Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships Coaches, Events, and Resources

Hey there! My name is Katie. I'm a policy and investing geek who grew up in Tennessee, and got the life-changing chance to attend the University of Virginia (Wahoowa!) as a Jefferson Scholar. I was obsessed with figuring out ways to use policy to make sure the opportunities I had growing up were accessible to everyone, no matter where they grew up. That led to an interdisciplinary degree and thesis focused on affordable housing. Despite (though I'd argue, because of) my liberal arts background, I wound up in finance after graduation. I spent five years building and leading a political risk research team, where we helped investors figure out how the government's actions would come to define economic growth -- from tax reform and COVID relief, to historic infrastructure investment and nascent tech regulation. That experience showed me how profoundly markets shape life outcomes for ordinary people, and the role government can play in making them better. I decided to find MPA/MBA programs that prioritized both my commitment to public service and belief that leaders should be able to solve problems from multiple perspectives. I took the leap and applied to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford GSB and Princeton SPIA. Now having come out the other side of school, I can say without hesitation that my life has profoundly changed because of the educational opportunities I received -- not just because of what I learned, but especially because of the mentorship I received through these programs. I didn't start with exposure to major scholarships, finance jobs, or getting into public policy. What I did have that made all the difference: people who were invested in helping me understand how I could dream bigger, achieve goals I didn't once believe possible, and find ways to help others do the same. That's why coaching is so important to me. I am the product of the belief and support of so many mentors over the course of my life, and it's a joy to find ways to use what I know to support others in achieving their next dream. I'm excited to learn about yours!

I work with applicants targeting highly competitive international scholarships and fellowships, with a particular focus on global affairs, public policy, healthcare, and leadership. As a member of the 2025-2026 Schwarzman Scholars cohort at Tsinghua University, I’ve navigated a global selection process firsthand. I understand how panels assess leadership potential, and long-term vision, and how challenging it can be to translate strong experiences into a coherent, compelling narrative. Prior to Schwarzman, I completed a fully funded Master’s in Healthcare Leadership and studied at King’s College London for both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, where I also served as a student ambassador supporting prospective and incoming students through competitive application processes. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for both leadership and writing, including the Heather Trickey Prize for policy writing on women’s health, selection as a China-United States Exchange Foundation Young Leaders Scholar (8 selected from over 12,000 applicants), and appointment as a One Young World Ambassador. Each of these experiences required clarity and thoughtful positioning, as well as the ability to articulate impact at a high level. Alongside this, my career across healthcare leadership, consulting, policy, and startup building has required me to consistently operate in high-stakes, and competitive environments. I bring that same structured, strategic, and reflective approach to the applicants I work with.

Through the MIT Communication Lab, I have coached over 50 students in applying for prestigious fellowships and scholarships. In this process, I have helped 5 different students receive the Rhodes, Gates, Schwarzman, Knight-Hennessy, and Fulbright awards across different countries. I'm very familiar with the application processes as well as the writing frameworks necessary to build a competitive application.

I know firsthand what it takes to win some of the world’s most competitive scholarships and fellowships. As a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University and an APEC Scholar at the National University of Singapore, I earned two full-ride master’s degrees—complete with stipends—graduating entirely debt-free and free to dedicate myself to projects and internships I truly cared about. I understand exactly what these programs look for and how to help candidates stand out with a compelling through-line that connects their experiences, ambitions, and values. I specialize in guiding clients through interview prep, personal statements, and essays, making sure every piece of their application tells a persuasive and authentic story that captures selection committees’ attention.

I’ve been through the scholarship grind myself—and I get how overwhelming it can feel. I was fortunate to be awarded both the Fulbright Scholarship and the Gates Scholarship, two highly competitive programs that require more than just good grades—they demand a compelling story, a clear sense of purpose, and polished, authentic writing. As someone who’s not only navigated this process but helped others succeed as well, I bring real insight into what selection committees are looking for. Whether you're just brainstorming or refining a final draft, I can help you craft an application that’s not only impressive but genuinely you.

Welcome to my profile! As a Senior Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company, I have honed my skills in problem-solving and strategic analysis, which are crucial for securing prestigious scholarships and fellowships. I am currently a Schwarzman Scholar, a testament to my ability to navigate competitive selection processes. My academic journey includes graduating as the Valedictorian from Morehouse College with a 4.0 GPA and participating in Harvard Business School's Peek Weekend, where I developed a deep understanding of leadership challenges. I am passionate about helping others achieve their academic and professional goals, and I am here to guide you through the intricacies of scholarship applications. Let's work together to craft a compelling application that stands out. Feel free to reach out to discuss how I can assist you in your journey!

With my personal experience in applying and being successfully selected for competitive scholarships and fellowships, combined with my professional background in consulting and finance, I advise applicants developing scholarship strategies, then in putting forward their strongest applications and crafting compelling narratives. As a Pershing Square Scholar, I pursued dual Master's degrees at Oxford, and previously was a Cornelius Scholar at Vanderbilt University where I completed my Bachelor's degree. I also received the Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship to fund intensive Portuguese study in Brazil and was selected for the Fulbright Program in Italy (which I declined after receiving an offer for the opportunity to work with the UN), as well as smaller scholarships and grants to fund both my undergraduate and graduate education. My expertise includes US undergraduate and graduate scholarships as well as graduate scholarships to study in the UK and Europe, to identify potential scholarships and support your application process. After applying (or if you already applied!) I can also support you in structuring an approach for comparing costs, financial aid, scholarships, and other considerations for different options as you decide which option is the best for you. Scholarship coaching can be combined with and/or complement Masters, MBA, or College coaching.

Welcome to my profile! As a Rhodes Scholar and recipient of Duke University's prestigious Angier B. Duke Scholarship, I have firsthand experience navigating the competitive world of prestigious scholarships and fellowships. My academic journey has taken me from Duke University to the University of Oxford, and soon to Harvard Medical School, equipping me with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in these rigorous application processes. I have served on Duke's scholarship selection committee, providing me with insights into what top programs are looking for in candidates. I'm here to help you craft a compelling application that highlights your unique strengths and potential. Let's work together to achieve your scholarship and fellowship goals!

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 highlights their strengths and communicates 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!

As a former Fulbright Scholar, I understand the unique mission of the program and the qualities that selection committees seek—academic excellence, cross-cultural curiosity, and the commitment to build meaningful bridges between communities. I draw on my own experience applying for and winning the award to help candidates craft proposals and personal statements that are both authentic and compelling. My goal is to guide applicants in highlighting their strengths, articulating their vision, and presenting themselves as ambassadors who will thrive within the Fulbright community.