The problems in most GRFP drafts aren't about the writing — they're structural. After coaching 25+ applicants across STEM, I see the same five mistakes in nearly every first draft. Here's what they are and how to fix them.

What to expect at PhD interview weekends, how to prepare for one-on-one faculty interviews, and the mindset shift that changed my whole approach — drawn from 40 interviews across seven programs and years of coaching applicants through interview season.

A decision-making framework for students choosing between PhD offers — covering funding, student culture, advisor fit, geography, and the things that actually predict whether you'll thrive. Written from my experience choosing between Harvard and Stanford, and years of coaching students through the same decision.

If you're an undergraduate thinking about graduate school in STEM, or a first-year PhD student looking for funding, you've probably heard of the NSF GRFP. Here's everything you need to know — from eligibility and application components to the major changes that hit in 2026.

A detailed walkthrough of every component of the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship application — from the equity and inclusion statement to the community engagement plan — written by a three-year Gilliam Fellow with advice from successful applicants and HHMI leadership.

A start-to-finish guide to biomedical PhD applications — choosing programs, writing your statement of purpose, getting strong recommendation letters, navigating interviews, and making your final decision. Written from my experience applying to 7 programs, getting into all 7, and years of coaching applicants since.