Graduate School Strategy & Prep Workshop
January 2026
An comprehensive online strategy workshop with one week of support to help you choose aligned graduate programs, identify potential advisors and build a focused, competitive application.
Designed for students exploring research-based master’s and PhD programs in STEM, social sciences, or the humanities.
Why This Workshop
Graduate school decisions shape your career and future, yet most students receive little guidance on how to choose programs, advisors, or a direction that truly fits.This workshop gives you the strategic insight and practical tools you need to make strong, well-informed choices.
Who It's For
For students pursuing research-based graduate programs in STEM, the humanities, or the social sciences.This workshop is especially helpful if you:• Would like a clear, strategic, structured plan for preparing a strong application• Want your grad school questions answered and your doubts addressed• Want to avoid common pitfalls
Topics Covered
In this comprehensive grad school application prep course, we will cover:• Application steps and what/how you need to prepare a competitive application
• How to think strategically about your graduate school path using your future career and lifestyle priorities
• What “fit” means in research-based programs, why it matters, and how to evaluate it
• How to evaluate graduate positions for alignment with your research interests and long-term goals
• How to find and assess potential advisors
• How to approach advisor communication in a way that encourages responses
• How to structure and write a strong Statement of Purpose
• How to create a realistic application timeline that fits your goals and deadlines
What You'll Leave With
By the end of the session, with the workshop, workbook and follow-up support, you’ll have the tools and guidance to:• Think strategically about your graduate school direction
• Identify programs and positions that align with your long-term goals• Find potential advisors and assess advisor fit• Create a realistic application timeline that works for you• Build a competitive application that presents your potential
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I’m Alex.
I created this workshop to provide clear, thoughtful guidance for students exploring graduate school.I earned my B.S. in biochemistry and biophysics from Oregon State University, then for my Ph.D., I shifted into my passion, marine biology, which I completed at Texas A&M University at Galveston. After graduate school, I joined the Texas public health lab as a molecular biologist, focusing on whole-genome sequencing.Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve mentored students at all stages, helping them navigate program choices, research paths, and early-career decisions.This workshop has been shaped by the reflections, advice, and retrospective insight shared by colleagues, mentors, and managers throughout my career. My goal is to give you the practical knowledge and informed perspective you need to apply with full confidence and make thoughtful, goal-oriented decisions for your success in graduate school and beyond.I look forward to helping you begin your grad school journey!
Workshop Details
Format: Live online
Date: Class: Sunday January, 11th 2026 at 2pm CST
Length: 90 minutes
Includes:
After the online class, you’ll get one week of follow-up support in our group Slack channel (Jan 12–18), where I’ll answer your questions about choosing and applying to graduate school, including:• Questions about program fit
•Advisor search questions
•GRE decisions
•CV structure, organization, or content questions
•Timeline planningTo further help you plan and prepare, you will receive a prep workbook (in PDF format) which you can work through during and after the workshop. It is designed to help you apply the topics we cover in the class to:• clarify your academic interests and long-term goals
• connect your personal life, values, and future professional plans to your academic choices
• identify the technical skills you want to develop in grad school
• create a focused application strategy
• compare programs and advisors
• build a timeline that reflects your real life and prioritiesIf you have any questions about the workshop or whether it's right for you, you're welcome to email me.
Registration
Early Enrollment: $167 (available until Dec 15th, 2025)
Standard Enrollment: $197This is a full graduate prep system with dedicated support and individual questions encouraged. Seats are limited so everyone can get guidance.