Graduate Admissions Coaching for Quant & STEM
Know what to strengthen, where to apply, and how to stand out.
MFE • Computer Science • AI/ML • Data Science • Engineering
Applying to Graduate School Is Overwhelming
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No idea where to start.
You don't know what you should look for beyond the rankings... all program websites start to look the same... and you wonder whether the degree will be worth the ROI (return on investment) for your time, money, and effort.
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No clue what admissions committees are looking for.
You search Reddit, ask friends, and email professors... but still don't know how much the GRE, coursework, essays, and recommendations really matter.
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No system to manage it all.
Personalize your essays. Study for the GRE. Attend admission events. Don't let your GPA slip... How is anyone supposed to keep up with so many deadlines and materials when they are also balancing school and/or work, AND life.
You May Be Wondering...
How do I position myself with a nontraditional background?
Do GPA, school prestige, or GRE scores really matter that much?
Which programs am I actually competitive for?
How much do research, work experience, projects, or internships really matter?
How do I prove I'm the "right fit" when applying to multiple programs?
Get an Insider's Perspective
I'm Ash Cross, former Associate Director of Career Services for Carnegie Mellon University's MSCF program, where I served on the Admissions Committee and took part in 300+ admissions decisions. I also supported students across 16 engineering master's programs as a Career Consultant.
I've reviewed graduate application materials for 13 years and learned firsthand what helps candidates get into top programs and what helps them get hired afterward.
Side Note: I'm also AuDHD, which has proved to be an asset in admissions advising. (Check out this video if you want to know more.)
WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
Choose the Level of Support You Need
Career Crossings
Best for...
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Casually exploring the idea of graduate school
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Applicants who want to go at their own pace
Niche resource library with admissions worksheets, templates, and webinar recordings
Online community with real profiles so you can see members’ backgrounds, schools, and experience before weighing their advice
Weekly office hours to ask questions as they come up
Want more structure?
Upgrade to Career Crossings Pro for a monthly 1:1 coaching session
1:1 Admissions Coaching
Best for...
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Planning for (or actively applying to) grad school
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Applicants who want structure, candid feedback, and personalized strategies
AdCom-level profile audit to identify your strengths, gaps, and fit as an applicant
Clear next steps + timeline to prioritize what matters and keeping you on track
Application positioning, ensuring your unique story shines through across all your material
Applying now? Do a 3-mon intensive.
Applying later? Longer-term packages available.
Only a Few Openings
Client Example: How We Built Up His MFE Profile
Admitted to
His starting point:
Software Engineer, 5+ yrs of experience, 165 Quant GRE, imperfect GPA, non-target schools
What we worked on:
Profile assessment • Gap analysis • Action plan • Coursework strategy • Candidate differentiation • Application story • AdCom perspective on essays • CV positioning
“Ash helped me figure out that my story wasn’t just scattered points. It could all be combined and put together to show an upward trajectory toward where I actually wanted to end up.”
Clients Also Admitted to...
Testimonials
Turned my 9-year career into a compelling story
"Ash helped me navigate the essays for Stanford and Columbia, expertly tailoring my 9-year career history into a compelling story. Their support was the competitive edge I needed."
— 1:1 client, admitted to Columbia & UC Berkeley for Data Science
Ash nailed my statement of purpose
"The SOP was the part I worried about most, and Ash just nailed it: 'I don't like this, we're going to need to change this.' She cut it down from 2,000 words to under 1,000."
—1:1 client, admitted to Stanford ICME
Saved me time and money before I applied
"Ash encouraged me to think critically about how I approach grad school, which potentially saved me tens of thousands of dollars and 1 to 2 years of my life."
— Aaron G, after a strategy call (before applying for CS programs)
Clear action items and deadlines
"What I like most is the methodical approach. Ash has established systems and processes, which makes it easier to follow a timeline. I'd recommend her to anyone applying for a master's programme." — 1:1 client
