Sara Hunter
She/Her
Top Expert
PhD Programs | Former Director of Graduate Admissions, Stanford University
American Public University System
Stanford University
Successful clients at
62.8k
Expert mins
288
Followers
Available Monday
Starting at 3:30 PM UTC
If none of the times on my calendar work for you, you can send me a message to coordinate a more convenient time.
Questions?
You can start chatting with Sara before you get started.
Work with Sara
About
Customer favorite
In the top 10% of PhD Programs experts on Leland
With ten years of experience in graduate admissions at Stanford University's School of Engineering and School of Education, I can provide valuable insight into the application and review process. I am here to address your concerns and answer your questions about applying to graduate school. Since 2013, I have worked as a professional graduate admission consultant and coach, specializing in helping students navigate the application process for programs in the United States, Canada, and many other countries worldwide. My travels have allowed me to connect with prospective students and their families, giving me a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural expectations surrounding advanced degrees. I coach to share my knowledge and experience with students globally, not to "game" the system, but to help applicants present the most accurate and compelling representation of their qualifications to admissions committees. My coaching services offer honest and personalized support as you prepare to apply to graduate school. I do not screen clients based on their academic records; in fact, I excel in working with individuals who may lack confidence in their potential for graduate studies. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and my mission is to help you showcase your strengths, even if you don’t yet recognize them. One of my greatest strengths is helping clients envision what is possible and collaborating with them to turn their dreams into reality. My past client results include (for a complete list of my admissions results, click here: (https://www.wisegradadmissions.com/results) STANFORD UNIVERSITY Civil & Environmental Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Management Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering International Education Policy Learning, Design & Technology Policy, Organization & Leadership HARVARD UNIVERSITY Data Science Education Leadership. Organization & Entrepreneurship Human Development & Education Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology Prevention Science & Practice UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Systems Engineering Education & Psychology Behavioral Economics Counseling & Mental Health Services Human Development International Education Development Learning Sciences and Technologies Social Psychology WHARTON MBA (joint program with Computer Engineering Management Technology) CORNELL UNIVERSITY Electrical & Computer Engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research & Information Engineering Statistics Agricultural Economics Food Science Financial Mathematics Management JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Applied Physics Computer Science Electrical & Computer Engineering Robotics Mental Health Counseling Public Health & Epidemiology Public Policy, Global Affairs & International Relations Financial Mathematics COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Management Science & Engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Research Agricultural Economics Biostatistics Statistics Financial Mathematics Applied Behavior Analysis Counseling Psychology Developmental Psychology Instructional Technology & Media International Comparative Education International Studies MSW School Psychology UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MBA Public Policy/Global Affairs MSW Psychology GEORGETOWN Public Policy/Global Affairs Asian Studies NYU Computer Science Data Science Electrical Engineering Financial Engineering Biostatistics Food Studies Physics Behavioral Economics Counseling Human Development & Social Interaction MSW UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Aero/Astro Engineering Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biostatistics Survey Methodology Financial Mathematics Public Policy & International Studies Japanese Studies MSW CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY Chemical Engineering Computer Science Electric and Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering HCI Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Statistical Practice Computational Finance UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Computer Science Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Applied Physics Biostatistics Education/Psychology Learning Sciences and Human Development MSW
Sara also coaches for Master’s Programs, Mental Health & Wellness, Life Coaching, and PA School. View all.
Sara’s PhD Programs Qualifications
Coaches professionally
70+ PhD Programs clients
Open to working with clients outside the U.S.
Sara has helped clients get into these schools:
Welcome to my profile! With over a decade of experience in graduate admissions at Stanford University, including roles in the School of Engineering and School of Education, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the PhD application process. As a former Director of Graduate Admissions, I have reviewed thousands of applications and understand what top programs are looking for. Since 2013, I have been an independent consultant, successfully guiding 200+ clients to prestigious programs across the US, Canada, and the UK. My personalized approach ensures that your application stands out. Let's work together to craft a compelling application that showcases your unique strengths and aspirations. Reach out to start your journey towards a successful PhD application!
Sara can help with:
Application Strategy
Editing
Essays
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Interviews
Letters of Recommendation
Resume
School Selection
Secondary Review
Why do I coach?
I coach students to bring clarity and purpose to the graduate application process. My goal is to help as many individuals as possible achieve their academic objectives. I am passionate about empowering students to discover their full potential, build self-confidence, and enhance their communication skills. I specialize in supporting students who may not feel confident in their candidacy for graduate programs. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and I am dedicated to helping clients highlight their strengths, even when they struggle to recognize them. I guide my clients to see what is possible and work collaboratively with them to turn their aspirations into reality.
Work Experience
Senior Strategic Planning Associate (Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute)
University of Texas Austin
February 2021 - September 2021
Consultant - Contract - Collaborate on the Texas Mindset Initiative (TxMI) & the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute (TxBSPI) projects; help develop a curriculum for instructors to address mindset in first-generation and underrepresented students in areas of STEAM and Social Sciences. - Collaborate with professors from the psychology and sociology departments and the school of education to develop a curriculum for learning assistants (via a research initiative). - Review applications to a post-baccalaureate research fellowship program to help address inequality and representation in education. - Provide career and graduate admissions counseling to college students (freshman-senior years) within STEM, Social Sciences, and Pre-Med areas. - Provide information sessions on graduate admissions applications as needed.
Business Owner
Wise Graduate Admiss
July 2013 - Present
- Independent graduate admissions consultant specializing in helping students navigate the process of applying to graduate programs in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe. My services are customized to meet the specific needs of each client. I work collaboratively throughout the entire process and can advise students on the complete process of applying to graduate school in various areas of study. - Work at UT Austin on various research-related projects related to mindset and goal setting for college students (2021) - Presented several classes at UT Austin Dell Medical School Psychiatry (Diverse Psychology program) to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in areas of psychiatry. (2022-23)
Director of Graduate Admissions
Stanford University
March 2004 - June 2013
Admissions Committee
I've held various senior roles while at Stanford, I worked in the Central Office of Graduate Admissions, where I reviewed the files of admitted applicants from all departments on campus to ensure they met university standards for admission. I also worked in the School of Education to spearhead the development of their admissions office. I managed the annual admission cycle for all graduate programs (e.g., M.A. and Ph.D.). In the School of Engineering, I sat with admissions committee members to review, rank, and make admission recommendations for 1600 applications (per year) to the Department of Electrical Engineering’s full-time and part-time graduate programs (MS, Ph.D., and Engineer’s degree programs).
Education
American Public University System
Master's, Psychology
2019 - 2022
5.0 average review
40 reviews
Overall rating
Sara has helped clients get into these schools:
Sara also coaches for Master’s Programs, Mental Health & Wellness, Life Coaching, and PA School. View all.
No posts yet
When Sara posts, it will show up here.