Laurisa Ankley
PhD admissions consultant for first-generation students and career-changers
| Hourly rate range | $70 to $130 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students |
| Credentials | PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University; Director of Graduate Student Success, Michigan State University; AI Certified (Leland AI Builder Program, Level 5) |
Laurisa Ankley is a PhD admissions consultant who helps students choose programs, plan their applications, and tell their story. She is the Director of Graduate Student Success at Michigan State University, where she works with faculty on admissions decisions across the natural sciences. She earned her own PhD at MSU as a first-generation student. She founded GRIT, an equity-focused admissions program, and has coached more than 20 PhD clients.
What Laurisa helps with
Laurisa helps applicants decide where to apply, what to say, and how to present their story in a real, personal way. Every project starts with one question: Why do you want to go to graduate school?
- Choosing which PhD programs to apply to
- Building a school selection and application strategy
- Telling your story in application materials
- Writing a research proposal
- Preparing for PhD interviews
- Applying as a first-generation student
- Applying to graduate school as a career-changer
Who Laurisa works with
Laurisa works with first-generation students, career-changers, and others who want to get the graduate application right.
How Laurisa works
Laurisa does not use a checklist. She starts each project by asking why the client wants to go to graduate school, then builds the plan from that answer. Packages range from a 2 hour application boost to 20 hours of start to finish coaching. Other offers cover school selection, research proposals, and interview prep.
Background and qualifications
Laurisa earned her PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Michigan State University as a first-generation student. She then founded GRIT, an equity-focused admissions and recruitment program that ran across multiple PhD departments. In that work she reviewed real applications and trained others to review them. She has sat on admissions committees. Today she is Director of Graduate Student Success at MSU, where she partners with faculty on admissions decisions, advises students on program fit, and reviews applications.
Laurisa Ankley pricing
Programs and services
- Start to finish PhD application coaching, 20 hours
- Getting started package, 5 hours or more
- School selection and application strategy, 4 hours
- Application boost sessions, 2 hours or more
- Research proposal coaching, 8 hours or more
- PhD interview prep, hourly
Laurisa Ankley reviews
Laurisa Ankley has a 5.0 out of 5 rating from 18 reviews on Leland, as of September 2026.
The CoachVouch take
Works inside PhD admissions at Michigan State University today and founded the GRIT admissions program.
Best for first-generation students and career-changers who want a clear plan for applying to PhD programs.
Common questions
How much does Laurisa Ankley charge?
Coaching with Laurisa runs $70 to $130 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Laurisa Ankley help with?
Laurisa Ankley helps with choosing which PhD programs to apply to, building a school selection and application strategy, telling your story in application materials and writing a research proposal.
Does Laurisa Ankley have reviews?
Laurisa Ankley has a 5.0 out of 5 rating from 18 reviews on Leland, as of September 2026.
Is Laurisa Ankley certified?
Laurisa Ankley lists: PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University; Director of Graduate Student Success, Michigan State University; AI Certified (Leland AI Builder Program, Level 5).
Does Laurisa help with PhD interviews and research proposals?
Yes. She offers interview prep and a research proposal package as part of her PhD coaching.
Does Laurisa work with first-generation students?
Yes. She is a first-generation PhD graduate and works with first-generation students and career-changers.
How do I contact Laurisa Ankley?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Laurisa and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.