APPLYING TO
GRAD SCHOOL?
WE CAN HELP
OUR
STORY
Elevate was started by first-generation students at Harvard University. As non-traditional college students with different experiences than many of our peers, gaining insights into the grad school admissions process was a challenge -- one that no student should have to face alone. At Elevate, we leverage the collective expertise of our graduate network to level the playing field for other first-generation students.
Elevate is a social enterprise that works with first-generation college students preparing for graduate school through direct application coaching.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
VALERY M.
Attending University of Michigan
School of Social Work
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My coach understood the significance of applying to graduate school as a first-generation college student and the overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety that came with it. My coach addressed any and all concerns by creating a multi-step plan that worked for my application cycle and connected me with other first-generation students who were also in the process of applying to graduate school. Thanks to my coach’s dedication, the support of the team, and the community at Elevate, I squashed any self-doubt and got into my top choice with a generous scholarship!
RAIE G.
Attending Harvard University
Kennedy School of Government
Elevate helped me carefully prepare a strong application -- from essay-writing to resume-building -- to gain admission to my #1 school with a full-tuition scholarship. With my coach, we were able to thoughtfully leverage my lived experiences as a first-generation student & the daughter of immigrants with my advocacy work to craft a compelling story to the admissions committee.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
We know that applying to graduate school is difficult. Not having the social network to ask for support makes it worse. We want you to know that we are here to help you with every stage of the application process.
WHAT DOES WORKING WITH OUR TEAM LOOK LIKE?
The number of first-gen students is growing. 33% of current college students identify as first-gen, and this percentage increases every year...
...But, even though the number of graduate degrees conferred nationally has
increased by 66% in the last
20 years...
...First-gen students are still underrepresented in grad programs with only 4% holding a graduate degree.
OUR FOCUS
We focus on the written materials that you, as a first-gen applicant, can control. We use our experience in graduate school applications to walk you through the process and harness your personal story to create the most compelling narrative. We specifically work with the following:
PERSONAL STATEMENT
We ask the right questions to elevate your personal story and identify strengths and attributes to highlight
RESUME
We review your resume and provide guidance to make it impactful
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
We help you identify who to ask and, crucially, what your recommenders should highlight
OUR PROCESS
ROADMAPPING
Work with a coach to create a road-map to identify best-fit schools and set personal deadlines
STORYTELLING
Learn how to leverage your first-gen experience to frame your personal statement
DOCUMENT REVIEW
Receive editing support on resumes & CVs, application essays, and any other document you need to prepare a compelling application
GROUP LEARNING
Bond with a cohort of other first-gen students as you learn and grow through the application process
OUR SERVICES
As a social enterprise, we feature a two main services. We offer individualized coaching for first-gen students who seek advanced support throughout the application process. We also offer lower-cost cohort coaching program for first-gen students. There are a limited number of slots for the cohort coaching program and applications for this program are released in late July.
Streamline and clarify the nebulous process of graduate school applications
Streamline and clarify the nebulous process of graduate school applications
INDIVIDUAL COACHING
Get personalized support on your applications.
Participate in regular 1-on-1 video-calls with a personalized coach throughout the entire application process
Receive support in setting deadlines to ensure you are on track
Receive support crafting your personal story
Receive direct content review of your materials
Learn more about our program and pricing, and decide if it's right for you.
GRAD SCHOOL COHORT COACHING
Learn how to create a compelling application in a group setting.
Learn from our 5-stage curriculum that guides you through application materials
Participate in monthly cohort video-calls
Refine materials in a monthly video-call with your private coach
Share the experience with and learn from your 5 person cohort
Have your application materials completed to submit by December 1st.
ACCESS OUR FREE RESOURCES
Visit our application guidebook and application tracker resources to help you improve your application and keep yourself organized throughout the process
Learn the key components of a personal statement
Identify strategies for selecting recommenders
Understand how to maximize your resume
Keep track of all the application requirements and deadlines
HOW DOES ELEVATE HELP YOU?
We streamline the nebulous process of graduate school applications.
We ensure that schools and programs are well-matched with your experiences and interests.
We validate your experience and identity as a first-gen student.
We elevate your materials which will help you access funding opportunities to pursue your graduate education.