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María J.

María José

Winning scholarships through Purpose, Strategy & Authentic Storytelling

  • Universidad Complutense de Madrid Logo

    Universidad Complutense de Madrid

  • Francisco de Vitoria University Logo

    Francisco de Vitoria University

Available tomorrow

Starting at 7:00 PM UTC

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María also coaches for Master’s Programs, College, and PhD Programs. View all.

Work with María

María’s Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships Qualifications

Coaches professionally

Winning a scholarship is not just about proving excellence. It is about showing why you are worth investing in. Throughout my own academic journey, I have been awarded highly competitive scholarships and fellowships, including Becas Europa, two consecutive Excellence Scholarships from the Regional Government of Madrid, an AUIP international research fellowship, a competitive fellowship at The Heritage Foundation, and several national academic awards. These experiences taught me that scholarship committees rarely select candidates based on achievements alone. The strongest applications demonstrate something deeper: a clear sense of purpose, an understanding of the organization's mission, and a realistic vision of how that opportunity will create value beyond the individual applicant. That is the approach I bring to every client. Together, we will identify what makes you distinctive, define the impact you want to have, and build an authentic narrative that connects your strengths, your long-term goals, and the values of the scholarship you are applying for. Scholarships are not awarded to the most impressive résumé. They are awarded to candidates who convince a committee that investing in them will create lasting value.

María can help with:

Application Strategy

Essays

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Interview Prep

Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement

Research

Resume Review

Work Experience

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Associate Dean for International Affairs

Francisco de Vitoria University

February 2025 - Present

Faculty of Education and Psychology Lead the internationalization strategy of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, expanding global academic and professional opportunities for students and faculty. Negotiate and establish international partnerships with universities, schools, employers, and educational organizations across Europe and North America. Advise students on international exchanges, graduate programs, fellowships, research opportunities, and academic careers abroad. Represent the Faculty at international conferences, institutional visits, and higher education partnership fairs, building relationships with leading universities and organizations. Regularly engage with leading scholars, university leaders, and international education professionals, gaining first-hand insight into global trends in higher education. Deliver lectures and invited presentations at international universities and conferences on education and higher education. Develop a deep understanding of international admissions, postgraduate education, academic careers, and the expectations of universities across different countries.

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University Professor

Francisco de Vitoria University

September 2024 - Present

Admissions Committee

Research and teach on international education policy, character education, and human flourishing, with a particular focus on OECD and European education trends. Work at the intersection of higher education, internationalization, and educational policy, maintaining a deep understanding of the evolving priorities, competencies, and profiles sought by leading universities and graduate programs worldwide. Advise students on graduate admissions, fellowships, international academic opportunities, and research careers. Supervise undergraduate and master's dissertations, mentoring students in research, academic writing, and academic career development. Member of the selection committee for the UFV Excellence Teaching Program and the Faculty's Optimus Award, evaluating academic excellence, leadership, and student potential. Regularly engage with international scholars, universities, and educational organizations through conferences, invited lectures, and collaborative projects, keeping abreast of emerging trends in higher education.

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Vice President

EucA (European university college Association)

November 2022 - November 2024

Admissions Committee

Vice President of the European University College Association (EUCA), collaborating with universities across Europe to advance student development and higher education. Faculty member in the Advising and Support module of Europe's only Master's in Student Affairs. Specialized in student advising, mentoring, leadership development, and residential education. Worked closely with higher education leaders and student affairs professionals to share best practices and strengthen student support systems across Europe. Extensive experience mentoring students and training higher education professionals in advising, mentoring, and student development.

Francisco de Vitoria University Logo

Professor & Mentor – Personal Skills and Competencies (HCP)

Francisco de Vitoria University

September 2020 - October 2023

Taught one of UFV's flagship first-year courses, integrating classroom teaching with one-to-one mentoring to support students' personal, academic, and professional development. Mentored undergraduate students through a structured developmental process focused on self-awareness, vocation, leadership, communication, teamwork, and purpose. Guided students in their transition to university, helping them identify their strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop the competencies required for academic and professional success. Applied an experiential and person-centered educational model grounded in character development and human flourishing. Mentored dozens of university students through individualized coaching conversations on academic development, leadership, vocation, and career planning.

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Associate Director – University Residential College (similar to the U.S. residential college model)

Francisco de Vitoria University

July 2019 - October 2023

Hiring Manager

Co-led the strategic transformation of a university residential college, redesigning its admissions, mentoring, and student development model. Designed and directed a character-based mentoring program inspired by the latest research on Liberal Arts education, human flourishing, and student development. Led the admissions process, evaluating applicants through interviews and holistic assessment to identify academic potential, leadership, and personal fit. Recruited, trained, and supervised mentors and educators responsible for student formation and residential life. Designed student leadership and community-building initiatives to foster personal growth, responsibility, and civic engagement. Worked closely with students throughout their university experience, supporting their academic, personal, and professional development. Developed extensive experience identifying high-potential students, evaluating applications and interviews, and mentoring students throughout their university journey.

Education

Universidad Complutense de Madrid Logo

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Doctorado en Educación, Educación

2020 - 2025

Graduated with the highest distinction: Outstanding (Sobresaliente Cum Laude). Awarded the International Doctorate Mention. Recipient of the First Prize in the GIAFE Graó Pedagogical Essay Award. Awarded the Runner-up Prize (Accésit) in the Ángeles Galino PhD Award at the Complutense University of Madrid. Completed a six-month funded research stay at the University of Coimbra through an AUIP scholarship. Doctoral dissertation completed as a publication-based thesis, comprising seven peer-reviewed articles published in Scopus- and JCR-indexed journals.

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Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia

Máster en Memoria y crítica de la educación, Educación

2019 - 2020

Graduated as the top student in the Master's program. Awarded the Master's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (Best Academic Record). Master's Thesis awarded with Honors (Matrícula de Honor).

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Universidad Francisco de Vitoria

Master's Degree, Mentoring and Accompaniment

2018 - 2019

Advanced training in mentoring, coaching, and person-centered accompaniment. Master's Thesis awarded with Outstanding (Sobresaliente). Subsequently collaborated in the supervision and assessment of Master's theses within the program.

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Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Bachelor's Degree, Psychology

2011 - 2015

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Universidad Francisco de Vitoria

Bachelor's Degree, Education

2008 - 2011

Graduated as the top undergraduate student across the entire university. Earned 21 Honors Distinctions ("Matrículas de Honor") throughout the degree. Received the Optimus Award, recognizing the university's most outstanding graduating student. Earned two consecutive merit scholarships from the Regional Government of Madrid. Served as Student Representative while maintaining a strong commitment to academic and extracurricular leadership.

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