Physics Admissions Experts

Over the last six years, I have coached hundreds of students at a large R1 institution, guiding them as they prepare for graduate and medical school applications. I work with applicants from personal statement ideation all the way through decision making and I can't wait to do the same with you. Whether you're applying for the first time or reapplying and need a fresh take on your application, I'm confident that my coaching experience will be an asset to you. My approach centers around making meaning of your experiences, helping you to find the connections to your future goals, and translating those in a way that will resonate with the admissions committee. Let's work together to help you achieve your goals!

I have a passion for mentoring aspiring PhD candidates, helping them navigate the complexities of the application process and secure positions at top institutions. Whether you need guidance on crafting a compelling research proposal or advice on interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Having gone through the recent admissions process, I am well-versed in achieving successful applications to graduate programs in both the US and UK. I am aware how to structure applicant's experiences to provide clarity to admissions readers, how to curate dedicated PhD research proposals, and how to deduce which of your experiences will best distinguish your candidacy. On top of essay and proposal refinement, I will also offer my expertise in curating your academic CV and drafting emails to your recommenders to optimise your chances of success.

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'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.

With a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Washington and extensive experience as a faculty member, academic administrator, writing advisor, and program director at UCLA and the University of Washington, I have a deep understanding of the academic landscape and the skills needed to get offers and succeed in graduate programs. Through my work with AnotherDegree.com, I assist graduate students and grad and professional school applicants to get the personalized mentorship they need to support their academic ambitions. I have directed competitive academic programs and created experiential learning courses that prepared thousands of students for graduate and professional school degrees. I received a Faculty Mentor Award through UCLA. Through my career I have taught and mentored 1000s of students to achieve their academic goals and attain funding and scholarships. As an independent business consultant and appointee to numerous selection committees, steering committees, and advisory groups for higher ed organizations, my knowledge of graduate school admissions practices is not limited to how things have been done, but how they are evolving. This gives me insights into what admissions committees are looking for in the next generation of scholars. My interdisciplinary academic background spans sociology, history, science and technology studies, and education studies. I’ve won several competitive fellowships, including awards from DAAD and FLAS, and bring extensive experience in archival research, comparative case studies, survey design, interviews, statistical analysis, and holistic program assessment. My approach is comprehensive, focusing on research skill-building, values reflection, professional development, and strategic application planning for getting you into the programs where you will thrive. In all my work, I’m committed to providing guidance that makes the “hidden curriculum” visible, democratizes access to knowledge production, and empowers diverse learners to navigate academic and non‑academic career pathways with clarity and confidence.

I help aspiring researchers and PhD applicants navigate research pathways, program and faculty fit, funding, and application strategy. Across more than 20 years in graduate education, including leadership at MIT and graduate admissions work at Harvard, I’ve supported students through research opportunities, admissions, fellowships, mentoring, and doctoral development. We can work on program and faculty fit, applicant-authored statements and CVs, recommender strategy, faculty conversations, interviews, funding, and offer comparison. Sometimes our work is about strengthening an application. Sometimes it is about discerning whether a particular degree, program—and the mentoring, funding, community, and environment around it—is truly the right next step. My role is not to promise an outcome or write your application for you. It is to help you understand the process, make informed choices, and move forward with clarity.