Applying to a Ph.D. program can be daunting, but you don't need to go it alone. Another Degree mentors are here to support you through every stage of the doctoral admissions process with the kind of insight that only comes from people who have lived this path - because you deserve guidance from people who understand the realities of doctoral training, funding structures, and faculty expectations.

We use the term ‘mentor’ because Another Degree offers more than traditional Ph.D. admissions consulting. Our mentors are insiders who have built careers in the kinds of roles you’re aspiring to: professors, policy advisors, writers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and scientists. They provide holistic guidance focused on your success, wellbeing, and mutual fit with the programs you’re considering. You receive the combined strengths of admissions consultants, academic advisors, career counselors, research‑savvy editors, and the structured empowerment of a life coach.

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Sessions are tailored to your goals and focus on the strategic and narrative elements that matter most in Ph.D. admissions.:

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Application Strategy & Research Direction

• Clarifying your research interests and academic trajectory

• Identifying programs and faculty that align with your goals

• Understanding differences across disciplines and subfields

• Navigating Ph.D. programs and doctoral applications in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Europe, and beyond

• Learning the questions applicants often don’t know to ask about culture, mentorship, career pathways, and long‑term fit

Writing & Communication

• Understanding what committees expect and how they use each component of the application essays

• Drafting and refining your statement of purpose, personal statement, and research proposals

• Strengthening your academic CV or resume

• Preparing for faculty outreach and email communication

• Application review

• Practicing interviews and campus visit conversations

Timeline & Project Management

• Building realistic timelines for multi‑program application cycles

• Structuring your workflow around deadlines, writing phases, and faculty communication

• Planning ahead for writing samples, recommendation letters, and research materials

Funding, Fellowships & Financial Planning

• Evaluating, comparing, and negotiating funding packages

• Understanding graduate school financing and cost‑of‑living considerations

• Preparing materials for scholarships, fellowships, and grants

• Strategizing external funding opportunities to strengthen your application

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Support for Nontraditional and Interdisciplinary Paths

• Positioning career changers and applicants returning to academia

• Addressing gaps, pivots, or unconventional trajectories

• Navigating interdisciplinary or dual‑field applications

• Considering belonging and support or accommodations for special circumstances

​​​Our mentors help you evaluate programs and communicate your ideas with clarity and confidence while staying true to your voice, values, and aspirations. We empower applicants to recognize not only where they are competitive, but where they will thrive as scholars and people. That often means looking beyond surface‑level metrics like average GPAs or GRE scores and focusing instead on where your research, experience, and potential align with what faculty and departments are actually looking for - the places where you can flourish, contribute, and grow.

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Early‑Stage Graduate School Preparation for Undergraduates

Many students begin thinking about Ph.D. programs long before they apply. Another Degree mentors can help early‑stage scholars understand how to use their undergraduate years intentionally and confidently.

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Another Degree mentors can offer guidance on:

• Choosing courses that build a strong academic foundation

• Identifying relevant research opportunities, labs, internships, or independent study projects

• Navigating academic publishing and presentation opportunities for undergraduates

• Building relationships with faculty who may later write recommendation letters

• Developing your own research interests 

• Understanding how graduate committees evaluate undergraduate preparation

• Planning for honors theses, capstone projects, or summer research programs

• Exploring whether a Ph.D. aligns with your long‑term goals and wellbeing

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How it works and what to expect

• Ph.D. admissions consulting sessions are held online and tailored to your goals and stage in the Ph.D. application process

• You can view our mentor list and request a direct booking for an initial session at a time that works with your schedule - or complete the form on this page to request a mentor match

• You may receive a notification if your mentor requests more information before your first meeting. This allows them to review your materials or learn more about your interests, experience, and goals.

• Unlike other admissions consulting companies that rely on upselling and commissions, there is no obligation to commit to multiple sessions. We recommend starting with one session. Afterward, you will be offered discounted package options if you would like continued support. You can also use session packages across multiple mentors to build a team with complementary strengths - such as research‑focused mentor plus a writing‑focused mentor

• Users who purchase multiple session packages will receive access to a private online learning community moderated by Another Degree mentors. This space offers peer support, Q&A threads, writing accountability, and guidance between your one-on-one meetings

• Have other questions? Pull up the "let's chat" tool on this page, reach out via our contact form, or consult our frequently asked questions page. Learn more about what makes us different on our blog post: Why Choose Another Degree. 

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Not sure if a Ph.D. is the right path?

That is completely okay. Another Degree mentors provide graduate school admissions support across a wide range of academic and professional pathways. You may be comparing master’s and doctoral programs, exploring professional degrees such as the Ed.D., JD, MD, MPH, or MBA, or trying to understand which option best aligns with your long‑term goals. Our mentors meet you exactly where you are and help you move forward with clarity. Explore our full range of graduate and professional school admissions consulting services or contact us to let us know how we can best support you. 

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Ready for the next step in your academic journey? Complete the form on this page to request a mentor match!