The podcast
The PhD Acceptance Podcast.
Helping you get into top PhD programs by becoming the most confident PhD candidate in the room. Strategy episodes, real client stories, and zero generic advice.
Recent episodes.
- 3 lies smart people tell themselves about PhD applications
"There's no way they'd pick me" or "they'd be lucky to have me" — both are probably wrong. Dr. Natalie breaks down the cognitive science behind the three lies smart applicants believe, and exactly how to fix each one.
- You're not too “non-traditional” for a PhD: here's proof
Sofia dropped out of high school at 16. At 32, she's headed to Rutgers for a fully funded PhD in sociology — with an Excellence Fellowship on top. Why your “messy” background is actually your biggest advantage.
- How a neurodivergent career-pivoter landed a fully-funded PhD offer
No psychology degree, no publications, ADHD, autism, and 12 months to make it happen. Ina got into their top choice — York University's Schulich School of Business — fully funded, with a departmental award given to one incoming student per year.
- How she went from confused about her field in biosciences to fully funded PhD
Guramrit applied to 10 programs with no safety schools and landed a fully funded offer at the University of Minnesota in molecular pharmacology. Why following the research matters more than matching the department name.
- PhD interview secrets: what programs really look for (from 3 Ivy League PhDs)
Dr. Natalie (Cornell), Dr. Anthony Shannon (Harvard), and Columbia PhD student Taylor Michl break down what interviews actually test, how to demonstrate passion authentically, and why the interview is a two-way street.
- Why your brain is making your PhD applications suck
Why incredibly smart, driven people burn out and never even submit — and how to spot classic end-of-cycle burnout before your deadlines so you apply on time, at your highest level.