Biomedical Sciences Admissions Coaches

I’m Laurisa, a PhD admissions coach with hands-on experience guiding students through the PhD application process. Having successfully navigated graduate school myself and coached students through every stage of application preparation, I know what it takes to stand out in a competitive pool. I specialize in helping applicants leverage their unique strengths, craft compelling statements, build polished CVs, and strategically select programs and faculty. If you want to submit confident, competitive applications that maximize your chances of acceptance, my coaching will give you the structure, clarity, and insider strategies you need to succeed. Working with me means you’re not just submitting applications, you’re presenting a cohesive, standout story that admissions committees can’t ignore. Let’s turn your applications into acceptances and get you into grad school!

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 a decade of experience in graduate admissions at Stanford University, including roles in the School of Engineering and School of Education, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the PhD application process. As a former Director of Graduate Admissions, I have reviewed thousands of applications and understand what top programs are looking for. Since 2013, I have been an independent consultant, successfully guiding 200+ clients to prestigious programs across the US, Canada, and the UK. My personalized approach ensures that your application stands out. Let's work together to craft a compelling application that showcases your unique strengths and aspirations. Reach out to start your journey towards a successful PhD application!

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!

I'm one of the very few STEM-focused college and graduate school admission counselors with a bona fide STEM PhD and career of my own. Because I've accomplished what my students are seeking, my students tend to respect and listen to my advice. I understand STEM students far better than any generic coach. I know the application and application review process inside-out and I'm an award-winning writer who makes my students' personal and statement of purpose essays shine with authentic, attention-grabbing narratives. My additional "unfair advantage" is my massive network of STEM professionals, including professors, hiring managers, scientists and engineers of all stripes. I have over 900 first-degree connections in LinkedIn. Most are people I've actually worked with. I frequently leverage my network to enhance my coaching. I make introductions for students and get my colleagues' perspectives and opinions about what makes the most sense for my students in their specific circumstances.

I help you navigate competitive research and graduate admissions with the strategy of a former MIT Dean—drawing on 20+ years of experience at MIT, Harvard, and beyond. I’ve reviewed thousands of applications, led national summer programs like MIT’s MSRP, and managed multi-million dollar fellowship portfolios. My clients come for the insider insight—but stay for the clear, structured, and trauma-informed support I provide through every high-stakes step. What I help with: • School & Program Lists: Targeting REUs and PhD programs with strong faculty fit, research alignment, and funding potential. • Competitive Statements: Crafting personal and research essays that show you’re a peer-in-training—not just a promising student. • Securing Offers: Strategy for landing top-tier REUs (MSRP, Amgen, Big Ten/Ivy+) and fully funded doctoral programs. • Interviews & Outreach: Preparing for faculty conversations with confidence and self-advocacy. • Sustainable Success: Managing imposter syndrome, burnout, and lab politics—so you can thrive once you’re in. The proof? I’ve been cited in over 20 doctoral dissertations for coaching that helped students not just persist, but succeed on their own terms. Whether you’re applying to your first REU or pursuing a PhD with purpose, I’ll help you take your next step with clarity, strategy, and care.

You have a story worth sharing—I am here to help you tell it. As a Gates-Cambridge Scholar, Rhodes Scholarship Finalist, and an incoming MD candidate at Columbia University, I bring a unique perspective to the graduate school and competitive international fellowship application processes. My academic and professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of what top programs seek in applicants. I have successfully coached multiple individuals and have sat on professional panels, helping individuals craft compelling applications to best highlight their strengths and communicate their unique story. Whether you need guidance on personal statements, recommendation letters, interview preparation, or anything else, I am here to personally help you navigate your path to achieving a place in your dream program. I am excited to work with you!

I am a current MD/PhD student in my third year of graduate school at Vanderbilt University studying mechanistic cell signaling in the Ethan Lee laboratory. One of my biggest skillsets in science is communication, which is incredibly important for PhD applications. Science is complex, and being able to simplify your work in a way that others can quickly understand is a daunting task. When done successfully, this makes for the best-written applications and interviews. I have pre-constructed formats on how to approach PhD applications, including describing your previous work. My mentorship skills in this area have proven succesful for numerous aspiring PhD students.

As a PhD candidate in chemistry at Stanford University, I know what it takes to gain admission to PhD programs and would love to help you achieve your academic goals. Only a few years ago, I was in your shoes. I entered my PhD application cycle unsure how I would stack up against my peers and ended the process with offers of admission from eight top-ranked chemistry PhD programs. This wasn't a solo effort -- I benefitted from an incredible support system of mentors and friends who helped me strategically frame my experiences to develop a compelling story. Since then, I have sought to do the same, coaching my friends and colleagues through the PhD admission process. I love helping aspiring scientists craft their narrative, highlight their strengths, and hone their application materials. Whether you need a guide to help you get started, a trained eye to read your statements, or something in between, I am excited to work with you!

Hi, I'm Luke. I hold a PhD from Harvard University, where I studied applications of AI and machine learning in healthcare. I've been helping people with graduate and professional school applications since 2018 while I was working at BYU's Research and Writing Center. I specialize in crafting resumes and personal statements/essays as well as interview prep. I have a lot of personal experience with the admissions process from both my journey as a candidate and my time at Harvard, where students are involved with and privy to the admissions processes for their PhD programs. My goal is to help each candidate highlight their unique experience, character, and potential in a way that is authentic, not forced. I look forward to working with you!