PhD Admissions Consultants, Events, & Resources

I’m Laurisa, Ph.D., a first-gen 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!

Welcome to my profile! I hold a PhD from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University. With my extensive academic background, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and intricacies of the PhD admissions process, which can be confusing and difficult. Together, I help you with school selection, hone your story and research ideas, and sell yourself so that you can feel confident submitting applications! As a coach, I have successfully guided over 5 clients in their journey towards securing admission to top PhD programs in their fields. My experience as a Communications Manager at Compass Family Services has honed my ability to effectively communicate and support individuals in achieving their goals. If you're looking for personalized guidance and expertise to navigate the PhD application process, I'm here to help. Let's connect and work together to make your dreams a reality!

Welcome to my profile! With extensive experience in higher education administration and admissions, I am well-equipped to guide you through the PhD application process. As an Associate Director at USC Marshall School of Business, I interviewed 150 students and managed admissions logistics, giving me a deep understanding of what top programs are looking for. My role at UChicago Medicine involved leading recruitment efforts for incoming PhD students, where I coordinated interviews and streamlined program data. Additionally, my time at Stanford University School of Medicine as an Admissions Assistant provided me with firsthand experience in application processing and screening. Let's work together to craft a standout application that highlights your unique strengths and aligns with your academic goals. Feel free to reach out to discuss how I can assist you in achieving your PhD aspirations!

Having pivoted during medical school to pursue additional training as a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering, I had to learn on-the-fly how to prepare and succeed in the world of academia and research. Now, as I complete my PhD training, I strive to bolster the incoming generation of scientists and scholars to help promote diversity and inclusion at every level. Balancing multiple degree programs has taught me to manage my time, energy, and focus in meaningful ways, which I would love to pass on to any prospective students.

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.

Welcome to my profile! As a Gates Cambridge Scholar pursuing an MPhil in Medical Science (Oncology) at the University of Cambridge, I bring a wealth of research experience and academic excellence to my coaching. My journey through prestigious institutions like Notre Dame University, where I majored in Honors Biochemistry and minored in Data Science, has equipped me with a deep understanding of the PhD application process. I've conducted cutting-edge research at renowned organizations such as Pfizer and Mayo Clinic, and have a strong track record in mentoring and tutoring students in complex scientific subjects. Since I applied to PhD programs in the US and internationally last cycle, I understand how to best navigate the difficult challenges being posed to applicants in the current state of the field. Whether you're looking to refine your research proposal or navigate the intricacies of the PhD admissions process, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect and chart a path to your academic goals!

Welcome to my profile! With a Master's degree from Stanford University and experience as an Alumni Interviewer, I have a deep understanding of what top-tier institutions are looking for in PhD candidates. My professional journey includes serving as a Global HR Business Partner and Chief of Staff, where I honed my skills in strategic planning and leadership. I am passionate about helping aspiring PhD candidates craft compelling applications that highlight their unique strengths and research potential. Whether you need guidance on your statement of purpose, research proposal, or interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's connect and work together to achieve your academic goals!

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.

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.

Over the last four 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!