PhD Programs Admissions Coaches

With a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Harvard University, I bring a unique interdisciplinary approach to Ph.D. admissions coaching, blending insights from anthropology, economics, and business. My experience as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard, where I led discussions and contributed to course development, has honed my ability to guide students through complex academic landscapes. As an Admissions Consultant with Admitify and The Ivy Institute, I have successfully mentored numerous students in crafting compelling applications that stand out. Whether you're navigating the intricacies of research proposals or personal statements, I'm here to provide tailored support to help you achieve your academic goals. Let's connect and strategize your path to success!

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 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!

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!

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!

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!

Welcome to my profile! As a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University, I bring a deep understanding of the academic journey and the challenges of navigating the path to a doctoral degree. My background includes a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia University, where I honed my research skills through various projects, including assisting with exploratory research for a book project and conducting archival research on influential poetry. My experience at The Met further refined my editorial skills, providing me with a comprehensive view of the publication process. I am passionate about helping aspiring Ph.D. candidates craft compelling applications and research proposals. Let's work together to make your academic dreams a reality—reach out to start your journey today!

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.

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!

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."