Personal Statement Review

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Personal and Research Statement Review

Getting accepted into graduate school is harder than ever. Application rates are going up and acceptance rates are going down. That means it’s vital that every part of your application is as strong as possible, especially your application essay. Whether you’re writing a personal statement, statement of purpose, or research statement, the essay is your chance to rise above the competition and truly shine. That’s where we come in. We provide personal statement review services tailored to you and the programs you’re applying to, so you can achieve your dream of joining the next generation of scientists, researchers, and other highly skilled professionals.

I’m not a good enough writer!
Good thing that we are great editors! We will review your admissions essay to make sure you are coming across as a stellar candidate that the admissions committee won’t want to pass up.

Craft a Compelling Narrative

Crafting a compelling narrative is non-negotiable in an era of competitive positions and limited funding. You need to make every word count, and you are being evaluated as much on how you tell your story as the story itself. How you frame your message, what you choose to include, and how you structure it all matter. This is even more true if you have a less-than-perfect background (i.e., you are a normal human being, not an automaton). If you’re trying to overcome challenges like: a lower GPA, less experience than ideal, or are returning after an extended break, these statements are your opportunity to show how your strengths shine above those limitations. We can help.

I don’t know where to start!
If you are staring at a blank page and have no idea what to write, we can help. We will help you find your story and tell it in the most effective way possible.

Our Personal and Research Statement Review Services

We provide the guidance you need to make yourself an irresistible candidate to the admissions committee. Not everyone has the benefit of supportive advisors or family members who know what grad school admissions committees are looking for. We’re here to fill that gap. If you need help figuring out how to approach your personal or research statement, what to say, or how to address qualifications gaps, our review services are just what you need.

Even if you are already a strong candidate, you’ll want to maximize your chances of funding. We know the skills and aptitudes that graduate programs look for and how you can best convey your merit for financial support.

Everything I’ve done feels so ordinary.
Fighting imposter syndrome or not sure how to ‘wow’ the admissions committee? You may think you’re ordinary, but we promise we can help you highlight your strengths in a way that will impress even your inner critic!

What We Do

We offer comprehensive support and review services to ensure your personal statement outshines the competition and resonates with grad school admissions committees. We are your mentors, championing your success, because nothing is better than getting an email celebrating your acceptance to the program of your choice (okay, hearing you got fully funded as well is better).

We’re not exaggerating when we say that your personal statement can make or break your application. It can shift a borderline student into acceptance or sink an otherwise stellar candidate. It’s easy to feel unsure whether you’re truly highlighting your strengths and connecting with the admissions committee. Most students don’t know what programs are really looking for in their candidates, but we do. Not only have we all earned graduate degrees, but we have been coaching students for over a decade on everything from grad school applications to fellowships, scholarships, and job applications.

Am I including the right things?
We know the skills and abilities admissions committees are looking for in prospective graduate students. We will help you show them exactly why they want you in their program and if you’re not perfect, like most grad students, we know how to approach any blemishes you might need to overcome.

Why Choose Us?

Tailored Personal Statement Review

We offer in-depth feedback on your personal or research statements, taking the time to understand your unique background and the specific nuances of the programs you’re applying to. We go beyond standard reviews by carefully examining program websites and your credentials to ensure you’re presenting the most relevant information effectively.

More Than Just Editing

Our goal is to provide clear, detailed explanations in our feedback, empowering you to strengthen your current applications and develop valuable writing skills for the future. It’s like a mentor, editor, and writing coach all in one!

Dedicated Mentors

We are a small team of dedicated professionals who passionately care about our clients. We want to see you succeed! Our goal is to provide the highest level of service because we know how vital you are to society. As the next generation of scientists, educators, and professionals, you will shape the future, and we are proud to play a part in that.

Personalized Service

We take a person-centered approach to reviewing your personal and research statements, providing personalized feedback you can trust. While AI tools have their place, we believe the nuances of your story and the expectations of admissions committees require a thoughtful, experienced, human review.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Look, we can’t guarantee that you will get into every grad school you apply to, especially not in today’s uncertain funding climate. However, we can promise that if you’re not completely satisfied with the quality of our services, we will refund your purchase.

The Review Process

It’s easy to get your personal or research statement reviewed.

1. Check out our service packages (below)
2. Email us at: coaching@gradstudentsuccess.com
3. We will get back to you within one business day
4. We get more details, answer questions, and you choose a review service level
5. We review your personal or research statement per the service you choose

There’s a difference between a personal statement and a research statement?
Yes! Which and how much background to include, the framing, and the style differ. With over 15 years of experience in research and a decade of coaching students, Dr. Glasheen will help you tell your story with maximum efficacy.

Personal/Research Statement Review Packages

Basic Written Review

One round of review with written feedback.
$149
Personal statement being reviewed in red pen.

Standard Written Review

Two rounds of review with written feedback.
$249
Close up image of a meeting where papers are being discussed. A table has paperwork and hands are shown pointing out corrections.

Standard Virtual Review

Two rounds of written review with one 45-minute feedback meeting.
$349
Image of an acceptance letter for graduate school, representing our personal statement review services.

Premium Virtual Review

One 45-minute strategy meeting, three rounds of written review, and one 45-minute feedback meeting.
$449

Meet Your Reviewers

Graduate Student Success Coach, Dr. Cristie Glasheen

Dr. Cristie Glasheen, MPH, PhD

Founder of Graduate Student Success, academic success and admissions coach, and retired epidemiologist. I primarily review personal and research statements in the physical and social sciences and public health.

Ms. Alecia Kipping, MSW

Health policy analyst turned grad school admissions coach and reviewer, I focus on reviewing personal statements in the social sciences, humanities, and public policy arena.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your average turnaround time?

It depends on how busy we are. We are a small team of professionals dedicated to quality over quantity. We never farm out reviews. We may review a standard personal or research statement in as little as 24 hours, but it may take up to 2 weeks during our busy season.

Can I choose my reviewer?

We try to match you with each reviewer’s area of focus. However, during the busy season, the reviewer you want may not be available. Don’t worry, all of our reviewers are fully qualified to review your personal or research statement, regardless of their area of focus, and if there’s ever a question, we work together to ensure you get stellar service.

Do you do rush requests?

Existing clients get priority, so our ability to do rush reviews can vary. Use the form below to check our availability or email us at coaching@gradstudentsuccess.com. Any review request with less than one week’s notice is a rush review and will incur a surcharge. During our busy season (October to December), less than two weeks’ notice is a rush review.

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