Sierra Turner
Expert PhD Admissions Coach | Submit Competitive Applications w/ Confidence
2,135 min coached
Studied at Michigan State University
Admissions Committee at Michigan State University
Successful clients at
Available Thursday at 10:00 AM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Sierra's Offerings
Comprehensive PhD Application Package — Land Your Dream Program
Starting at $8,00020h+ of coaching
Best Value
Get Into Your Dream PhD Program — Getting Started Package
Starting at $612.755h+ of coaching
Save up to $129
Craft a Compelling Research Proposal
Starting at $980.408h+ of coaching
Save up to $154.80
Custom hourly · $129/hr
Get help with Application Strategy, Editing, and .
Sierra’s PhD Programs Qualifications
10+ people coached for PhD Programs
Sierra has helped clients get into these schools:
I’m Laurisa, a PhD admissions coach with hands-on experience guiding students through the PhD application process. Having successfully navigated graduate school myself and coached students through every stage of application preparation, I know what it takes to stand out in a competitive pool. I specialize in helping applicants leverage their unique strengths, craft compelling statements, build polished CVs, and strategically select programs and faculty. If you want to submit confident, competitive applications that maximize your chances of acceptance, my coaching will give you the structure, clarity, and insider strategies you need to succeed. Working with me means you’re not just submitting applications, you’re presenting a cohesive, standout story that admissions committees can’t ignore. Let’s turn your applications into acceptances and get you into grad school!
Sierra can help with:
Application Strategy
Editing
Essays
Interviews
Letters of Recommendation
Research
Resume
School Selection
Secondary Review
About Sierra
Applying to graduate school is challenging and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Hi, I’m Laurisa, and I help students get into graduate programs with clarity, confidence, and a plan that makes sense. I’ve committed my career to supporting graduate students at every stage, from the application all the way through to the dissertation and career search. Not sure if a PhD is right for you? Not sure where to apply? Not sure what to highlight in your application? Let's chat. I can answer all of your burning application questions and provide guidance that will shape your story into a compelling application. We’ll start with one key question—why do you want to go to graduate school?—and build from there. Schedule a free intro call to get started. I look forward to meeting you.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I know how overwhelming the PhD application process can be. I love helping applicants see their strengths, tell their story, and submit confident, competitive applications.
Work Experience
Director of Graduate Student Success
Michigan State University
April 2024 - Present
Admissions Committee
Partner with faculty and graduate programs to support admissions and graduate student success across the natural sciences. Advise students on navigating graduate school, from application through completion.
CEO and Founder
A Developing Small Business
2024 - Present
Lead a venture focused on creating innovative solutions to support graduate students in their academic and career journeys.
Founder and Director of the GRIT Application Feedback Program
Michigan State University
2021 - 2023
Interviewer
Designed and led an application review program for PhD applicants, creating accessible, supportive pathways and resources to ensure high-quality feedback—especially for first-generation and historically excluded students.
Founder of the MSU Graduate Recruitment Initiative Team (GRIT)
Michigan State University
2020 - 2023
Interviewer
Developed and led equity-focused recruitment and retention programs for multiple Ph.D. departments, managing a team of 10, securing grant funding, and using data-driven strategies to optimize impact and align with institutional goals.
Education
Michigan State University
PhD, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
2018 - 2023
Developed expertise in research, professional development, and student mentorship, drawing on experience as a first-gen, LGBTQ student to support peers and build skills for graduate admissions coaching. Highlighted experiences include: CGIU Fellow, Peer Mentor, GRIT Founder, Application Feedback Program Founder, Small Business Owner, five publications, and nine research presentations.
Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of Science, Biology
2016 - 2018
My first-generation college experience shaped my perspective on navigating higher education and supporting others through admissions and academic success. Developed foundational skills in research, critical thinking, and academic writing. Highlighted experiences include: TRIO McNair Scholar, NSF S-STEM recipient, one research publication, and nine research presentations.
15 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Knowledge
5.0
Value
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Supportiveness
5.0
Sierra has helped clients get into these schools:
Sierra has helped Leland clients get into Michigan State University