Humanities Master’s Admissions Experts

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.

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 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.

I have had several years experience with College Admissions consulting, helping students get into their dream schools including some of the most competitive institutions nationally and internationally (UCLA, Cornell, UPenn, Duke to name a few). I have also specialized in helping students apply to niche programs, graduate and MBA programs, and schools like Brigham Young University, but that's not all. My professional career has included my role as a management consultant, where I built pricing models for insurance companies, evaluated presidential foundations’ programming, and improved marketing at large corporations. What most informs my approach to admissions, however, is my time working on the other side of the admissions process as Director of Admissions for the University of Redlands School of Education and later Regional Director of Enrollment and Operations for both the School of Education and the School of Business. In addition, I was an Assistant Director of Recruitment for the Claremont Colleges, where I was responsible for the recruitment and marketing strategy of the Keck Graduate Institute working with prospective science and engineering students. Right out of my graduate program at Harvard, I worked for Google's HR department and at Kaplan, developing a national curriculum in reading, math and writing for K-8th graders. I've co-authored a Kaplan textbook on writing and was responsible for training instructors on best practices in pedagogy. As someone with a wide range of experiences personally and professionally, I love helping students shape and mold their own stories to help them stand out in the crowd. In my free time, I love all things British royals, ballroom dancing, traveling internationally, and watching movies with complex plot lines.

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! With a law degree from NYU Law, where I received a full tuition scholarship and served on the student admission committee, I bring a wealth of experience to my coaching. I also hold a Master's Degree in Public Policy and Administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science. My professional journey includes roles as a public school teacher, corporate law attorney at top law firms, and in house legal counsel. I have a passion for helping aspiring students navigate the complexities of master's program applications, drawing on my own academic and professional experiences. Whether you need guidance on application strategy, essay writing, or interview preparation, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect and craft a plan to achieve your academic goals!

I hold master’s degrees from both NYU and Clemson, so I understand firsthand what it’s like to apply to competitive graduate programs - and how to stand out. My 11+ years working in admissions at top universities have given me an insider’s perspective on what committees look for and how candidates can distinguish themselves. As an ICF-Certified Coach, I bring a supportive yet strategic approach to guiding applicants through the graduate admissions process. From refining your personal statement to highlighting your academic and professional achievements, I’ll help you craft an application that demonstrates your readiness and confidence.