Enroll now! Next Fall 2024 session starting soon!
Unsure how to write an outstanding graduate school application?
Let a Former Professor Guide You into the PhD or Master’s Program You Deserve
Join a 6-Week, Live, Online Bootcamp to Craft a Unique and Compelling Application to Grad School
Learn to create an application you are proud of...
Get accepted into your top choice graduate programs…
If you’re struggling to get started on your applications, unclear on where to even begin…
If the phrase “Statement of Purpose” makes you want to run and hide…
Or if you just want to ensure that the materials you write reflect the years of hard work you’ve put into preparing for this moment, presenting you in the most favorable light…
...You are in the right place
Questions you’re probably asking yourself:
Statement of Purpose
What goes in there exactly? How do I structure it?
Application Timeline
What exactly do I need to do when I’m applying? What do I tackle first? Second?
CV/Resume
What’s the difference between a CV and a resume? What do they want to know about me…or not want to know?
Personal History Statement
I have to write an essay summarizing my entire life history now?
Target Program List
How do I find the right programs? Once I find them, how on earth do I decipher what they’re looking for in an applicant?
Diversity Essay
What exactly do they mean by “diversity” and how do I convey my experiences?
These are great questions. I have answers.
Hello. I’m Dr. Lauren.
I’m a former tenured professor with a PhD in Sociology and an academic writing and research coach for college & graduate students.
In a previous life, and for over 10 years, I conducted qualitative research and taught courses on race, gender, sexuality, public policy, and criminal justice at Penn State University. I published 10+ journal articles and reviews, co-authored a book, received more than $45,000 in research grants, and gave countless conference presentations and invited lectures.
I know what it takes to craft a successful grad school application.
However, long before I was a professor, I applied to eight PhD programs and was rejected by all but one. Fresh out of college, I wrote a terrible application better suited for undergrad admissions. I took the one acceptance I got, but it wasn’t the right fit.
​
Determined, I worked tirelessly to improve my CV and understand the academic world. More importantly, I learned how to present my qualifications effectively in applications. Reapplying the next year, I was courted by my top three choices with fellowships and opportunities.
Since leaving academia, I’ve used my insider knowledge to help hundreds of prospective PhD and master’s students to continue achieving, guiding them to earn the acceptance letters they deserve.
In fact, I can say that over 95% of the people I have worked with have earned entrance into their top choice graduate program.
It’s now my pleasure to share my time-tested, successful tools and strategies for building an application that tells your truth and aligns with what review committees seek.
95%
of the people I have worked with have earned entrance into their top choice graduate program.
Together, we’ll draw on my unique, proven method for writing compelling applications that speak your truth while impressing review committees…
You will be joining more than 150+ successful PhD and master’s students that I have already guided through this process.
In This 6-Week Intensive Group Coaching Program, You Will…
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Be guided through the entire process of applying, start to finish, walking away with a completed application
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Avoid making common mistakes that lead to applications getting passed over
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Fill out templates and worksheets to walk you through the creation of each item of your application
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Tailor your application to each program to increase the odds of being selected by your top choice
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Enhance your statement of purpose to reflect your academic and work experience and interests in a way that aligns with your target programs and resonates with the committee
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Recognize and cut out any generic language and fluff from all of your materials
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Write an expanded resume that showcases your qualifications and skills that an academic committee would be interested in (hint: they don’t care about your Microsoft Office skills)
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Write your supplemental essays, including the key diversity essay that may feel challenging for some
This comprehensive program will equip you with essential tools and methods for a successful graduate school application. I’ll provide feedback on your work and walk you through it all using templates and worksheets. At the end, you’ll have a full application ready!
​Whether you're applying for a PhD or master's program, GradLaunch provides the structured support and resources you need to have your application land in the Accepted pile.
GradLaunch Is for You If:
You’re struggling to craft a graduate school application that reflects your talents, accomplishments, and passions
​You feel unsure and overwhelmed about how to represent your best self in your application
You want to get into your top-choice PhD or master’s program and show the committee you’re a perfect fit for their department
You believe you answered all the program’s requirements but you want a professional eye to review your application materials​
GradLaunch is perfect for applicants to programs across a range of fields, including…
Social Sciences
clinical psychology | counseling psychology | social work | political science | sociology | public policy | criminal justice | statistics | demography | etc.…
STEM
biology | chemistry | engineering | biomedical sciences | physics | computer science | data science | information science | health sciences | physical sciences | environmental science | etc.…
GradLaunch is NOT for you if:
You’re applying for professional graduate programs (e.g., medical school, dental school, law school, MBA)
Not sure if this is the right program for you? Get in touch!
Here’s Why GradLaunch Works So Well
1.
We do this together
in real time.
Yes, you’ll learn from an expert (me), but this isn’t a course you take on your own; there will be collaboration in live, 2-hour sessions, twice a week.
3.
What we’ll create will be authentically you.
I’ll be there to provide regular and constructive comments on the content and form of your writing, ensuring that you represent your best self to the committee.
5.
You’ll be paired with an accountability partner.
You will meet regularly with another GradLauncher to provide each other with accountability, motivation, and useful feedback.
7.
You’ll feel organized and in control of the process.
I’ll guide you in creating a checklist and timeline of what you need to do and when, tailored to your admissions deadlines.
2.
You’ll receive direct feedback from me on your work.
I’ll be there to provide regular and constructive comments on the content and form of your writing, ensuring that you represent your best self to the committee.
4.
You’ll be part of a supportive group.
You and your fellow cohort members will work together as a group, supporting each other, with me by your side, helping you along the way.
6.
I’ll make the writing process feel simple.
I won’t just show you what to do, I’ll give you templates, brainstorming materials, and exercises to bring out the goods you need to write these things.
Megan
I approached Dr. Lauren for help gaining admission to a graduate program while grappling with uncertainty regarding my prospects. My undergrad journey was rocky, marked by challenges that might have hindered me from realizing my full academic potential.
Dr. Lauren gave me the tools and encouragement I needed to move past all of that. Her invaluable guidance helped me develop confidence in my academic abilities.
I received offers of admission to my dream program and several others! I owe much of this success to Dr. Lauren's steadfast support .
Her patience, profound expertise, and great sense of humor were instrumental in shaping my academic trajectory. I highly suggest working with LJ Academics!
Matthew
Dr. Lauren helped me with a last-minute Statement of Purpose. She asked great questions to make my character and experience shine through within my SOP.
She’s really patient and logical in her approach. With her help, the content and flow of my SOP improved significantly over a few days. Thank you, Dr. Lauren!
Zhang
I have several sessions with Dr. Lauren. She has always been professional and provides a lot of support. Even in the era of ChatGPT, a mentor who has a lot of experience in SOP writing is still necessary and helpful. Definitely recommend Dr. Lauren as your support in graduate school application.
Join GradLaunch
Get Your Application Done in Just 6 Weeks
Start of next session
Sept 30, 2024
Session ends
on
Nov 10, 2024
Duration​
6 weeks
Max number of participants
8
Currently enrolling for Fall Cohort, starting Sept. 30, 2024
*Note that space is limited (each cohort is limited to max 8 participants) so be sure to sign up early! ​
HOW THE COURSE IS GOING TO RUN:
Prior to the start of the course, there will be two special additional sessions that are included in all packages listed below:
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A course orientation session will be held for GradLaunchers, several days before the course begins, where you'll meet your peers
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A one-on-one intake interview will be scheduled directly with me, Dr. Lauren, upon registration for the course, in which you and I will get acquainted
Weekly breakdown:
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Live group instruction sessions will be held Mondays and Thursdays at 5 pm PT/7 pm CT/8 pm ET for 2 hours
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Private coaching sessions to be scheduled with me, Dr. Lauren, at mutually convenient times throughout the week​
*Interested in enrolling in an upcoming round of GradLaunch? Great! Want to be alerted about open spots and/or future cohorts? Wonderful! Sign up for my email list and I'll be sure to share the info you need.
Already know you want to add more private coaching sessions for greater support?
Add private sessions to your course purchase in packages of 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or more at a discounted price – or à la carte during the course without the discount.
(Make sure you first enroll in one of the above packages.)
The Structure
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Twice-weekly group coaching sessions (maximum 8 participants) that will include teaching, exercises, and instruction on the module topic
​
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A weekly module workbook with clear assignments, worksheets and templates to complete, walking you through the process of building your application
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Private coaching sessions for personalized support, set up at the level you’ve elected to receive
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Participation in a well-structured online course learning environment, ensuring that you have access to key materials you’ll need in an easy-to-navigate way
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A supportive community of your peers, brought together for mutual collaboration and knowledge-sharing on a regular basis, with breakout sessions allowing for workshopping of materials
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Regular feedback from me on your work so you can feel confident that you’re on the right track
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Access to video recordings of all class sessions if you miss one
The Breakdown
Each module lasts one week, for a total of six weeks. Group meetings are held twice weekly, lasting two hours each. Fall Cohort 1 (Sept 16 start date) sessions to be held Mon & Thurs at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET.
Module 1: Intro’s and Application Plan
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Create a table with your target PhD or master’s programs
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Research each program’s essay prompts and due dates
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Identify departmental and/or faculty research areas and specializations
What My Students Say About Me
Cate
“Dr. Lauren is helping me with my grad school personal statements. She has been able to take all of my thoughts and put them into words.
She knows what graduate schools are looking for and educates herself on the program prior to meeting.
Dr. Lauren is patient, prepared, knowledgeable, and friendly. Thank you Dr. Lauren!”
Jose
“Dr. Lauren was an incredible help. We worked on my statement of purpose together, where Dr. Lauren was very familiar with the style of such a paper, while I wasn't.
Dr. Lauren provided me with the skills and tools to approach the essay, where I did all the writing myself, yet the final draft looked categorically different than my initial draft. [...] Dr. Lauren is super easy to work with, and I definitely recommend her as a tutor.
Rebecca
“She is incredibly knowledgeable, works with your schedule, and is encouraging.
I am confident that the revisions we made together have taken my application materials from a 7/10 to a 10/10.
So, if you are looking for expert-level guidance, look no further!”
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