Master's Programs Consultants, Events, & Resources

Acceptance to graduate school is a dance. Rather than testing natural talent, it’s a process of learning the right moves, finding the rhythms, and knowing when to follow the rules and when to bend them. Working as both a post-graduate student and a professor in higher education, I know how graduate admissions actually works—not in theory, but from every side of the table. I hold advanced degrees from top-tier institutions in both the United States and the UK and have helped multiple applicants gain admission to highly competitive graduate programs on both sides of the Atlantic. I’ve been the applicant crafting statements at 2 a.m., the student figuring out how to strategically cultivate mentors, and the professor reading applications, grading writing, and deciding which students stand out (for both good and bad reasons). I know what faculty are really looking for in a statement of purpose, how to identify and approach potential advisors, how to position your interests so they sound like the beginning of a collaboration—not a plea, how funding decisions are made, and how to ask for letters of recommendation in a way that leads to strong, specific, enthusiastic letters. My coaching is beyond generic advice or résumé polishing, it’s about teaching you how to think like a successful graduate applicant, how to position yourself as a compelling future colleague, and how to move through the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence rather than mystique and guesswork. It’s about becoming a researcher and communicating that in intelligible ways. In other words, it’s about becoming a dancer.

After reviewing thousands of graduate applications during my 15 years in admissions, I learned that the strongest applications are rarely the ones with the longest résumés or the most polished essays. As a former Associate Director of Recruitment and Admission at the USC Price School of Public Policy, I know admissions committees aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for applicants who have a clear sense of purpose and can communicate how their experiences, values, and future goals fit together into a compelling, cohesive narrative. That's the foundation of my work. I help applicants gain the clarity and confidence to make decisions aligned with their strengths, values, and long term goals, then translate that into an authentic application that stands out. Whether you're unsure how to tell your story, deciding between graduate programs, or applying to a highly competitive field, I'll help you communicate not just what you've done, but why it matters and where you're headed. I'll help you communicate not just what you've done, but why it matters and where you're headed. That's what makes applications stand out. My work is especially valuable for applicants who: ✨ Have meaningful professional experience but struggle to translate it into a clear, cohesive application narrative. 🌱 Feel that their essays are polished but still missing the deeper story that connects their experiences, motivations, and goals. 🔄 Are navigating a career transition and want to position it as an evolution rather than a weakness. 🎓 Are first generation students, LGBTQ+, students of color, or from historically underrepresented communities seeking guidance from someone who understands the importance of honoring your lived experience. ⚖️ Are applying to joint or concurrent degree programs and need help creating a cohesive narrative across multiple disciplines. 🌍 Want to create meaningful impact through public service, policy, social innovation, or systems change. If you're looking for thoughtful, personalized guidance throughout the graduate admissions process, I'd be honored to help you create an application that reflects your strengths, your purpose, and your potential. Not sure if we're the right fit? Watch my recent masterclass on Leland+ to learn more about my approach to graduate admissions and how I help students build applications with clarity and purpose.

I turned my own skill with graduate-school applications--including admission to the US's top clinical psychology Master's/PhD program--into a way to help other applicants succeed. I do that by helping them find the right stories to tell and put their best foot forward, using my experience/success not only with applications but with writing fiction, narrative non-fiction, screenplays, and other story-driven work. Story is the best way to show admissions committees the "person behind the profile." That's what I help my clients do.

Welcome to my profile! With a rich academic background from Harvard University and Duke University, I am currently a fourth-year medical student at Stanford University School of Medicine, focusing on neurology and psychiatry. My experience as an Assistant College Counselor at Ardent Academy has equipped me with the skills to guide students through the complexities of master's program applications. I am passionate about helping students craft compelling applications that highlight their unique strengths and experiences. Whether you need assistance with personal statements, application strategy, or interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's work together to achieve your academic goals!

Welcome to my profile! With a J.D./LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from Duke University and a B.A. in French and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I bring a robust academic background to my coaching. My experience spans several roles, including Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where I gained invaluable insights into the admissions process. I've successfully guided numerous clients through the complexities of master's program applications. Whether you're aiming for a top-tier program or need strategic advice on your application, I'm here to help you craft a compelling narrative. Looking forward to connecting!

I’m Aric, a graduate admissions coach with years of experience guiding students into top Master’s programs. As a former Assistant Director at Harvard Business School, I’ve worked directly with hundreds of graduate students and know what it takes to stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool. I help candidates strengthen every part of their application—from choosing the right programs and refining their personal statements to preparing for interviews and securing strong recommendations. My approach is both strategic and supportive, making sure you not only present your best application, but also step into your graduate journey with confidence and clarity.

I help Master’s applicants clarify which degree and program fit their goals, strengthen their applicant-authored materials, and make financially informed decisions about graduate study. My work spans research-oriented and professional programs, including applicants pursuing career advancement, a career change, research preparation, or a future doctoral pathway. We can work on degree and program discernment, application strategy, statements and resumes, recommendations, funding and affordability, interviews, and offer comparison. Sometimes the question is how to strengthen an application. Sometimes it is whether graduate school—or a particular degree, program, cost, and community—is truly the right next step. My aim is to help you make both a strong application and a thoughtful decision about the education and environment you are choosing.

Hi There! I've worked across the public, private, and non-profit sectors -- ranging from climate policy at the Treasury to scaling a trade services company out in Florida. I can help refine your story, navigate tough decisions on where to focus your energy, and coach you through interview preparation. While at McKinsey, I worked as a recruiting ambassador and interviewed 100+ candidates for the post-undergrad BA Generalist role.

For my Master's Degree, I was selected as a Presidential Scholar at Harvard. But, it wouldn't have been possible without the frameworks and feedbacks from my coaches. Since then, I've sought to pay it forward by guiding people through the process. One of the highlights of my career has been watching them gain acceptance into their dream programs. Whether it's crafting a compelling application or prepping for interviews, I'd love to help you. Schedule a free intro call to see if I'm the right fit.

Welcome to my profile! I’m a UC Berkeley graduate with a Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering and a background that combines STEM, education, mentorship, and academic advising. Over the past several years, I’ve supported students from a wide range of backgrounds — including international, transfer, first-generation, and high-achieving applicants — as they navigated competitive undergraduate and graduate academic pathways. My experience includes working as an Ivy League University Mentor, Academic & Career Advisor, tutor, and educational mentor, where I helped students with university and graduate school applications, school selection, essays, resumes, interview preparation, financial aid guidance, and overall application strategy. I’ve worked with students pursuing opportunities in STEM, engineering, data science, healthcare, and other competitive fields, including applicants targeting top universities across the United States. My coaching style is supportive, strategic, and highly personalized. I believe strong applications come from more than impressive achievements — they come from understanding how to clearly communicate your story, goals, and strengths in a way that feels authentic and compelling. Whether you’re applying to college, pursuing a master’s program, exploring career directions, or feeling overwhelmed by the admissions process, I’m here to help simplify the journey and build a plan tailored to your goals. I’m especially passionate about helping students gain clarity and confidence while navigating complex academic and professional decisions. I look forward to supporting you on your journey!