Create an admissions-worthy application.

1:1 Application Strategy Session

Ready to go back to graduate school to level up your career?

So you’re finally ready to apply. (congrats!)

You enthusiastically start Googling “how to apply to graduate school” - but are overwhelmed figuring out how vague application advice applies to your specific circumstances.

Feeling stuck, you close the computer and decide to figure it out later… but applications will be due before you know it.

Do any of these sound familiar?

⏰ You're frequently saying you’ll start working on applications when you have more time and mental bandwidth (then suddenly it’s Sunday night - cue the Sunday scaries)

🚪 You're always daydreaming of what it would feel like to be a master or doctor in your field… and walk right through the doors that would open for your career

🏝 You feel like you’re alone on an island trying to figure out what application reviewers are looking for (what does “holistic review” actually mean?)

🤔 You're constantly thinking there has to be someone who knows how this graduate school application process actually works

Imagine what it would feel like if you knew exactly what to do - and when - while applying to graduate school this year.

(Because once you’ve decided on a future career plan, you’re ready for that future to start as soon as possible).

What if I told you that you could...

✔ Have clarity on what to write about in your personal statement

✔ Build confidence that you have what it takes to get accepted (then take the first giant step toward achieving your career goals)

✔ Create an application plan that feels manageable with your busy life schedule

✔ Feel supported by someone who knows what goes on behind the curtain of admissions (and has made decisions on 3,000+ applications at a university)

(Get excited for your)

1:1 Application Strategy Session

with Dr. Jena 🎓

With a 1:1 Application Strategy Session, you can:

1. Get clarity

There are a number of places to feel stuck and stall out in the application process, especially as a working professional. Whether it’s:

  • Identifying best-fit graduate programs for your career goals

  • Figuring out what steps to take first

  • Deciding who to ask for a letter of recommendation (and how to ask if it’s been a while since you’ve talked)

  • Choosing a story for your personal statement

With an objective expert to help, you’ll get clear answers to all of your specific questions.

2. Make a plan

After talking through your goals and roadblocks, I’ll help you identify what to do (and when) to make this graduate school application process as stress-free as possible.

I help you most by providing:

  • Practical advice based on experience reading applications AND being an applicant while working full-time

  • Encouragement that you have everything you need and are on the right track (or guidance to help you get back on it) - because sometimes the emotional and mental blocks are harder than tasks on the to-do list

3. Move forward

With a game plan in hand - and someone cheering you on - you can confidently:

  • Choose which graduate programs to apply to

  • Start or continue your applications

  • Request strong letters of recommendation

  • Write a scroll-stopping personal statement for reviewers who’ve read everything

What people are saying:

“I received overall clarity on believing in myself and that I was worthy. Dr. Jena helped me tame my imposter syndrome (and that alone is a huge step in success).

More concretely, I received amazing insight on what I should consider while writing my personal statement, what to expect during interviews, and learned about what to do or not to do through her personal anecdotes.

Dr. Jena provided me with resources and connections that helped me build my networking skills and propel me into new opportunities.”

— Kyra F.

(future master’s student starting Autumn 2024 🎓)

Your life before our Strategy Session:

  • Confusion on where to start or continue in the application process

  • Directionless with what to write in your personal statements and admissions essays

  • Imposter syndrome about whether you’re a good enough applicant and should even apply

  • Pressured to “do this right” because your future depends on it

Your life after our Strategy Session:

  • Clarity on what to do next in your application process

  • Certainty and confidence in the stories you choose for your personal statement

  • Validation and belief that you are a worthy applicant who can achieve your education and career goals

  • Peace with whatever happens with admissions decisions

Hi! I’m Dr. Jena

Whatever you’re struggling with in the application process for graduate school, I’m totally here for it.

I have the unique lens of being an application reviewer - I read 3,000+ over 10 years at The Ohio State University (it’s not as glamorous as it sounds, lots of late nights and spreadsheets).

In our Application Strategy Session, I can intuitively pick out the best parts of your personal and professional experiences to highlight for reviewers reading at the end of a long day, hoping to be inspired by an applicant.

As you navigate the logistics of applying to graduate school as a working professional, I can also guide you through the imposter syndrome that pops up in the process. (I had it, too).

Honestly, the best applicants usually have the most limiting beliefs. I’ll help you push through them. Your future’s too important to let a few negative thoughts hold you back.

You’re more qualified than you may give yourself credit for, and you have exactly what it takes to be a student again. I’ll help you get there.

So what IS a graduate school strategy session?

At its heart: a relaxed conversation about what can feel like a heavy process.

We’ll discuss where you are now and where you’re getting stuck or worried. I’ll offer individualized expert advice and action steps you can take after our call.

It’s a chance for you to focus on what you need next in this process, instead of spending hours in a Google rabbit hole trying to retrofit someone else’s experience to your current reality.

Let’s save you time, streamline the process, and get your applications in motion.

Here’s what you get:

1. Individualized attention before your session

By filling out your pre-session form (delivered via email when you schedule), I will prepare personalized questions and resources prior to our call to ensure you get the most out of our time together.

2. A 45-minute strategy session

Our session will start with a chance to learn about each other, followed by delving into where you are in the application process.

I’ll be candid in asking clarifying questions, share everything I know about the process (I’m an open book), then offer tailored action steps to help you move forward.

3. Post-session recap

After we meet, I’ll send a detailed follow up of the high points of our conversation. It will cover action steps, recommendations and resources, and possibly new connections if I know someone who might be helpful in your process.

$125 USD includes:

  • Pre-session form to receive individualized support during our call

  • 45 min Strategy Session on Zoom

  • Post-session recap with resources and action steps via email

Now scheduling graduate school applicants.

Let’s get you accepted so you can achieve your career goals.

Here's what happens when you schedule:

  • Step 1

    Click any button on this page to start the process.

    Your confirmation will include a Zoom Scheduler link - choose a time that works best for you (or reach out if you need another option).

  • Step 2

    You’ll receive a link to a short pre-meeting form to complete at least 24 hours before we meet.

    I’ll use this to prepare personalized questions and resources for you.

  • Step 3

    We’ll meet for an honest, relaxed discussion about where you are in the application process, where you’re feeling stuck, the questions you have, and create an action plan to move forward.

  • Step 4

    You’ll receive a follow-up email outlining the strategy we discussed, recommended next steps, and any additional resources or new connections to check out.

I'm Ready! →

I’ve helped people just like you.

Will your acceptance story be next?

Kyra

Before

Kyra’s completing national service and has the career goal of becoming a professor. She knows graduate school is a requirement to meet this goal, but she has multiple areas of academic interest and potential paths to get there. She also deals with imposter syndrome about the application process.

After

We discussed the different programs and paths she could pursue and what to write in her personal statement (this was a fun lightbulb moment!).

During a later session, we covered the interview process for assistantships after she was accepted to her top-choice master’s program for fall 2024!

 FAQs

  • After purchase, your confirmation email will include a Zoom Scheduler link for you to schedule a time to meet. If you need a different time, email hello@drjenapugh.com with the subject line “Strategy Session Time Request” to coordinate a time to meet.

  • Our call will be held on Zoom.

  • Yes! This is my favorite part of the application process, too.

    During our Strategy Session, we can discuss your life and what you could write about.

    If you’d like more in depth help, I also offer Personal Statement Reviews which include additional calls and a thorough review and editing process. My goal is to ensure you’re presenting the best version of yourself for reviewers who’ve read everything.

  • $125 for our 45 minute call and personalized meeting preparation based on your pre-meeting form and your post-session recap email.

You’ve got this.

Get answers to questions, calm any concerns, and let’s create your graduate school application strategy together.

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Pursue the Passion logo in blue handwritten font.