PhD & graduate school admissions advising
For doctoral and research-based master's applicants in the biomedical sciences — built around research fit, faculty alignment, and a clear scientific argument.
Graduate admissions in the sciences runs on research fit and faculty alignment, not well-roundedness. I help applicants to research-based biomedical programs build an application that reads as ready for independent scholarship.
What you get
- Program & faculty-fit strategy — a list built around science and people, not rankings.
- Statement-of-purpose coaching — turning your research into a clear scientific argument.
- CV & research-experience framing, plus the personal/diversity statement where a program asks for one.
- Faculty outreach strategy — who to email, when, and what to say.
- Interview prep — research talks, faculty meetings, and fit conversations.
- Fellowship-aware strategy (NSF GRFP / NIH F31) so your materials do double duty.
Best fit: PhD and research-based master's applicants in the biomedical sciences — including first-generation applicants, those weighing MD/PhD, and anyone with real research experience who's struggling to explain it clearly.
Why me, briefly: a Harvard PhD in the biomedical sciences (doctoral work at Joslin Diabetes Center) and NIH F31 fellow who wrote the statements that opened these doors — and has coached trainees to do the same. More about me →
Packages
Founding 2026 rates. Every engagement starts with a free 20-minute intro call. Each package includes up to 3 draft rounds per major document; extra programs, rounds, or urgent turnaround are billed hourly.
Strategy Session$300/hr
A focused session for one decision or bottleneck: PhD vs master's vs MD/PhD, program list, faculty fit, statement direction, faculty outreach, or interview prep.
PhD Application Strategy$2,750
For applicants who know they're applying and need a coherent application.
- Program and faculty-fit strategy
- Statement of purpose coaching (up to 3 draft rounds)
- CV and research-experience framing
- Faculty outreach strategy + one mock faculty-fit conversation
- Application timeline and next-step plan
Research Mentorship$4,500
Application strategy plus broader mentoring on the scientific career you're building.
- Everything in PhD Application Strategy, up to 5 programs
- Two extra mentoring sessions across the cycle
- Interview prep + faculty networking strategy
- Fellowship / research-proposal overview
- PhD vs MD/PhD vs industry (biotech, medtech, consulting) decision support
Fellowship / Research Proposal Add-OnBy consultation
NSF GRFP / NIH F31-style strategy and materials coaching. I coach your materials; I don't write them.
How it works
- Intro call — 20 minutes; goals, background, and fit.
- Research-fit map — programs, faculty, and the through-line of your interests.
- Drafting & document strategy — statement and supporting materials, draft by draft. You write; I coach.
- Interview & outreach prep — faculty emails, interview practice, research-talk feedback.
- Final review — a clean, consistent application before each deadline.
Ethics
You are the author of every document — I coach and edit, I don't write statements. No admission guarantees: I help you make your case as strongly and honestly as possible, and programs decide. Your unpublished research ideas stay confidential. I'm an independent consultant with no affiliation to any admissions committee.
Frequently asked questions
Is this only for biology / biomedical sciences?
That's where my expertise is strongest. I take adjacent fields case by case, and I'll tell you honestly if you'd be better served by a field-specific advisor.
Do you write the statement of purpose?
No. You're the author — I help you clarify the scientific argument, sharpen the research fit, and revise, but the words and ideas remain yours.
Can you help me decide between a PhD, master's, MD, or MD/PhD?
Yes. I've walked the PhD path and trained in an MD program, so I can talk through the trade-offs honestly — though the decision is always yours.
Can you help with the NSF GRFP or NIH F31?
Yes, as a fellowship add-on. I'm an F31 recipient; I coach your materials rather than writing them.
Book a free 20-minute intro call or get in touch
See also: medical school admissions · science & pre-health (college)