PhD Programs Admissions Coaches

Welcome to my profile! With over a decade of experience in graduate admissions at Stanford University, including roles in the School of Engineering and School of Education, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the PhD application process. As a former Director of Graduate Admissions, I have reviewed thousands of applications and understand what top programs are looking for. Since 2013, I have been an independent consultant, successfully guiding 200+ clients to prestigious programs across the US, Canada, and the UK. My personalized approach ensures that your application stands out. Let's work together to craft a compelling application that showcases your unique strengths and aspirations. Reach out to start your journey towards a successful PhD application!

With a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Harvard University, I bring a unique interdisciplinary approach to Ph.D. admissions coaching, blending insights from anthropology, economics, and business. My experience as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard, where I led discussions and contributed to course development, has honed my ability to guide students through complex academic landscapes. As an Admissions Consultant with Admitify and The Ivy Institute, I have successfully mentored numerous students in crafting compelling applications that stand out. Whether you're navigating the intricacies of research proposals or personal statements, I'm here to provide tailored support to help you achieve your academic goals. Let's connect and strategize your path to success!

Welcome to my profile! As a Gates Cambridge Scholar pursuing an MPhil in Medical Science (Oncology) at the University of Cambridge, I bring a wealth of research experience and academic excellence to my coaching. My journey through prestigious institutions like Notre Dame University, where I majored in Honors Biochemistry and minored in Data Science, has equipped me with a deep understanding of the PhD application process. I've conducted cutting-edge research at renowned organizations such as Pfizer and Mayo Clinic, and have a strong track record in mentoring and tutoring students in complex scientific subjects. Since I applied to PhD programs in the US and internationally last cycle, I understand how to best navigate the difficult challenges being posed to applicants in the current state of the field. Whether you're looking to refine your research proposal or navigate the intricacies of the PhD admissions process, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect and chart a path to your academic goals!

I’m Laurisa, a PhD admissions coach with hands-on experience guiding students through the PhD application process. Having successfully navigated graduate school myself and coached students through every stage of application preparation, I know what it takes to stand out in a competitive pool. I specialize in helping applicants leverage their unique strengths, craft compelling statements, build polished CVs, and strategically select programs and faculty. If you want to submit confident, competitive applications that maximize your chances of acceptance, my coaching will give you the structure, clarity, and insider strategies you need to succeed. Working with me means you’re not just submitting applications, you’re presenting a cohesive, standout story that admissions committees can’t ignore. Let’s turn your applications into acceptances and get you into grad school!

Welcome to my profile! With a Ph.D. in American Studies/Public Policy from Université Paris Nord and extensive experience in academia and admissions, I am well-equipped to guide you through the Ph.D. application process. As the founder of The Admission Concierge, I specialize in crafting persuasive applications and preparing candidates for interviews, ensuring your unique strengths shine through. My background includes serving as an Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the University of Miami, where I increased enrollment by 12% annually and launched new master's programs. Additionally, my research experience at Harvard Business School has honed my skills in data analysis and report writing. Let's work together to achieve your academic goals—reach out to start your journey today!

Having pivoted during medical school to pursue additional training as a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering, I had to learn on-the-fly how to prepare and succeed in the world of academia and research. Now, as I complete my PhD training, I strive to bolster the incoming generation of scientists and scholars to help promote diversity and inclusion at every level. Balancing multiple degree programs has taught me to manage my time, energy, and focus in meaningful ways, which I would love to pass on to any prospective students.

PhD admissions is not a numbers game. There’s no magic GPA or standardized test score you need that will guarantee success. That means it is hard to predict how you’ll do—and that if you know what admissions committees are looking for, you can build a winning application. I am a PhD Student in sociology at Harvard University, in addition to having a JD from Harvard Law School, and a BA from Bard College. I know first-hand how stressful the PhD application process is, and how to successfully navigate it. I know what admissions committees look for. And I know how to present your credentials—and build them—the way successful applicants do. Sociologists analyze the "hidden curriculum," but too often only whisper networks give applicants the insights they need to make a successful application. I hope to change that. My approach is bottom-up. If you’re at the beginning of your application process, let's start by assessing your goals, generating a list of programs from there, and then thinking strategically about how to maximize your chances of admission at each program you apply to. If you’re further along, let’s look at your materials and work them into top shape. If you have interviews scheduled, we’ll practice them so you can start off on the right foot with potential mentors. Wherever you are in the application process, let’s connect and work together to further your academic goals.

Welcome to my profile! With a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, I am well-equipped to guide you through the PhD journey, starting with crafting winning personal statements for admissions, designing strong research proposals, applying to fellowships and internships, and preparing a successful dissertation. My experiences at Penn have given me insider knowledge of PhD programs from end to end. I sat on student admission committees, led recruitment and interview weekends, and effected changes in university policy by working with administrators on the Dean's Doctoral Advisory Board member and serving as the President of the Graduate Association of Bioengineers. I also have extensive experience advising individuals who face significant challenges and setbacks in their program, including changing labs and handling difficult advisors or committees. Through my current role as a Principal Scientist at BrainSpec Inc and a Postdoctoral Researcher at Harvard Medical School, I bring interdisciplinary research perspectives in computational neuroscience and medical devices to my coaching as well as practical experience with navigating post-PhD careers in academia and industry. I've mentored 20+ aspiring and current PhD candidates. Let's work together to make your PhD aspirations a reality and support your journey to a successful defense!

Welcome to my profile! With over 20 years of experience in higher education, I specialize in guiding students through the intricacies of graduate program applications. As a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep, I help students craft compelling applications that highlight their unique strengths and goals. My background includes roles at Stanford University, where I coordinated programs for current and prospective graduate students and led diversity initiatives, giving me a deep understanding of what top programs look for in candidates. Whether you're just starting your application journey or need targeted advice, I'm here to help you succeed. I’d love to support your journey.; book a session today to see how I can help you reach your goals!

Kimberly employs a tailored one-on-one approach, drawing on more than ten years of project management, leadership, STEM outreach, and mentorship experience in academia, government, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship. Here are a few words from her clients: "Once I started PhD coaching with Dr. Duong, she immediately helped me make adjustments to create the optimal plan." "PhD coaching is great because it’s really targeted for PhD students who feel stuck in their programs." "Dr. Duong never downplayed my personal responsibilities in order to push me towards my professional commitment." "Dr. Duong’s insight and coaching has completely changed the way I look at procrastination, which has been hugely helpful in making progress."