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 postdoctoral 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.

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.

What are the basics of applying to postdoctoral programs?

Securing a postdoctoral position, often referred to simply as a postdoc, is like embarking on an advanced stage of academic exploration and specialization. It requires a blend of robust research experience, academic achievements, and a clear vision for your scholarly journey. Here’s a typical roadmap for aspiring postdocs:

The foundational step is completing a doctoral degree. Your PhD demonstrates not just your expertise in a specific field, but also your ability to conduct independent, original research. Excelling in your doctoral program is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for your postdoc applications.

The heart of a postdoc application is your research experience and publications. Having a strong research portfolio, including publications in reputable journals, presentations at conferences, and contributions to significant projects, is essential. This body of work showcases your expertise and potential to contribute meaningful research in your field.

Networking plays a critical role. Many postdoc positions are found through academic connections, mentors, and colleagues. Building a strong professional network during your PhD can open doors to postdoc opportunities.

The application process typically includes a research proposal, CV, and letters of recommendation. Your research proposal should outline what you plan to explore during your postdoc and how it aligns with the research interests of the institution or your potential mentor. Recommendation letters should come from academic advisors or collaborators who can vouch for your research capabilities and potential as a postdoc.

Interviews, if part of the process, are an opportunity to discuss your research in depth, demonstrate your critical thinking, and show how your work can contribute to the broader goals of the research group or department.

Taking initiative in seeking out funding opportunities, such as fellowships or grants, can also be a significant part of the postdoc experience. Securing your own funding not only makes you an attractive candidate but also provides greater flexibility in your research pursuits.

In summary, securing a postdoctoral position involves demonstrating a strong track record in research, building a professional network, articulating a clear research plan, and showcasing your potential to contribute to and benefit from the postdoc experience. It’s a path for those who are deeply committed to advancing their research expertise and making significant contributions to their academic field.