PhD Admissions Consultants, Events, & Resources

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.

Supporting graduate students is my full-time career. As Director of Graduate Student Success at Michigan State University, I work every day at the intersection of admissions and student success across the natural sciences. I partner with faculty on admissions decisions, advise students on program fit, review applications, and build strategic plans that help students not just get in but thrive once they're there. I see the entire arc of a graduate student's journey, from recruitment to graduation. That means when you work with me, you're not getting advice based on memory. You're getting real-time, inside knowledge of what graduate programs are looking for right now. Before stepping into this role, I earned my own PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from MSU, navigating the process as a first-generation student without a roadmap. I then founded GRIT, an equity-focused admissions and recruitment program that I ran across multiple PhD departments, reviewing real applications and training others to do the same. I've sat on admissions committees. I know what a compelling application looks like from the inside. I also know the researcher's path firsthand, from an accidental start washing lab dishes to leading my own project and publishing a first-author paper. When you're trying to articulate your research experience or scholarly identity, I can help you do it with precision and confidence. Schedule a free intro call today!

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.

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!

With a PhD from Stanford University focused on renewable energy and a postdoctoral research position at Columbia University, I bring a wealth of experience in academia and research to my coaching. Prior to these roles, I earned my MS at Stanford University and BS at Cornell University in environmental engineering. I have successfully mentored students through the PhD application process, research skills, and academic milestones, leveraging my extensive experience studying and working at top universities. If you're looking to navigate the PhD journey with expert guidance, feel free to reach out!

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.

Experienced mentor with five years of experience guiding PhD applicants through the bewildering world of essays, CVs, and interviews. Joint degree student admitted to both Stanford History and Stanford Law, as well as a 2020 Knight-Hennessy Scholar. I love to use insights gained from my own experiences to help others.

I'm a Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania and was admitted to multiple top-10 biomedical Ph.D. programs during my application cycle. I know firsthand what it takes to build a competitive application for highly selective research programs, from developing a compelling research narrative to writing standout statements of purpose and preparing for interviews. Beyond my own admissions experience, I've spent years conducting research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Harvard University giving me a strong understanding of what makes an applicant stand out to faculty and admissions committees. I provide honest, detailed, and actionable feedback tailored to each student's background and goals. Whether you're building your school list, refining your essays, or preparing for interviews, my goal is to help you present the strongest and most authentic version of your application.

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.

Welcome to my profile! With a Ph.D. in American Studies/Public Policy from Université Paris Nord and extensive experience in academia and admissions, I am well-equipped to guide you through the Ph.D. application process. As the founder of The Admission Concierge, I specialize in crafting persuasive applications and preparing candidates for interviews, ensuring your unique strengths shine through. My background includes serving as an Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the University of Miami, where I increased enrollment by 12% annually and launched new master's programs. Additionally, my research experience at Harvard Business School has honed my skills in data analysis and report writing. Let's work together to achieve your academic goals—reach out to start your journey today!