Coterm FAQ

Do I need an advisor before I apply to the MTL coterm?

Students are encouraged to meet with the Director of the MTL Program to determine an appropriate advisor and course of study. It is important to have an advisor who is familiar with the expectations of the MTL program prior to completing your application.  One of your letters of recommendation should come from your prospective advisor.

Do I need to take the GRE before applying?

No. We do not require GRE scores.

Is there a foreign language requirement?

No.

How many units is this coterm?

45

Can I apply to the coterm or MA if I am not a current Stanford student?

No.  You must be a currently enrolled Stanford undergraduate to earn a co-terminal M.A. with MTL.

Can I start the coterm during any quarter?

No. MTL has one deadline for coterm applications during the academic year. All students must apply during winter quarter, February 15th, or the first business day following, for matriculation during spring quarter of the same academic year. Applications are not screened until after the due date.

How many coterms does MTL select per year?

The number is at the discretion of the director of the program.  There have been years where no coterms were admitted.  The maximum number in recent years was 3.

Can I apply to more than one coterm at a time?

Per Stanford University rules, you can only submit an application for one co-terminal program at a time.

Do you accept printed or emailed applications?

No. All applications must be submitted through the Admit online portal system.  If recommenders are having trouble uploading recommendation letters, those may be emailed directly to An Nguyen at antnguyn [at] stanford.edu (antnguyn[at]stanford[dot]edu).

Are there fee waivers for the application fee?

(From the Registrar's website, subject to change) Eligibility for a co-term graduate application fee waiver is based on the Financial Aid Office’s evaluation of your need-based aid application.  Those from families with income below $125,000 and typical assets for that income range will qualify. The waiver is automatically applied and no special request is necessary. The application fee is not charged unless you are accepted and matriculate into a coterm program.

Does MTL have funding available for coterms?

MTL does not provide any funding to co-term students. In rare cases, coterms are able to find T.A.ships with other departments but incoming students should not count on this. For more information about Financial Aid, please visit the Financial Aid office or check out the Registrar's website.

What undergraduate majors are eligible for the MTL coterm?

The coterm is open to students from all majors. However, there is an expectation that students have sufficient background in literature and/or cultural studies to be able to participate fully in graduate level courses.

What is the deadline to apply to the coterm?

Applications are due on February 2nd.