Admissions & Fellowship Coaching

College • Transfer • Grad (PhD/MD-PhD) • Postdoc Funding

Strategy • Writing • Interviews (virtual)

Previously worked with:

What I Help With

I work with students and early-career researchers on the strategy and writing that make strong applications stand out — without losing your voice. You’ll get clear planning, thoughtful feedback, and a process that keeps you moving week to week.

Applications + admissions

  • College applications (Common App, UC essays, supplements, activities lists)

  • Transfer applications (positioning your academic path and goals)

  • Graduate programs (PhD, MD/PhD, MSTP, Master’s) — SOP/personal statement, research statement, CV polish

  • Summer research and post-baccalaureate programs (AMGEN, Leadership Alliance, Broad SRP, etc.)

  • Early-career materials (resume/CV, cover letters, interview prep)

Fellowships + funding (grad + postdoc)

  • NSF GRFP, NIH F31 and other training/fellowship applications

  • HHMI Gilliam, Jane Coffin Childs, and similar competitive programs

  • Research narrative, broader impacts/mentoring framing, and reviewer-aligned clarity

Academic coaching (ongoing support)

  • Monthly coaching for planning, time management, study strategy, and accountability

  • Especially helpful during heavy semesters or application cycles

If you’re not sure where to start, a single strategy session is often the fastest way to get clarity.

  • "Thank you again so much for being an invaluable source of support for me through this whole process, from the GRFP to ABRCMS to program applications! I really wouldn't be going through this process with the confidence and motivation I have if it weren't for you :)"

    NSF-GRFP, Conference abstract submission, and PhD program application client, 2024

  • "Thank you so much for the quick response and amazing feedback! I am very proud of my essays and with your help, they perfectly convey the message of who I am as a scientist. I will absolutely keep you updated and will reach out for interview preparation."

    STEM PhD Applicant, 2025

  • "I am writing to you to thank you for your support and advice during our mock interview, and for the patience with all my questions. I received an acceptance letter from the Graduate School! I want to thank you again, everything I learned during the mock interview was super helpful for the real one."

    STEM PhD Applicant, 2021

  • "I really don't know how to communicate how much you've helped me in all this process, I really appreciate your time and support, and I hope someday I can also be able to support others like you."

    NSF-GRFP Applicant, 2025

  • "Thank you so much for taking the time to review my statements and provide feedback. I appreciate your insights and how you highlighted strengths and areas for improvement. Your suggestions on including more concrete plans and quantitative details are helpful, and I’ll address those in the revisions. It’s truly an honor to have your support throughout this process. Your expertise makes a huge difference, and I feel so fortunate to get your feedback. "

    HHMI Gilliam Applicant, 2024

  • "Thank you again x 1 million for taking the time today. It was such a pleasure, and you gifted so much wisdom. I can't wait to get your feedback once the statement's been made. If you have any lingering points or thoughts from our conversation, please don't hesitate to send them my way! Everything you're saying is helping nurture the process and giving me insight I'd be short of elsewhere."

    PhD Application Strategy Meeting Client, 2025

  • " Thank you so much! You have been so kind and encouraging throughout this process, and that has meant a lot to me. I definitely feel that I learned so much from this exercise and feel more equipped to pursue these experiments in lab! Thank you for your guidance and mentorship 😃 I am lucky to have been paired with you!"

    NSF-GRFP Applicant, 2021

  • "Thank you so much for being such an exceptional mentor to me for the past 2 years. I am beyond excited to say that I have committed to the Neurosciences PhD program at Stanford. Thank you again for everything!"

    2021-2022 STEM PhD Program Applicant

  • "Thank you so much for your edits/feedback, they are super helpful! I think my grant is a lot stronger with your suggestions :)"..."I just wanted to give you an update and let you know that I was offered the NSF GRFP fellowship! Thank you again for your help during the writing process :)"

    NSF-GRFP Applicant, 2024

Experience & Outcomes

As of January 2026, I’ve supported applicants across a wide range of paths — from high school through postdoctoral funding — with a focus on clear storytelling, strong structure, and reviewer-friendly writing.

Graduate school (PhD / MD-PhD / MSTP / Master’s)

  • Supported 75+ applicants submitting graduate applications (typically to ~5–10 programs each)

  • 95% of PhD-focused clients I worked with who submitted at least one application received an offer of admission*

  • Acceptances include programs such as Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Yale, Vanderbilt, Duke, Washington University in St. Louis, and St. Jude

  • Support includes statements of purpose/personal statements, research statements, short answers, CV polish, and mock interviews

Graduate fellowships (PhD funding)

  • 25+ NSF GRFP applicants supported

  • 10+ HHMI Gilliam applicants supported

  • 3 Fulbright applications supported, 2 awardees

  • Additional programs include opportunities such as GWIS, SfN Neuroscience Scholars, and other discipline-specific awards

Postdoctoral (and beyond) fellowships + grants

  • 10+ clients applying to programs including Jane Coffin Childs, Helen Hay Whitney, AHA fellowships, NIH mechanisms (F31, K99, R01) and ERC Starting Grants

College applications (new as of 2025)

  • Supported 12 students applying across 50+ colleges total

  • 100% of students I worked with submitted applications and received at least one acceptance*

  • Support includes Common App personal statements, UC essays, and college-specific supplements

Transfer + research pathway programs

  • 3 transfer applicants supported

  • 5+ applicants supported for summer research and post-baccalaureate programs (e.g., AMGEN, Leadership Alliance, Broad Summer Research Program, BP-ENDURE)

Academic coaching (monthly support)

  • Academic coaching for 1 year

  • Ongoing monthly coaching with 13 high school students (typically meeting once per month) focused on planning systems, study strategy, and accountability

*Outcome notes: results vary by applicant and program; I do not guarantee admissions or funding.

Services (virtual, flexible, and student-centered)

Choose the level of support that fits your timeline and budget. Some people want a one-time strategy session; others want ongoing coaching and iterative feedback across multiple drafts. All services are collaborative and focused on keeping your voice intact — I’ll never write your essays for you, but I will help you clarify your story, strengthen your structure, and make your materials reviewer-friendly.

  • Best for: targeted support when you know what you need (or you’re on a tight deadline).

    Includes

    • Zoom coaching or written feedback, billed in 15-minute increments

    • Great for essays, short answers, CV/resume, interview prep, or strategy sessions

    • Flexible: use time for calls, comments, or both

    Common uses

    • “Can you review this draft and tell me what to fix first?”

    • “Help me outline my statement / research narrative”

    • “Mock interview + feedback”

    • “Short-answer polish and trimming”

    Turnaround: typically 48–72 hours for written feedback (depending on length + schedule)

  • Best for: getting unstuck, starting strong, or pressure-testing your plan.

    A focused session to clarify goals, identify your strongest narrative angle, and leave with a concrete next-step plan.

    Includes

    • 1:1 Zoom coaching (60 minutes)

    • Review of one item in advance (up to ~2 pages): draft essay, resume/CV, or research summary

    • Clear deliverables: timeline + priorities + recommended next steps

    • Post-call recap email with action steps + suggested edits (so you don’t have to take perfect notes)

    Common uses

    • “Help me pick programs / craft my story / build a timeline”

    • “I have a draft — tell me what’s working and what’s missing”

    • “Fellowship strategy: what do reviewers actually want?”

    • “Academic coaching reset: systems, accountability, and study plan”

    Turnaround: typically 48–72 hours for the written recap

  • Best for: a deeper reset — ideal if you want both strategy and hands-on draft work in one sitting.

    Includes

    • 1:1 Zoom coaching (90 minutes) or two 45-minute meetings

    • Review of two items in advance (up to ~2 pages each): drafts, resume/CV, research summary, or short answers

    • Clear deliverables: narrative angle + timeline + prioritized revision plan

    • Post-call recap email with action steps + suggested edits

    Common uses

    • “I’m applying to multiple programs — help me build a plan that’s realistic”

    • “Help me align my personal statement + research statement”

    • “I need a strong outline and a clear structure before I keep drafting”

    • “I want interview prep + story refinement”

    Turnaround: typically 48–72 hours for the written recap

  • Best for: structured support across a few touchpoints — when you want real momentum without a large package.

    This option is ideal for one application “lane” (college/transfer or grad or a fellowship draft). Most clients use it over 2–4 weeks.

    Includes

    • 4 hours total, billed in 15-minute increments

    • Mix-and-match Zoom sessions + written feedback (use time however you need)

    • Kickoff planning + iterative revision support on 2–3 core materials (depending on length)

    • Written revision guidance that focuses on structure, clarity, and specificity (not just line edits)

    Common uses

    • Grad apps: SOP + research statement + CV polish

    • College/transfer: personal statement + 2–3 supplements + activities list strategy

    • Fellowships: narrative structure + clarity pass on key sections + revision roadmap

    • A few short answers + one longer essay, plus a strategy session

    Turnaround: typically 48–72 hours for draft comments; faster deadlines may be possible depending on schedule

  • Best for: competitive cycles and multi-deadline seasons (NSF GRFP / NIH F31, major grad cycles, fellowship-heavy timelines).

    Full-cycle support includes strategy, accountability, and multiple revision passes so your materials feel cohesive and reviewer-friendly.

    Includes

    • 10 hours total, billed in 15-minute increments

    • Strategy + timeline build (deadlines, weekly priorities, what to draft first)

    • Narrative “through-line” development so your documents reinforce one story

    • Multiple rounds of revision on key documents (scope defined up front)

    • Option to include mock interview / oral pitch practice (when relevant)

    • Mix of Zoom + written feedback

    Common uses

    • NSF GRFP: personal + research statements + broader impacts framing + final coherence pass

    • NIH F31: training narrative + research framing + clarity/structure edits

    • Grad apps: SOP + research statement + multiple supplements + interview prep

    Turnaround: typically 48–72 hours for comments; most clients use this bundle over 6–10 weeks

  • Best for: students who want consistent momentum without weekly meetings.

    Monthly check-ins to plan, prioritize, stay accountable, and troubleshoot what’s getting in the way — especially during heavy semesters or application cycles.

    Includes

    • 6 coaching sessions (30 minutes each), intended for monthly use over 6 months

    • Monthly plan + goal check-in + accountability support

    • Study strategy, organization, time management, and workload planning

    • Optional brief recap notes after each session

    Common uses

    • “I’m overwhelmed — help me build a system that works”

    • “I need accountability to actually follow my plan”

    • “I’m balancing school + applications + life and need structure”

    • “Study strategy reset before exams”

    Turnaround: recap notes (if used) typically sent within 48 hours

  • Best for: multiple deadlines, unique situations, or a mix of application + coaching support.

    If you’re applying across categories (college + scholarships, grad + fellowships, postdoc + grants) or your timeline is complex, I can build a plan around your goals, deadlines, and budget. If cost is a concern, that’s okay — tell me what’s doable for you, and I’ll suggest the lightest plan that still moves the needle (often starting with a Kickstart session).

    To request a Custom Plan, include:

    • what you’re applying for

    • deadlines

    • what kind of support you want (strategy, writing feedback, accountability, interviews)

    • your budget range (even a rough number is helpful)

My Process

Clarify Your Goal

We define your target programs/fellowships, constraints, and timeline — then choose the highest-impact next steps.

Build Your Narrative

We shape your story so it’s coherent across materials: motivation, preparation, and fit.

Draft & Iterate

You’ll get detailed, actionable feedback focused on structure, clarity, and specificity — while keeping your voice intact.

Finish Strong

We tie everything together, polish, and sanity-check the full application so you can submit with confidence.

Let’s Work Together

If you're interested in working together, complete the form with a few details about your project. I'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.