
About me
Hi! I'm Laurisa, the creator of GradPhinDer, a first-generation college graduate, and a proud female, LGBTQIA+ business owner. My academic journey, like many others, was full of twists and turns - especially as a first-gen student trying to navigate the often confusing world of graduate school applications. It's from this very experience that the idea for GradPhinDer was born.
I know how overwhelming it can feel trying to figure out where to apply, which programs fit your needs, and how to find a place that aligns with both your academic and personal goals. After years of working in higher education, I've seen so many students - especially those from underrepresented backgrounds - struggle with this process. That's why I created GradPhinDer: to make this journey easier, more inclusive, and centered around helping students like you find programs where you'll not only survive, but thrive.
How does it work?
For just $65 a year, you'll be able to review a wide selection of schools, compare programs quickly, and find the perfect fit. It's equivalent to a single grad school application fee!

Social Impact & DEI
At GradPhinDer, we're dedicated to creating a more inclusive and innovative graduate education landscape. We actively support underrepresented groups and aim to eliminate systemic barriers in the PhD application process. By making the PhD application process more accessible, we aim to eliminate systemic barriers that disproportionately affect underrepresented students and empower aspiring scholars to find graduate programs that match their goals and support their growth.