers : Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been completed, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility. Please consult the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences admissions pages for further information or email them at [email protected] .

Note regarding JD/PhD program:  Students seeking admission to the joint JD/PhD program must apply to and be separately admitted to both the Law School and the Department of Philosophy in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Student Qualifications

Background in Philosophy:  The Department requires that applicants have the equivalent of a solid undergraduate background in philosophy, so that they have a good grounding in the history of philosophy, as well as familiarity with contemporary work in ethics, epistemology and metaphysics, and logic.

Scholarly Potential:  The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of outstanding potential in the field of philosophy as shown in the applicant's academic record, letters of recommendation, and Statement of Purpose on the application form.

Questions?  Please contact the  Director of Graduate Admissions .

For more information on deadlines and application procedures, please click here:

GRE Scores for Arts and Humanities Programs

Anyway, here’s the score data from the ETS chart providing the average GRE scores for majors based on survey data collected from test takers.

GRE Scores for Arts and Humanities Programs: Intended

The scores above are those of test-takers intending to pursue graduate work in that field. What does “intended” mean? It simply means that that these are the average scores of people planning on applying to graduate school in a specific area.

GRE Score Range for Arts and Humanities Programs

Using a scale drawn from the limited score data in the US News & World Report’s report on graduate schools, here’s the range of average scores you could expect:

GRE Scores for Arts and Humanities Programs by Rank

If you are viewing this chart on a mobile device and cannot see all of the columns for schools ranked #1-50, try turning your device horizontally or view this page on the web.

GRE Scores: 50th/70th/90th Percentiles

You can learn more about percentiles in this score percentiles post , but for quick reference, 50th percentile scores are average, 70th percentile is considered good, and 90th percentile is considered great.

What Can We Take Away from Arts and Humanities Programs’ Average GRE Scores?

Note that it could very well be that the methodology used here doesn’t apply to creative programs performance and visual arts, as the GRE scores could be flat across all tiers of scores (since GRE scores are probably relatively unimportant).

The scores of philosophy program applicants are some of the highest of any group, pushing the top program averages to near-perfect levels. For English applicants, it’s no surprise how high the verbal scores are, though scores below those of philosophy students might be a relief to some. 🙂

Remember that you should bear in mind the relative importance of the GRE for your program. The GRE score for history programs is likely going to be weighed a lot differently than if you’re pursuing some kind of performance masters.

Free GRE Resources

Check out the following links for more help preparing for the GRE:

Free GRE eBook

Best GRE Books

GRE Study Schedules

Should you retake the GRE?

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Chris Swimmer is an analyst at Magoosh who divides his time between marketing and research projects and helping folks out with their math hang ups while studying for the GRE and the GMAT. Follow him on Google+! And you can follow him @chrisrswimmer on Twitter.

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6 responses to “GRE Scores for Arts and Humanities Programs”

I am hoping to apply to top 10 Art History PhD programs, and I scored 166V, 150Q, and 5AW. My verbal is in the right range for the programs I’m applying for, but should I consider retaking to improve my math?

Thoughts would be much appreciated.

Hey Olivia! I honestly wouldn’t worry about it so much since your program isn’t quant heavy. Remember these scores aren’t hard and fast, so if you’re in the general range, they’ll be looking at other parts of your application. 🙂

I am in a real Dilemma. I took the GRE a few days ago and got 165V and 156Q. I am applying to most of the big shot unis for a Middle Eastern Studies MA; Harvard, princeton, Columbia, Chicago, NYU, Arizona and Georgetown for history.

Thing is, I registered for second date in December a while back just in case I bombed my first attempt due to exam jitters. So I cant get a full refund anyway.

Should I sit the exam again?

If you already paid for it, I don’t see why not! The second time around should hopefully be less stressful. That being said, I’m not sure if quant will be such a huge deal for a MA considering you won’t ostensibly be doing much quantitative research. They’re probably more focused on other areas of your application. 🙂

Best, Chris S

Hi! I recently took the GRE about three weeks ago, and am taking it again next week. I received my weighted scores: 157Q and 145V. I really want to get my Q up but I’m afraid that I won’t have the time. I’m already in an MA program (History) and want to apply to a PhD. I read heavily, so I think that my V will go up just because of that (I also actively read outside of my discipline, which I think helps). What can I do to get my Q around 150-151?

Hey Greg! That’s quite a tough jump in just a few days! Check out this One Week study schedule to hopefully give you the boost you need. 🙂

Department of Linguistics and Philosophy

Graduate admissions, requirements.

To enter the doctoral program , students must have done well in their previous academic work and must be formally accepted as candidates for the Ph.D. degree by the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy. Furthermore, an applicant must have received a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college or university of acceptable standing.

Although there are no formal requirements for admission, successful applicants typically have an undergraduate major in philosophy, or a comparable level of preparation.

The Application

A complete application includes the MIT application form, an academic transcript from each college/university attended, and three letters of recommendation.

In addition to the application, all applicants should submit a writing sample in philosophy, ideally of 15-25 pages in length. The writing sample should allow us to assess the applicant’s understanding of a philosophical problem, and ability to evaluate philosophical arguments. This assessment is usually easier if the writing sample explicitly engages with some of the contemporary philosophical literature.

Students are only admitted into the program in the fall. The application deadline is January 2nd for the following September. Decisions are communicated to applicants by early March.

GRE scores are optional : they are  not required for admission to the doctoral program. The reporting codes are:

Institute code: 3514 Department code: 2804

MIT requires international applicants whose native language is not English to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

TOEFL: Minimum score required: 577 (PBT) 90 (IBT) TOEFL Department codes: 20 (Philosophy) Institute code: 3514 (MIT)

IELTS: Minimum score required: 6.5 Electronic scores send to: MIT Graduate Admissions

However, the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy does grant waivers. In general, we grant waivers to students who have received a degree from an American or English-speaking university, or who show an extensive background in English. We ask that students who request a TOEFL or IELTS waiver have their recommenders comment in depth on their English speaking, reading and writing skills as a part of the recommendation. We also strongly suggest that they submit a writing sample in English. Applicants may request a waiver in the application.

Accessing the Application Form

To apply, please visit: https://gradapply.mit.edu/phil

The statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and writing sample are submitted on-line. Scanned copies of transcripts are submitted on-line for review purposes but are considered unofficial. Applicants who are admitted will be required to send an official transcript in a university sealed envelope.

The application fee is $75.00 in US funds. Major credit cards are the accepted form of payment. MIT offers fee waivers to students who meet relevant criteria. For criteria and more information, please visit:  https://oge.mit.edu/graduate-admissions/applications/application-fee-waiver/ .  If you attended PIKSI or another  Undergraduate Diversity Institute in Philosophy , please contact  [email protected]  regarding a fee waiver.

Questions regarding the application process can be sent to  [email protected] .

In response to the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, MIT has adopted the following principle: MIT’s admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. We also expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a masters program.

No. The philosophy graduate program is a doctoral program only. In the Boston area, Tufts University offers a masters degree in philosophy.

How long is the Ph.D. program?

Five years.

Is a master’s degree required to apply to the PhD program?

A master’s degree is not required. Prospective students may apply to the PhD program direct from their undergraduate studies.

Can I earn a doctoral degree through distance learning?

No. You can give our   MOOCs a try, though.

Do students get financial support from MIT?

Yes. Currently, we can support five entering students each year with tuition plus a 12-month stipend. We can also support graduating fifth-years with a one-year post-doc if they are unable to secure a position elsewhere. In special cases, we are able to support sixth year students with tuition plus a 9-month stipend in place of a post-doc.

Although MIT regulations prohibit us from guaranteeing funding for more than any one year, we fully expect to be able to support students in good standing throughout the entire five-year period of the doctoral program. However, the Department has limited funds for financial aid to graduate students, so we encourage you to apply for  graduate fellowships  from government agencies and foundations.

I am an international applicant. Am I still eligible for financial support from MIT?

Yes. All admitted students, whether or not they are US citizens, are eligible for support.

Does the Ph.D. program have a language requirement?

Where’s information about mit’s placement record, retention data, etc., i uploaded a transcript to the application system. do i have to mail an official transcript.

No, only admitted applicants are required to mail official transcripts.

Can students take classes at Harvard?

Yes. There is also an annual Harvard/MIT graduate philosophy conference. Often Harvard students attend MIT reading groups and vice versa.

Can philosophy Ph.D. students take linguistics classes?

Yes. We also offer a minor in linguistics.

Can you evaluate my chances of admission before I apply?

We do not offer pre-application screening.

Can I visit MIT before I apply, and talk with faculty and students?

Of course. Send an email to any faculty member , who will be happy to arrange some appointments.

The Department of Linguistics and Philosophy — what’s the story?

Classes in linguistics were originally given within the Department of Modern Languages, and a Ph.D. in linguistics was first offered by that Department in 1961-62. In 1965 the Department of Modern Languages became the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics and, in 1969, the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics. Prior to 1964 philosophy was taught in the Department of Humanities. The Philosophy Department was formed when a Ph.D. program in philosophy was established in July 1971. In 1976 the curriculum in foreign languages and literatures became part of the responsibility of the Department of Humanities while the curriculum in linguistics became part of the Department of Philosophy to form the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy.

Application Deadline

Admission Application Deadline is January 1, 2024. Submit the application materials by January 1, 2024 to the Graduate and International Admissions Center:

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

GRE scores are OPTIONAL this coming cycle 2023-2024.  Official GRE scores may be reported by ETS (the Education Testing Agency) to the Graduate and International Admissions Center, ETS code for The University of Texas at Austin is  6882. 

The Philosophy PhD program admits new students for a fall start; we do not have spring admission.

In assessing candidates for the graduate program, we consider a variety of factors, including GRE scores, grades in undergraduate and any previous graduate coursework, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and personal statements. Admission to our program is highly competitive. Only about one applicant in fifteen is admitted. The median GRE score (verbal + quantitative) for admitted applicants for fall 2022 was 329 ; the median GPA, 3.69.

You don't need to have majored in philosophy in order to be admitted, nor do we require that you have an MA, but successful applicants typically have an undergraduate degree in philosophy, or a comparable level of preparation. We do not admit for a terminal master’s degree. You should have had some coursework in philosophy, preferably, in logic and in the history of philosophy.

Visit the  My Status  website to check on the status of your application to our program.  Information will be updated regularly.

• Application - The University of Texas requires that you apply electronically, through  ApplyTexas website . The online application includes the statement of purpose and electronic letters of reference.
• Three letters of reference  (from teachers who know your work in philosophy or a related field).  Letters of recommendation MUST be requested and submitted ONLINE. This is a part of the online application.
• Transcripts  You must upload one copy of the official academic transcript from every senior college you have attended. Transcripts are not required from junior colleges and community colleges.  information sheet on uploading transcripts .
• GRE scores are OPTIONAL for the coming cycle 2023-2024.  Official  GRE scores   may  be reported by ETS (The Educational Testing Agency) to the Graduate and International Admissions Center. (ETS code for the University of Texas at Austin is  6882 ).  Writing Sample , a sample of written work in philosophy, such as a brief term paper,  roughly  4,000 to 6,000 words in length.  After you have completed the online application, you can upload your writing sample via the  My Status  website.
• International applicants will be required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores.  The report is submitted by the testing agency to the  Office of  Graduate Admissions .  See their web site for further instructions.
• Office of Graduate Admissions The University of Texas at Austin P.O. Box 302048 Austin, TX 78703

Admitted students always receive financial aid, usually in the form of a TA-ship, and this gives them a monthly stipend, tuition assistance and pays for health insurance. 

Teaching Assistants and Assistant Instructors in Philosophy earn a monthly stipend for nine months, receive tuition assistance, they receive health insurance, and their dependents are eligible for health insurance benefits. If an applicant is admitted with financial aid, the department commits to continue aid for 5 years, provided they remain in good standing and meet minimum requirements.

In-state tuition for a graduate student taking a normal course-load of nine hours will total approximately $4,464 per semester. AIs, TAs, and Readers receive the in-state tuition rate plus  tuition assistance  that covers about 100% of the cost of tuition. 

We also award a modest number of competitive fellowships. In both cases, tuition and medical benefits are covered. Students also receive additional stipends for study, research, and academic travel; a limited number of summer assistantships are also available.

Students who meet certain criteria of personal and family financial need are eligible for various other awards administered directly by the University-wide Student Financial Aid Office-scholarships, long- term loans, and work-study awards.

Contact  Sally A. Jackman , Graduate Program Coordinator

Graduate Admissions FAQ

Application-related questions, what is the application deadline.

January 6 (before midnight Eastern USA time) for the following fall semester, which generally begins in August.  We do not admit for the spring semester.  Note that you are applying to Cornell’s Graduate School, to the graduate field of Philosophy.

When will I be notified if I have been admitted?

No later than March 15.

Where do I submit my application materials?

Submit the following to the Graduate School via the online application :

• Biographical information
• Academic information
• A PDF copy of academic transcripts (official or unofficial)
• Writing sample in philosophy (typically 15 but no more than 30 pages long)
• If applicable, TOEFL or IELTS scores (more details following)
• You may submit GRE scores, but they are not required.
• Three letters of recommendation (only three are required, but up to five may be submitted online)
• Financial support information (for international applicants)
• Statement of Purpose
• Application fee (some waivers are available, see the Graduate School website)

Is a GRE Score required?  If I supply a GRE score, will it be taken into consideration?

The Sage School of Philosophy does not require GRE scores.  If they are submitted, we may look at them, but they typically do not play a significant role in our admissions decisions.

How long should the writing sample be?

We look for a substantial, polished piece of writing that shows the applicant’s philosophical abilities and skills. Typically a term-paper length paper (about 15 pages) is appropriate. Writing samples longer than 30 pages are unlikely to be read in their entirety. Something written for an upper-level philosophy course would typically be more appropriate than something written for an introductory course.

I wish to include more than the required three letters of recommendation.  How should I proceed?

List up to five (5) recommenders in the appropriate place in the application.  More than five letters are unlikely to be read.

May I forward my recommendation letters to you along with other supporting materials?

We will also accept letters of recommendation from you if the recommender has placed them in a signed sealed envelope, but prefer application materials to be submitted online.

Do I need to take the TOEFL exam?  If so, where do I send the scores?

Either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic exam or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam are accepted by Cornell’s Graduate School.   Please note that the Graduate School, not the field of Philosophy, requires these scores. For requirements on these exams, including specifics for having them sent to Cornell, and any possible exceptions for admission, visit the Graduate School website:

http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency-requirement

Can I get a printed version of the application?

No.  The Graduate School requires you fill out the application online at:

http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/apply

On the application, what do you expect from the statement of purpose?

We seek insight into the fit between the applicant’s interests, approach to philosophy, and academic background and our program – both what we would contribute to the applicant’s development and what the applicant would contribute to our intellectual community.

Program-Related Questions

How selective are admissions  what makes a candidate competitive.

Our admissions process is highly selective:  we receive approximately 200 - 250 applications each year for 4-6 places in our program.   As a result, we look for students with outstanding potential for graduate work in philosophy.  Academic record, letters of recommendation, and the writing sample all play major roles in this assessment.   We also pay careful attention to the personal statement.   We do not use any particular numerical criteria (no minimum grade point average, for example).  We are interested in identifying candidates with very strong general academic backgrounds and special skill or talent for philosophy in particular.

I have not studied philosophy in an educational institution, but am instead a self-taught philosopher.  Does your program consider such applicants?

While we consider such applicants, this background makes it hard for us to form the confident judgment of specifically philosophical ability that admission requires.  In principle, the writing sample and letters, combined with overall academic excellence, might overcome this obstacle, but this is unlikely in practice.   Work in a Philosophy masters of arts program elsewhere, prior to applying, is the most promising way of making the transition.

What help can you give for on-campus visits?

Everyone admitted to the program is urged and helped to come and visit.   Help includes a substantial travel subsidy and organized contact with faculty and graduate students. 

I see your program is a PhD program, but is it possible just to get an MA?

We do not offer a terminal Master’s degree.

I wish to apply to your JD/PhD program, how should I go about doing that?

The combining of these two programs is still underway.  Please contact the department at [email protected] for more information.

Applying to Philosophy Graduate Programs

• Why Apply for Graduate School?
• Graduate Programs

Introduction

Application form, writing sample, statement of purpose, graduate record examinations (gre) scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, application fee, curriculum vitae (cv), test of english as a foreign language (toefl) scores.

Although individual programs vary in terms of what they require from applicants, there are common materials that many programs solicit. These include:

• TOEFL Scores

Most programs require filling out a basic form as a part of your application package. This is usually submitted online through either the department or graduate website, and is mostly information for the school's administration (e.g. contact information, demographic information).

Applications are generally due in early January , although some departments have deadlines as early as November and some as late as February. Be sure to check deadlines for programs you are considering, and start gathering the required materials well in advance!

When selecting a piece for your writing sample, there are a few things to consider:

• Consult your advisor or the professor for whom you wrote your paper. Do they feel the work represents your abilities as a writer and thinker? Do you?
• Check the requirements page of the program to which you intend to apply. Many programs will specify a word/page length minimum, maximum, or range for acceptable submissions. Be sure to follow these guidelines! Some programs automatically toss out applications with writing samples that do not match the required criteria.
• ~15 pages is a common acceptable length for a writing sample. Consider having two or three versions of the paper of varying lengths to submit to programs with different requirements
• Especially if your writing sample was written for a specific class, it may rely on terms, ideas, authors, etc. that your reader may not be familiar with. Your paper should be readable and understandable by anyone with a general background in philosophy, not just an expert in that field.

Writing your statement of purpose can be more difficult than you might think. It should capture some sense of who you are, what philosophical areas you work on, and why you work on those areas. Although you can take a "list" approach ("I am this person, I work on these things, I work on them because...") a more impactful and memorable statement will have a more narrative character, that is, will tell the reader how and why philosophy is something you wish to pursue at the graduate level.

The American Philosophical Association (APA) has some advice on what to consider when writing your statement.

About the Test

The Graduate Record Examinations  General Test "features question types that closely reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in graduate or business school."

According to the GRE website , these are:

• analyze and draw conclusions from discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify author's assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author's intent
• select important points; distinguish major from minor or irrelevant points; summarize text; understand the structure of a text
• understand the meaning of individual words, sentences and entire texts; understand relationships among words and among concepts
• understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information
• solve problems using mathematical models
• apply basic skills and elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis
• articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
• support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
• examine claims and accompanying evidence
• sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
• control the elements of standard written English

The GRE website notes that you may retake the test as many times as you like and send only your highest scores to the program to which you are applying.

GRE Practice Materials

There are official practice materials for the GRE offered on their website .

Emory University also has multiple resources to assist with test preparation, several of which are available online through the Emory catalog. The titles below are a sampling of these:

Taking the Test

Once you feel you are ready to take the test, you can find the nearest location to take it on the GRE website .

Be sure to consult the official list of policies and procedures so you are prepared for the test on test day. Make sure especially that you bring a valid form of ID .

Sending Your Scores

Once you have taken the test, your scores will be posted online on the ETS website .

In addition to the option of filling out a form at the test itself, you may send additional scores via the GRE website. See this page for more details.

There are two types of school transcripts you may need to send as part of your application package, unofficial and official. Click here to find out more about ordering transcripts at Emory .

If you are an alumnus of Emory University from 2000 to the present, or a current student, you can request transcripts through OPUS . Note that if you have attended other institutions of higher education other than Emory, you may have to send transcripts from those institutions as well.

It is common to have two to three letters of recommendation written by individuals familiar with your work as part of your application package. You may want to discuss with your letter-writer what kind of academic profile you are putting forth for yourself.

Some individuals you could consider soliciting letter from include:

• Thesis Directors

Note that many if not most departments will require letter to be submitted digitally, either through an application portal or by email.

Applying for graduate schools can get expensive, especially if you are applying at a large number of departments. In addition to whatever costs you may accrue from test-related expenses and/or sending transcripts (note that Emory University does not charge for sending transcripts unless FedEx service is requested), application fees are quite common and can range from $10 to $100.

Fortunately, there are ways to offset some of the cost of application fees. Some universities may offer application fee waivers if you meet certain conditions (e.g. for certain programs or submitting your application early). Such waivers may be listed on the school's website, but others require getting in contact with the department itself.

Although as an undergraduate student you may not yet have much to list on your academic CV, you may still have relevant experience and skills to show off. Consider adding the following to your CV:

• Publications
• Thesis work, especially if it is in philosophy
• Honors program participation
• Presentations given at student/school events
• Grants, scholarships, or other forms of funding received
• Academic accolades
• Membership in profession organizations, fraternities/sororities
• Language skills, translations
• Volunteering
• Job experiences (especially in relevant areas, e.g. teaching or tutoring)

Emory Library also has a number of resources to help you write your CV. A sampling is given below:

If you are an international student, you may need to submit TOEFL scores in addition to the above materials.

Click here for general information about the test.

Click here to register for the test.

Be sure to check what program requirements there are (if any) regarding TOEFL scores; many departments will list a minimum/recommended score for applicants.

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• Last Updated: Jul 24, 2023 4:14 PM
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Gre prep online guides and tips, average gre scores by major: what scores do you need.

You’ve probably heard of GRE percentiles , and perhaps you’re familiar with what the current average GRE scores are. But what about average GRE scores by major? Do engineering majors really score higher on Quant than arts and humanities majors? More importantly, what are the average GRE scores for the schools and majors you’re interested in?

Follow along as we analyze the average GRE scores by major. We’ll also show you how to figure out the average GRE scores for your programs and explain what these scores mean for you.

Average GRE Scores by Overarching Discipline

Instead of jumping straight into specific majors, let’s first take a look at the average GRE scores by overarching discipline . By doing so, we’ll get a rough idea as to how (and possibly why) different fields produce different averages on the GRE.

But first, a brief refresher. The GRE is divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (AW). Both the Verbal and Quant sections are scored in 1-point increments on a scale of 130-170, while the AW section is scored in half-point increments on a scale of 0-6.

According to ETS data , the current average GRE scores for each section   are as follows:

• Verbal: 149.97
• Quant: 152.57

Now, onto disciplines. Below is a chart depicting the average Verbal, Quant, and AW scores by overarching discipline:

Source: ETS GRE Distribution Table 4

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*Remember, the AW section is scored on a half-point basis, so the exact numbers in the AW column are just a result of averaging. You can’t actually score 3.3, 3.8, 4.1, etc.

According to this table, the average score ranges for each section  are as follows:

• Verbal: 149-156
• Quant: 149-159
• AW: 3.3-4.1

These averages noticeably differ from the overall averages for Verbal, Quant, and AW (as described above). Looking at the table again, we see that  some of these GRE averages by discipline are below the overall averages, some are the same, and some are higher . For example, the Verbal average for social and behavioral sciences majors is 153, or about 3 points higher than the overall Verbal average, whereas the Quant average for education majors is only 149.

Ultimately, however, these averages illustrate how even if your GRE score is below the overall average, such a score might be sufficient for your specific discipline  (and therefore for your specific program, too — but we’ll get more into that later).

So what other patterns are there? Using this table, we can see that  applicants tend to score higher on the GRE sections more relevant to their disciplines . Because arts and humanities majors focus mostly on reading and writing, these applicants scored the highest Verbal (156) and AW (4.1) averages. Similarly, those entering the math-heavy fields of engineering and the physical sciences produced the highest Quant averages (159 and 158, respectively).

On the opposite side,  applicants also tend to score lower on the GRE sections less relevant to their disciplines . So, naturally, engineering majors scored significantly lower on AW (3.3) than arts and humanities majors (4.1) did, whereas arts and humanities majors scored significantly lower on Quant (150) than engineering majors (159) did.

Furthermore, this data emphasizes how certain GRE scores — i.e., those on the section more relevant to your discipline — are considerably more important than the scores on your less relevant section . Say you’re interested in the arts and humanities for your graduate major. Because the average Verbal and AW scores for the arts and humanities are quite high and the Quant score is somewhat low, it’s OK to focus more on Verbal and AW than on Quant.

Let’s look at a real-life example. The  English literature Ph.D. program at UC Davis states, “Most of our successful applicants have verbal and analytic GRE scores in the upper 90th percentiles.” As you can see, the program doesn’t even bother to mention Quant but expects fairly high Verbal and AW scores, which are clearly more relevant to the program’s field. Basically, if you’re applying to this English Ph.D. program, focus on Verbal and AW, and a lower Quant score likely won’t affect your chance of admission.

These are some of the important patterns of average GRE scores by overarching discipline. Now, let’s break up this data into even smaller pieces and look at average GRE scores by major .

Average GRE Scores by Major

The following tables showcase each of the above discipline’s most common majors and their average Verbal, Quant, and AW GRE scores .  Find your intended graduate major to see how its average GRE scores stack up against both the averages for its overarching discipline and the overall GRE averages.

A couple of things to note, though. The following GRE scores are the average scores of all test takers, not admitted applicants.  In other words, we don’t know if these scores were in fact high enough for test takers to get into the programs of their choice. So while it can be helpful to compare the average GRE scores of test takers in your discipline, these scores ultimately can’t tell you what scores are good enough for the specific programs you’re applying to.

All of the following data is taken from ETS .

Life Sciences

Physical sciences, engineering, social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, other fields.

As I previously mentioned, although these tables are useful, we can’t use this data to determine the exact GRE scores or score ranges specific programs are looking for. When it comes down to it, is average really good enough to get into a grad program? Or is it way too low?

Let’s take a look at the types of GRE scores various programs look for in applicants.

Are Average GRE Scores Good Enough?

The short answer is, yes and no. What GRE scores you aim for depends not only on your intended graduate major but also on the programs you’re applying to.

Depending on the program and field, the average GRE scores of incoming students for a particular program might be higher than, the same as, or lower than the field’s averages . Generally, more competitive programs expect higher GRE scores — that is, scores above whatever the field’s averages are. Similarly, average GRE scores for a less competitive program are usually the same as or lower than its corresponding field’s averages.

For instance,  Columbia’s sequential M.A./M.Phil./Ph.D. program in English and comparative literature has “no fixed minimum GRE score, but successful applicants trained in the U.S. will almost always have a GRE verbal score in the 95th percentile or better.” As expected, the program, being in the arts and humanities field, doesn’t focus on Quant scores. But its average Verbal score is extremely competitive — at least 164-165 — which is significantly higher than the English language and literature average of 157.

Another example is  UCLA’s Ph.D. program in economics , whose incoming class averaged Verbal, Quant, and AW scores of 158, 168, and 5.0. All of these scores are markedly higher than the average GRE scores for economics majors (which are 154, 160, and 3.8, respectively).

Likewise, less competitive programs are more likely to welcome applicants with average or below-average GRE scores for their fields of study. Take the  University of Georgia’s Master of Social Work program , which suggests a Verbal score of 146 and an AW score of 3.5, both of which are lower than the averages for social work majors.

As you can see, the average (or target) GRE scores for a single program can differ just a little or a lot from the averages of its field .

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But how do you find the average GRE scores for the programs you’re applying to? And how can this info help you personally?

How to Find Average GRE Scores by Program

Let’s summarize what we’ve learned so far. Looking at GRE score averages by major can give you a rough idea of a baseline score to aim for on each section of the test. But your programs’ average GRE scores clarify more precisely the exact scores you’ll need in order to be a competitive applicant .

So how do you look for average GRE scores by school and major? Follow the steps below.

#1: Search for Average GRE Scores Online

One of the simplest ways to search for GRE score info online is by Googling “[Your School] [Your Program] average GRE scores.” Another option is to browse your programs’ official webpages while using the search function on your computer (ctrl + F) to look for anything along the lines of “GRE” or “score.” It’s best to peruse FAQ and admission requirements pages.

Some schools lay out average GRE scores very clearly. The  Penn Graduate School of Education , for example, offers a chart listing the average GRE scores of incoming students for its master’s, Ed.D, and Ph.D. programs.

But other schools might report GRE score info in a slightly different format. The University of Washington doctoral program in immunology provides average GRE score ranges instead of individual scores. Similarly, NYU’s M.A. program in cultural reporting and criticism  advises applicants to get a minimum 160 Verbal score. This isn’t an average score, but we can assume that the average is close to 160 — probably a little higher.

Which brings me to my next point: if only a single section’s average score is reported, concentrate on that section more than on any other.  Remember, some programs won’t even cast a glance at your Verbal or Quant scores if they’re totally irrelevant to your field. Still, don’t think it’s OK to bomb your less relevant section. If you can’t find the other section’s average score, use the discipline’s average score as a baseline (just refer to the tables above).

If you manage to find average GRE scores for all of your programs, congrats! You’re all set. Now, add 2 points to your programs’ averages to get your goal scores (round up and add a half-point to get your AW goal score). Hitting your goal scores increases your chance of admission because your scores will be better than your programs’ averages. Read our guide to learn more about how to set a goal score based on your program’s average GRE scores .

But what if you can’t find average GRE score info online? Read on for what to do next.

#2: Call Your Programs

Not all programs publish average GRE scores online, and many are hesitant to divulge any GRE score info whatsoever. The next step, then, is to call your programs . Ask directly for the average GRE scores of incoming students (or even of students from previous years). If they can’t or won’t answer your question, see whether they’re willing to tell you what constitutes a low or high GRE score for the program.

Couldn’t get any info out of them over the phone? Or hate making calls (like me)? Then move on to step 3.

#3: Gauge the Competitiveness of Your Programs

You couldn’t find any GRE info online and the phone call just didn’t work out. Bummer. Your last and final step is to get back online and familiarize yourself with the overall competitiveness of your programs and see how they compare to similar programs at other schools. A good website to use for rankings is  U.S. News .

Here’s what you should know as you search: the more competitive a program is, the higher GRE scores it’ll expect, especially in the section more relevant to its field. For less competitive programs, a score equivalent to, or a couple of points above, your field’s average is usually sufficient.

Generally, incoming students to the most competitive programs average GRE scores in or higher than the 90th percentile for relevant GRE sections.  Note that you should still score fairly high for less relevant sections — at least in the 75th or 80th percentiles, depending on the program.

If you discover a different program you’re not applying to that’s just about as competitive as the program you are applying to, try searching for that other program’s average GRE scores instead. Most likely, they’ll be similar to the ones for the program you’re applying to.

Summary: Understanding GRE Score Averages by Major

Average GRE scores for Verbal, Quant, and AW vary considerably depending on the major and program. Here are the  overall GRE average scores:

And here are the average GRE score ranges by discipline:

Generally, applicants score higher on the sections more relevant to their intended field of study. For example, arts and humanities majors scored the highest averages for Verbal and AW, whereas engineering majors scored the highest average for Quant.

But a field’s average isn’t usually identical to a program’s average GRE scores. To figure out average GRE scores by major and school (and to help you determine the scores you should be aiming for), follow these three steps:

• Search online for your programs’ average GRE scores.  Pay attention to admission requirements and FAQ pages in particular.
• Call your programs if you couldn’t find anything online.
• Research the competitiveness of your programs if steps 1 and 2 don’t work out.

Once you find your programs’ averages, add 2 points to the highest average Verbal and Quant scores (round up and add a half-point to the highest average AW score) to get your goal scores for all three GRE sections.

What’s Next?

You know the average GRE scores by major — but what about the average GRE scores by schoo l ? Our guide shows you how to find average GRE scores for specific grad programs.

Want to learn more about average GRE scores in general ?  Get info on current GRE score data to find out what your GRE score means for you.

Wondering what a good GRE score is overall ?  Read our guide to learn what constitutes a good GRE score. You can also check out our guides on how to get a good Verbal score and a good Quant score .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz