Sociology & Anthropology Admissions Experts

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.

PhD admissions is not a numbers game. There’s no magic GPA or standardized test score you need that will guarantee success. That means it is hard to predict how you’ll do—and that if you know what admissions committees are looking for, you can build a winning application. I am a PhD Student in sociology at Harvard University, in addition to having a JD from Harvard Law School, and a BA from Bard College. I know first-hand how stressful the PhD application process is, and how to successfully navigate it. I know what admissions committees look for. And I know how to present your credentials—and build them—the way successful applicants do. Sociologists analyze the "hidden curriculum," but too often only whisper networks give applicants the insights they need to make a successful application. I hope to change that. My approach is bottom-up. If you’re at the beginning of your application process, let's start by assessing your goals, generating a list of programs from there, and then thinking strategically about how to maximize your chances of admission at each program you apply to. If you’re further along, let’s look at your materials and work them into top shape. If you have interviews scheduled, we’ll practice them so you can start off on the right foot with potential mentors. Wherever you are in the application process, let’s connect and work together to further your academic goals.

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.