Love For Lauren

"Very happy to have worked with Vince on my GRE prep and Lauren on my personal essay writing. Both were integral to my success in getting accepted to my ideal grad school. Vince had a very straightforward and understandable approach toward taking the test which helped remove the test anxiety I definitely would have otherwise felt. I knew exactly what was coming weeks before I sat down to take it and managed to score about 10-15 points higher than I would have without his help. Lauren was equally helpful in editing my essay - both on the finer details as well as big picture ideas and concepts. I wholeheartedly believe their assistance throughout the GRE and grad school application process is what pushed me over the edge and got me accepted into my ideal program at my ideal school. 5 stars, no question."

- Clifford Grant (see review on Google Maps)

"I worked with Lauren Hammond on my personal statement and she was amazing!! I spent a couple months working with her and it was one of the best decisions that I feel elevated my grad school applications. I came into the first meeting with a draft essay that was basically my resume and was all over the place. Lauren helped me nail down my story and what I am passionate about. I ended up writing an amazing personal statement with great feedback from Lauren that I felt really showed readers who I am. She was super flexible with the times we met and I ended up getting into my TOP choice schools (Johns Hopkins, Brown, etc). I would definitely work with her again!"

- Aster M. (see review on Google Maps)

"Lauren Hammond was so incredibly helpful with my personal statements for grad school. I really needed help with organization, staying focused on a coherent narrative and content-building, which she was phenomenal with. She's also a really sweet person and a pleasure to work with! Can't recommend her enough."

- Mira Park (see review on Google Maps)

"As I was applying to PhD programs, I was struggling to write my personal statements. I searched online for hours to try and find something or someone that looked worth spending the money on and I came across Lauren Hammond at Vince Kotchian Test Prep. I was only planning on doing maybe one session to help get me started but Lauren was SO good that I continued working with her for weeks. She gave such valuable feedback and felt like she truly cared about making my work the best it can be. I even recommended her to my other colleagues who were applying to grad school and they felt the same way. I currently have 3 interviews for grad school and I couldn't have gotten those without her help!"

- Mikayla Haas (see review on Google Maps)

"Lauren Hammond was amazing. She provided me with thoughtful feedback that structured and strengthened my graduate school application essays. She was great at asking questions to push me to be a better writer. You can tell she genuinely cares about her students and wants to see you succeed. Additionally she is flexible in scheduling and will make deadlines work with your timeline. I was accepted into my top school choice and appreciate Lauren for her help in the process. If you or someone you know is looking for an essay tutor for graduate applications, Lauren is definitely the best!"

- Renee Begin (see review on Google Maps)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend writing my PhD personal statement?

We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.

Where can I find some good examples of personal statements?

Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.

Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:

1. Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
2. They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
3. They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!

Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.

For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.

What are the basics of applying to PhD programs?

Securing a spot in a PhD program is akin to embarking on an expedition into the unknown — it demands a blend of academic excellence, research acumen, and a deep passion for discovery and innovation. Here's a typical roadmap for those aiming to pursue this advanced level of study:

The journey often starts with a strong academic foundation, usually a bachelor’s degree and, in many cases, a master’s degree in a related field. Excelling in coursework is important, but for PhD programs, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. These programs are looking for candidates who have demonstrated a capacity for independent research and critical thinking.

Research experience is paramount. Whether it's through undergraduate projects, master's thesis work, or employment in research roles, having a track record of research shows you can handle the demanding and often solitary nature of PhD studies. This experience also helps in defining your research interests and can guide you in choosing the right program and advisor.

For many PhD programs, standardized tests like the GRE are part of the application process. A strong performance can be advantageous, but it’s often the research potential that carries more weight.

The application process includes a research proposal or statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. The proposal or statement should clearly articulate your research interests, how they align with the program and potential advisors, and your long-term career goals. Recommendation letters should ideally come from academics or professionals who can speak to your research abilities and academic potential.

Interviews, if required, are an opportunity to discuss your research interests in-depth and demonstrate your critical thinking and communication skills. They also serve as a platform to gauge the fit between you and the program or potential advisors.

Going the extra mile by publishing papers, presenting at conferences, or engaging in academic networking can significantly strengthen your application.

In summary, getting into a PhD program involves not just academic excellence, but also a demonstrated commitment to research, a clear articulation of your research interests and goals, and the personal qualities needed for the rigors of doctoral study. It’s a path for those driven by curiosity, analytical thinking, and the desire to contribute original knowledge in their field.