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Debby C.

Debby C.

PhD Programs | Former Director of Graduate Admissions, Stanford University

American Public University System Logo

Studied at American Public University System

Stanford University Logo

Worked at Stanford University


Debby's Coaching Offerings

PhD Comprehensive Counseling Services

PhD Comprehensive Counseling Services

Starting at $2,10010h+ of coaching

Custom hourly coaching · $220/hour

Browse Debby's coaching offerings for Master's Programs


Debby's PhD Qualifications

Coaches professionally

50+ people coached for PhD

Open to working with clients outside the U.S.

With ten years of graduate admissions experience at Stanford University's School of Engineering and School of Education, I can give you an understanding of the application and review process, address your concerns, and answer your questions about graduate school applications. Since 2013, I have worked as a professional graduate admission consultant specializing in helping students navigate the process of applying to graduate programs in the United States, Canada, and the UK. I have traveled worldwide to meet prospective students and their families and understand the different cultural expectations around earning an advanced degree. My past client results include: STANFORD UNIVERSITY Civil & Environmental Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering International Education Policy Learning, Design & Technology Policy, Organization & Leadership HARVARD UNIVERSITY Data Science Education Leadership. Organization & Entrepreneurship Human Development & Education Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology Prevention Science & Practice UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Systems Engineering Education & Psychology Behavioral Economics Counseling & Mental Health Services Human Development International Education Development Learning Sciences and Technologies Social Psychology WHARTON MBA (joint program with Computer Engineering Management Technology) CORNELL UNIVERSITY Electrical & Computer engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research & Information Engineering Statistics Agricultural Economics Food Science Financial Mathematics Management JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Applied Physics Computer Science Electrical & Computer Engineering Robotics Mental Health Counseling Public Health & Epidemiology Public Policy, Global Affairs & International Relations Financial Mathematics COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Management Science & Engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research Agricultural Economics Biostatistics Statistics Financial Mathematics Applied Behavior Analysis Counseling Psychology Developmental Psychology Instructional Technology & Media International Comparative Education International Studies MSW School Psychology UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MBA Public Policy/Global Affairs MSW Psychology​ GEORGETOWN Public Policy/Global Affairs Asian Studies NYU Computer Science Data Science Electrical Engineering Financial Engineering​ Biostatistics​ Food Studies Physics Behavioral Economics Counseling Human Development & Social Interaction MSW UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Aero/Astro Engineering Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biostatistics Survey Methodology Financial Mathematics Public Policy & International Studies Japanese Studies MSW CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electric and Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering HCI Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Statistical Practice Computational Finance UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Computer Science Chemical Engineering​ Electrical Engineering Applied Physics Biostatistics​ Education/Psychology Learning Sciences and Human Development MSW

Debby also coaches for Master's Programs


About Debby

With ten years of graduate admissions experience at Stanford University's School of Engineering and School of Education, I can give you an understanding of the application and review process, address your concerns, and answer your questions about graduate school applications. Since 2013, I have worked as a professional graduate admission consultant specializing in helping students navigate the process of applying to graduate programs in the United States, Canada, and the UK. I have traveled worldwide to meet prospective students and their families and understand the different cultural expectations around earning an advanced degree. I founded WISE Graduate Admissions Consulting to share my knowledge and experience with students worldwide. Not to "game the system" but to help applicants navigate the application process so they can present the most favorable, accurate, and compelling picture to committee members of what they have to offer their department. My consulting services will provide you with honest and personalized support as you prepare to apply to graduate school. In particular, I have deep expertise in the areas of engineering, the natural sciences, social sciences, and education. I do not screen out clients based on their academic records. In fact, I am skilled at working with clients who might not feel confident in their potential for graduate studies. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and I make it my mission to help you showcase your strengths ... even if you can't see them. One of my strengths is to show my clients what is possible and work with them to make their dreams a reality. I am passionate about educational empowerment for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree and helping students who want to play a role in the advancement of our society through graduate education. My past client results include: STANFORD UNIVERSITY Civil & Environmental Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Management Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering International Education Policy Learning, Design & Technology Policy, Organization & Leadership HARVARD UNIVERSITY Data Science Education Leadership. Organization & Entrepreneurship Human Development & Education Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology Prevention Science & Practice UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Systems Engineering Education & Psychology Behavioral Economics Counseling & Mental Health Services Human Development International Education Development Learning Sciences and Technologies Social Psychology WHARTON MBA (joint program with Computer Engineering Management Technology) CORNELL UNIVERSITY Electrical & Computer engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research & Information Engineering Statistics Agricultural Economics Food Science Financial Mathematics Management JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Applied Physics Computer Science Electrical & Computer Engineering Robotics Mental Health Counseling Public Health & Epidemiology Public Policy, Global Affairs & International Relations Financial Mathematics COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Management Science & Engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research Agricultural Economics Biostatistics Statistics Financial Mathematics Applied Behavior Analysis Counseling Psychology Developmental Psychology Instructional Technology & Media International Comparative Education International Studies MSW School Psychology UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MBA Public Policy/Global Affairs MSW Psychology​ GEORGETOWN Public Policy/Global Affairs Asian Studies NYU Computer Science Data Science Electrical Engineering Financial Engineering​ Biostatistics​ Food Studies Physics Behavioral Economics Counseling Human Development & Social Interaction MSW UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Aero/Astro Engineering Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biostatistics Survey Methodology Financial Mathematics Public Policy & International Studies Japanese Studies MSW CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electric and Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering HCI Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Statistical Practice Computational Finance UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Computer Science Chemical Engineering​ Electrical Engineering Applied Physics Biostatistics​ Education/Psychology Learning Sciences and Human Development MSW


Why do I coach?

I coach to bring clarity and purpose to the graduate application experience. I want to help as many people reach their academic goals as possible. I love that my work allows students to discover their full potential, increase their self-confidence, and improve their communication skills. I am passionate about educational empowerment for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree. I also enjoy working with those who want to play a role in society’s advancement through graduate education. I am especially skilled at working with those who aren’t confident in their candidacy. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and I make it my mission to help clients showcase their strengths... even if they can't see them. I show my clients what is possible and work with them to make their dreams a reality.


Work Experience

Wise Graduate Admiss Logo

Business Owner

Wise Graduate Admiss

July 2013 - Present

- Independent graduate admissions consultant specializing in helping students navigate the process of applying to graduate programs in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe. My services are customized to meet the specific needs of each client. I work collaboratively throughout the entire process and can advise students on the complete process of applying to graduate school in various areas of study. - Work at UT Austin on various research-related projects related to mindset and goal setting for college students (2021) - Presented several classes at UT Austin Dell Medical School Psychiatry (Diverse Psychology program) to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in areas of psychiatry. (2022-23)

University of Texas Austin Logo

Senior Strategic Planning Associate (Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute)

University of Texas Austin

March 2021 - September 2021

Consultant - Contract - Collaborate on the Texas Mindset Initiative (TxMI) & the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute (TxBSPI) projects; help develop a curriculum for instructors to address mindset in first-generation and underrepresented students in areas of STEAM and Social Sciences. - Collaborate with professors from the psychology and sociology departments and the school of education to develop a curriculum for learning assistants (via a research initiative). - Review applications to a post-baccalaureate research fellowship program to help address inequality and representation in education. - Provide career and graduate admissions counseling to college students (freshman-senior years) within STEM, Social Sciences, and Pre-Med areas. - Provide information sessions on graduate admissions applications as needed.

Stanford University Logo

Director of Graduate Admissions

Stanford University

March 2004 - June 2013

I've held various senior roles while at Stanford, I worked in the Central Office of Graduate Admissions, where I reviewed the files of admitted applicants from all departments on campus to ensure they met university standards for admission. I also worked in the School of Education to spearhead the development of their admissions office. I managed the annual admission cycle for all graduate programs (e.g., M.A. and Ph.D.). In the School of Engineering, I sat with admissions committee members to review, rank, and make admission recommendations for 1600 applications (per year) to the Department of Electrical Engineering’s full-time and part-time graduate programs (MS, Ph.D., and Engineer’s degree programs).


Education

American Public University System Logo

American Public University System

Master's, Psychology

2019 - 2022


Reviews

5.0

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Articles

Beyond the Checklist: How to Showcase Your Unique Skills and Experiences in Your Grad School Applications

Beyond the Checklist: How to Showcase Your Unique Skills and Experiences in Your Grad School Applications

May 15, 2023

Discover effective strategies and expert tips to stand out in your grad school applications. Learn how to showcase your unique skills and experiences to make a compelling case for your admission that captures the attention of admissions committees.

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Graduate School?

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Graduate School?

May 5, 2023

How much does your college GPA actually matter to graduate programs? How high of a GPA is "good enough"? A former Director of Stanford Graduate Admissions addresses the importance of GPAs to higher ed. degrees.

A Word of Caution on Application Essays and AI

A Word of Caution on Application Essays and AI

May 4, 2023

A former Director of Graduate Admissions at Stanford addresses the advantages and dangers of using ChatGPT and other AI software for graduate school application essays.

What Does "Holistic Review" Mean in Graduate School Admissions?

What Does "Holistic Review" Mean in Graduate School Admissions?

Apr 20, 2023

Looking to understand what "holistic review" means in graduate school admissions? This article breaks it down and explains how you can stand out in a holistic application process.

How to Get Started on Your Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School

How to Get Started on Your Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School

Mar 27, 2023

Discover the essential steps for obtaining strong letters of recommendation for your grad school application, including tips on crafting a persuasive request and maintaining strong relationships with your recommenders.

The 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions for Graduate School Admissions

The 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions for Graduate School Admissions

Feb 3, 2023

A former Director of Graduate Admissions at Stanford University outlines the three questions she gets asked the most, and how she'd answer them to guide your application process.

How to Decide Where to Apply for Graduate School

How to Decide Where to Apply for Graduate School

Sep 13, 2022

With so many advanced degree options, it can be difficult to narrow down your list of potential schools and choose the ones that are actually the best fit. Here are some tips to get you started.

What Extracurriculars are Graduate Programs Looking For?

What Extracurriculars are Graduate Programs Looking For?

Aug 19, 2022

What are graduate adcoms actually looking for when they review your resume? How are extracurricular activities considered in the review of your application?Read this to find the answers to these questions and more.

Graduate Admissions: Myths Busted! 

Graduate Admissions: Myths Busted! 

Aug 19, 2022

What you’ve heard about getting into grad school vs. the facts, from an expert Leland coach with almost 20 years of experience.

Debby C.

Debby C.

5.0