Cognitive & Clinical Psychology Admissions Consultants

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. 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!

I'm Abby, an expert PhD coach, specializing in STEM applications and programs including: Engineering, Math, Computer Science, Psychology, Natural Sciences and more. I have had success with over 50 applicants landing at top schools such as: Stanford, Harvard, Berkley, UMD, UCLA, Columbia, and more. I combine this insider knowledge with my extensive experience in both academia and industry to help applicants craft compelling narratives, highlight their strengths, and position themselves strategically for success. Whether you’re refining your statement of purpose, shaping your research direction, or preparing for interviews, I’ll guide you through every step with personalized, results-driven support.

I help prospective CS/AI PhD applicants build stronger, more research-focused applications for U.S. programs. I can help you identify the right schools and advisors, evaluate your current profile, position your research experience effectively, strengthen your SOP and CV, and prepare for faculty interviews. I also help applicants diagnose common weaknesses such as unclear research direction, weak advisor fit, or an application that lists accomplishments without telling a convincing research story. I bring experience from both sides of the process: I earned my PhD in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University, and I have participated in student admissions and helped faculty review and interview prospective PhD students. My goal is to help you understand how your application is likely to be read by researchers, and turn your background into a clear, credible case for your research potential and fit.

Welcome to my profile! With a PhD in Social/Personality Psychology from UC Berkeley and extensive experience as a UX Researcher at top companies like Meta and Fidelity Investments, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. I have served on the admissions committee for prospective PhD students and have mentored over 100 undergraduate students, providing me with a deep understanding of the academic journey. My expertise in advanced statistical methods and cross-cultural research equips me to guide you through the complexities of the PhD application process. Whether you need help with crafting a compelling personal statement or navigating the interview process, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's connect and make your PhD aspirations a reality!

I have mentored multiple students, helping them refine their applications for PhD programs in Psychology (specializing in Cognitive Neuroscience). I have also mentored students in my new field, neural tissue engineering. My mentoring has spanned advice not only on getting into programs, but being successful in them -- handling mentoring teams, achieving milestones and getting what you want from the degree program.

Elite admissions coach with Harvard/PhD credentials, 30+ years' experience and 100s of 5-star public reviews Decades of experience have enabled me to "crack the code" with regard to maximizing an applicant's chances of admission, helping you create compelling statements/essays and related collateral (e.g., research proposals, CVs, letters of recommendation drafts). I don't just "give feedback" or perform mechanical edits on personal statements and statements of purpose—I work one-on-one with you in high-touch, live tutorial mode to help you clearly articulate complex research narratives and dissertation goals. Use of proven methodologies and specialized questionnaires helps cut writing time by more than half. (New to Leland but well-established at other leading coaching/tutorial platforms.) Free 15-minute intro/discovery call available, schedule permitting, for qualified applicants.

I've been tutoring students from K-10, college, masters, and doctoral programs for the past decade. I provide writing and analytical support services, providing expertise with college admissions essays and resumes.

A PhD application is not just about demonstrating academic excellence. It is about convincing a university that you have the potential to become an independent researcher. As a University Professor, Associate Dean for International Affairs, and PhD in Education (International Mention), I have experienced the doctoral journey from multiple perspectives: as an applicant, researcher, scholarship recipient, supervisor, and academic mentor. My own PhD was completed through a publication-based dissertation, supported by an international research fellowship, and complemented by research collaborations abroad. Today, I supervise undergraduate and master's dissertations, mentor aspiring researchers, and regularly advise students applying for graduate programs and international research opportunities. My approach goes beyond reviewing research proposals or statements of purpose. Together, we will clarify your research interests, identify the programs and supervisors that genuinely fit your goals, and develop an application that demonstrates not only your academic achievements, but also your intellectual curiosity, research potential, and long-term vision. The strongest PhD applications don't simply show what you have done. They convince a committee of the researcher you can become.

You may be considering a PhD, preparing applications, or wondering which research and mentoring environment would support your growth. Questions about faculty, funding, expectations, and future possibilities can be difficult to sort through. Together, we can explore whether doctoral study fits your goals and what to look for in the programs you’re considering. I bring more than 20 years of experience in graduate education, including leadership at MIT and graduate admissions work at Harvard. My background includes research opportunities, fellowships, mentoring, student support, and doctoral development. We can work on research interests, program and faculty fit, application strategy, feedback on your statements and CV, recommendations, faculty conversations, interviews, funding, and admission offers. Your application materials remain your own work, with guidance to help you communicate your experience and interests clearly. My advising combines practical strategy with a mindful, collaborative approach. We’ll consider not only what programs expect from you, but whether their mentoring, funding, research culture, and community could support your development and well-being. Your identity, values, responsibilities, and hopes for the future belong in that conversation. You remain the decision-maker as we explore a path that makes sense for your research and your life.

Welcome to my profile! With a PhD in German from Harvard University and decades of working with young adults seeking admission to graduate programs, I bring a wealth of academic and advisory experience to my coaching. As the Associate Dean for Fellowships and Research at a top-tier college, I have advised application processes for nationally competitive fellowships and graduate programs, helping students navigate the complexities of MA and PhD applications. My extensive background in academia, including teaching and administrative roles, equips me with the insights needed to guide you through your graduate admissions journey. Whether you need help with application strategy, research proposals, or interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's connect and make your aspirations a reality!