academic advice Archives

A vibrant and picturesque university campus in the fall, featuring ivy-covered buildings, students studying on the grass, professors in tweed jackets engaging in conversation, and a mix of old and modern architecture.

Is A Life in Academia for You? Here are 25 Reasons Why…

Some people perhaps thought my last post on academic life was too negative, so I want to provide some balance to people who feel passionately that they want to pursue a PhD but are also...

Cartoon illustration of a potential PhD applicant deep in thought at a cluttered desk, surrounded by books, papers, and academic items. The young adult, with a thoughtful expression, rests their chin on one hand while gazing out a window at a university campus, reflecting on the decision to pursue a career in academia.

To PhD or Not to PhD: Navigating the Decision to Pursue an Academic Career

Bucolic afternoon strolls on lovely campuses. Dedicating your life to studying and teaching ideas that you’re passionate about. Tweed jackets, afternoon coffees with smart people, getting paid to read books, and summers off. There are...

A cartoon of a young medical student at a desk, surrounded by tools like a laptop, notepad, and pen. The room is bright and colorful, with symbols of the medical field such as a stethoscope, a heart symbol, and a medical cross. The student is smiling and focused on their work.

Crafting a Compelling Work & Activities Section for Your AMCAS Application

In my decade+ helping applicants get into their dream medical schools, I have revised probably 500+ Work & Activities sections. I’ve discovered that even applicants who spend weeks, or even months, building and fine-tuning their...

Colorful cartoon of a hopeful graduate school applicant at a desk, surrounded by thought bubbles depicting their journey, meeting with professors, library research, future career aspirations, considerations of finances, and overall happiness

Dos and Don’ts of Graduate School Applications

After nearly 20 years of helping people get into the graduate schools of their dreams, I have a clear sense of what works and doesn’t. Since most graduate programs open their admissions portals in the...

Cartoon of Frankenstein sitting at a desk, writing a personal statement with a quill, portraying a humorous juxtaposition of a monstrous figure engaged in a scholarly task

What is a Frankenstein Essay, and Why Will It Destroy Your Application?

After nearly 20 years of reading, assessing, revising, and consulting on personal statements, I have seen every variety of mistake an applicant can make. More importantly for you, though, is that I am pretty good...