Graduate Admissions Coaching for STEM Programs
You need more than high test scores to get into a top tier Quant or Computer Science Master's program.
The real challenge isn’t your GPA. It’s understanding what admissions committees actually look for beyond the minimum requirements.
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I help you connect your background, goals, and technical strengths into a clear path forward, so admissions committees see your potential and how their program can help you reach it.​
Applying to Graduate School Can Be Overwhelming
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No clarity on what admissions really want.
You scroll through the rankings, pore over program websites, talk to friends... and you still have no idea how much weight committees actually put on GRE scores, research, coursework, essays, or recommendations.
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No roadmap for networking.
Sure, you can send an email to a professor or alum, but what do you say? What if they don't respond? Or if you do get them on a call, what do you ask? And how do you follow up?
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No system to manage it all.
Personalize your essays. Follow up with your recommenders. Attend admission events. Don't let your GPA slip... It's overwhelming to keep track of multiple applications and track your progress without a structure already in place.
Any Applicant Can...
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List Python or object-oriented programming on their CV,
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Mention how impressed they are by a program's global reputation,
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Have a high GPA by taking easy coursework,
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Or highlight how career services and alumni can help them achieve their goals.​​​
Admissions Wants to Know...
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How do you effectively communicate your career story in essays and interviews?
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How have you prepared yourself academically AND outside the classroom?
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How can you contribute positively to their program & student body?
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Where do you want to go in your career?
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And how is their program the RIGHT FIT to get you there?​​
They Care About...
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​​​​​Which classes did you take to close knowledge gaps in your application?
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Which projects, research, or internships have helped you gain technical skills?
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How did you address a low GPA from your first year of undergrad?
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If you didn’t attend a target school, how have you gone above and beyond to get into a top tier grad school?
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And, if you're returning to school from the workforce, are you up-to-date on the right coursework?​
I'm Ash: Your Guide Through The Admissions Process
I’m a Career Coach and Job Search Strategist. And I’ve sat on the other side of the table...
As part of my role as Associate Director of Career Services for Carnegie Mellon's MSCF (Master's in Computational Finance) - the #3 MFE program in the US - I participated on the Admissions Committee and reviewed hundreds of applicants from computer science, data science, mathematics, statistics, and finance backgrounds.
Once they were admitted, I worked with an amazing team to connect students with alumni and employers; achieving 100% internship placement, with 93% receiving full-time offers by graduation.
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I know from experience what committees are scanning for AND what employers expect from new grads.
What to Expect When We Work Together:
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We skip the small talk. When I meet you, I like to jump straight into coaching: learning about your profile as a candidate - your thought process, challenges, and achievements. This helps us differentiate you from your competition.
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We focus on clear, action steps. It's easy to get overwhelmed with too many resources and not know where to start. But you'll always leave our sessions with the next 2-3 steps.
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We adapt when life gets crazy. I don't want you to burn out before you get into grad school - so we adjust your admissions 'homework' to fit into your schedule. If you can't complete something in between our meetings, no big deal - let's work on it together during session.
How I Help With Admissions
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1:1 Coaching – Fully personalized support that can cover any of the following, depending on your goals.
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Candidate Profile Assessment – Detailed analysis of your transcript, CV, and recommendations to identify gaps and strengthen your competitiveness.
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Program Recommendations – Guidance on narrowing your choices to the top 5 schools that best fit your profile and goals.
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Networking & LinkedIn Support – Strategies and scripts for building meaningful connections with professors, alumni, and industry professionals.
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CV & Statement of Purpose Editing – Hands-on editing to ensure your application materials tell a clear, compelling story.
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Interview Coaching – Practice and feedback to help you communicate confidently in admissions interviews.
