PhD Admissions Consultants, Events, & Resources

Kimberly employs a tailored one-on-one approach, drawing on more than ten years of project management, leadership, STEM outreach, and mentorship experience in academia, government, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship. Here are a few words from her clients: "Once I started PhD coaching with Dr. Duong, she immediately helped me make adjustments to create the optimal plan." "PhD coaching is great because it’s really targeted for PhD students who feel stuck in their programs." "Dr. Duong never downplayed my personal responsibilities in order to push me towards my professional commitment." "Dr. Duong’s insight and coaching has completely changed the way I look at procrastination, which has been hugely helpful in making progress."

With over two decades of experience in education and admissions, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to PhD applicants. As a former Director of Admissions at Stanford University and a seasoned educational consultant she has a deep understanding of what top programs are looking for in candidates and how to navigate the unique graduate studies journey. Her experience spans roles at prestigious institutions and consulting, where she has guided countless students through the complexities of the application process. Whether you need help with crafting a compelling personal statement or strategizing your application, Kelly is here to provide tailored support to work together in making your PhD aspirations a reality!

The graduate application process is stressful at best and crippling at worst. Having served as a Dean and the Director of UC Berkeley's Psychology Post Baccalaureate Program for over 9 years, I have mentored nearly 200 students in their psychology graduate school application journey. I have also taught The Graduate School Application Process course for UC Berkeley Extension for the last two years. From identifying potential programs and labs to drafting a CV and statement of purpose, I am well equipped to lead you through this process.

During my time as Assistant Director of the PhD Program at Harvard Business School, I had the privilege of advising and supporting more than 130 doctoral students each year. In this role, I guided students through every stage of their academic journey—helping them navigate program requirements, prepare for milestones, and balance the challenges of rigorous research with personal growth. Working so closely with such a large and diverse group of scholars gave me a deep understanding of the demands of top-tier doctoral programs and the skills needed to thrive in them. That experience continues to shape the way I mentor aspiring PhD candidates today—combining empathy, structure, and insight to help them put their strongest foot forward.

Welcome to my profile! With a strong academic background from Columbia University and Brigham Young University Hawaii, I bring a wealth of experience in research and data analysis to my coaching. As a Research Manager at the Columbia AI Alignment Club, I have guided multiple projects and mentored undergraduate fellows, honing my skills in providing detailed feedback and fostering academic growth. My experience as a Research Assistant at Columbia Business School and Columbia University has equipped me with a deep understanding of the research process, from conducting interviews to data visualization and manuscript development. I am passionate about helping aspiring PhD candidates navigate the complexities of the application process and develop compelling research proposals. Let's work together to craft a standout application that showcases your unique strengths and potential. Feel free to reach out to discuss how I can support your journey to a top PhD program!

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 PhD in Developmental Psychology from Boston University and extensive research experience at institutions like Boston University, Princeton University, and Gallup, I bring a wealth of knowledge about developing research skills, applying these skills to real-world problems and scientific discovery, and building a successful research portfolio. Over the years, I have successfully guided 18 individuals through the rigorous PhD application process, helping them secure spots at top-tier programs and following up with them to advise on difficult problems during their PhD programs. My expertise spans experimental design in psychology, data analysis, and scientific writing, ensuring you present a compelling and well-rounded application if you are applying for PhD programs. If you are already in a PhD program and need guidance, I can help you too! I look forward to mentoring you to achieve your goals. Relying on my personal experiences, I especially enjoy working with first-generation students, international students, and students from a low income background.

With over 20 years of experience in graduate admissions, I’ve led PhD admissions processes at two Ivy League institutions: Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. At Princeton, I oversaw admissions for their highly competitive PhD program. At Penn Nursing, I reviewed doctoral applications for their top-tier program in nursing science. Whether you're pursuing a PhD in public policy, economics, nursing, or a related healthcare field, I bring an insider’s perspective to help you develop a compelling and strategic application. From articulating your research agenda and identifying faculty fit to refining your statement of purpose and CV, I’ll guide you through every step with the same insight and intentionality I brought to the admissions committees I once led.

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!

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. As a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep, 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!