Winner Testimonials, Reviews & Success Stories
Fully Funded Course and Mentorship Program
ProFellow's award-winning admissions support program for applicants to fully funded PhD and master's programs
Developed by four-time fellow and ProFellow Founder, Dr. Vicki Johnson
**More than $25 MILLION in funding awards achieved by Fully Funded Course students since 2019**
Visit the Fully Funded Course homepage to learn more!
I assumed that my lack of publications and low test scores would eliminate me from top tier schools. Through the Fully Funded Course, I applied to 8 schools and was accepted to 4, fully funded!
As a working mother who has been out of higher education for 20 years, I needed to be handed a guidebook, and the Fully Funded Course gave me just that!
As an immigrant, learning how to market yourself is extremely important. I ABSOLUTELY recommend the Fully Funded Course to anyone who is overwhelmed by the application process.
The Fully Funded Course helped me get into Stanford after my first try was unsuccessful. It gave me the specific guidance I needed to apply to graduate school.
"I'm a first generation college graduate and this was my first time applying to grad school. I joined the Fully Funded Course to learn about the application process and get an insider look at how the selection committee chooses their candidates. I wouldn’t have succeeded without taking the Fully Funded Course because it provided with me so many ideas on how to prepare personal statements and align my application to the graduate school program’s mission and values, especially those of equity and diversity. Thank you for helping students achieve their academic dreams!"
First-generation college graduate
Thai V., Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate at Emory University ($54,000 funding award) + 7 other MPH acceptances
"The Fully Funded Course is an amazing program! This program provided me support in getting accepted to PhD programs directly after my Bachelor's degree. The course modules were very helpful, they guided me in writing an excellent application. Thank you so much Dr. Vicki Johnson!"
Opeyemi N., fully funded PhD candidate in Biology at Washington State University ($225,000 funding award)
"I joined the Fully Funded Course to learn how to write my application story in a compelling manner and I succeeded! I was applying to graduate school with concerns about my previous grades. However, I learned how to do faculty outreach and I was successful in securing meetings before applying. The course also helped me organize multiple applications and keep track of deadlines. I'm pleased to share I received acceptance to my dream PhD program with a full funding offer!
Lizeth V., fully funded PhD student in Organic Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania + winner of the Presidential Fellowship ($250,000 funding award)
"I knew I needed to find fully funded PhD programs, but I did not know where to start or anything about the process. I could have tried to Google everything or hope that I could get enough quality advice from friends and associates, but I didn’t have the time with my master’s studies, and I needed someone in-the-know to give me the right kind of advice. The MATCH ME Formula™ showed me how to make each application unique so it would not be seen as just another “cookie-cutter” submission. Getting help and advice through the course about each component and your big-picture strategies undoubtedly helped me to get to where I am today: multiple full funding offers."
Ricky U., fully funded PhD candidate in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M + 4 other PhD acceptances ($850,000+ in funding awards)
“I was concerned I didn't know the unspoken rules of the graduate admissions process to advance my studies further. The materials in the Fully Funded Course and access to live Office Hours and Special Session events helped me to broaden my perspective and also have a better understanding of what made me unique as a candidate. The depth of detail that's provided helps you refine your search for schools and programs. Since joining the Fully Funded Course, I was accepted to the FAIT Fellowship, providing full funding for my graduate studies!"
Mid-career applicant
Jacquetta C., winner of the Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship fully funding a Master's of Computer and Information Technology, University of Pennsylvania ($75,000 award)
“The Fully Funded Course has been instrumental in my search for graduate programs. Two years ago, I was accepted to four master's programs with no scholarship or funding, and I decided not to go. The Fully Funded Course taught me how to identify fully funded programs and craft strong, memorable applications that stand out to a selection committee. I just received my first offer of graduate acceptance with a full funding package! Without the guidance and resources of this program, I would never have known how to find and competitively apply for this opportunity."
Julie G., fully funded Master's candidate in Environmental Health Sciences at New York University ($90,000 funding award) + 3 additional acceptances
"The MATCH ME Formula™ combined with the Fully Funded Course Workbooks have been very helpful. I learned a lot of new ideas, perspectives, and even a few tips and tricks throughout the course. As an ENTJ who loves an organised plan, it was a perfect fit for me and it was easy to use too. I believe that the Fully Funded Course has been a big part in my success in securing entrance to a fully funded PhD program as an international student. I can now successfully contact any professor or reference because I know how and what to ask."
Rizki A., fully funded PhD candidate in Chemistry at Victoria University, New Zealand ($250,000 funding award)
"The Fully Funded Course helped keep me accountable and on track with deadlines because I could see the full scope of the application process ahead of time. I would recommend the program for the structure and guidance it provides to an otherwise nebulous and stressful graduate application process. I think the Fully Funded Course is a great career investment, whether for pursuing graduate school, fellowships, or other professional opportunities. I'm pleased to share I am heading to a Master's at Yale on a Horstmann Scholarship that is covering 80% of my tuition!"
Sydney P., accepted to 10 Master of Public Health (MPH) programs, including Yale University and Johns Hopkins ($350,000+ in funding awards)
“The Fully Funded Course helped me systematically approach the daunting task of narrowing down a long list of potential law schools and helped me think strategically about which schools were both a good fit and would provide funding. The program gave me the structure needed to work consistently on my applications and overcome confidence issues from a previously unsuccessful application round. In addition to getting accepted to 3 law schools, I learned how to negotiate my funding offers. I would definitely recommend the Fully Funded Course to others!”
Law school applicant
Kristina M., accepted to 3 Law schools for a Juris Doctorate (JD) with merit-based funding ranging from $30,000 to $100,000+ per school
“I sought guidance because I was applying to PhD programs direct from my Bachelor's and I was uncertain how to prepare a successful application. Through the Fully Funded Course, I learned how to look through the information on each graduate program and match my goals to the program's vision and mission, which I believe gave me an edge. I received a lot of helpful tips during Office Hours and through the course on how to word the statements, what to keep, and what to reframe - advice I could not have found elsewhere. I would recommend the course to all applicants who are ready to put in their best efforts!"
Applying to PhD direct from a Bachelor's
Sanchita K., fully funded PhD student in Information Sciences at the University of Illinois plus winner of a Distinguished Fellowship ($190,000 funding award)
"I still cannot believe what I have achieved through this course - a full funding award worth more than $75,000 and the opportunity to attend my dream master's program. Your formula helped me build and polish my application story. This gave me the edge I needed to stand out among so many other outstanding candidates.”
Community college transfer
Oumama K., Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Winner ($75,000+ award),
fully funded Master's student in International Affairs, Johns Hopkins SAIS
"I would absolutely recommend this course to others starting out on their graduate school journeys. I especially appreciate that the Fully Funded Course was made fully accessible for deaf students with captioning and transcripts. I received multiple acceptances and funding offers for top MPP and MBA programs, including Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Wharton Business School, and University of Chicago!"
Deaf applicant
Sheila X., Zuckerman Fellowship Winner ($88,000 award) for a joint Master of Public Policy (MPP) - Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Harvard University
“As a first-generation college student of immigrant parents, I just didn't know the first thing about how to apply or what it would take to get in. I never thought a person like me could get into a PhD program, and before stumbling on the Fully Funded Course, I had no idea full funding was even an option! I tell everyone I know about the Fully Funded Course and Mentorship Program because it is the #1 reason I got into a PhD program of my choice with a generous stipend. It not only shows you how to apply and succeed, being part of the Fully Funded Course community gave me that extra push not to give up."
First generation college graduate
Marion M., fully funded PhD candidate in Religion at Syracuse University ($390,000 funding award)
“I was just accepted to Johns Hopkins' PhD program with one of their most prestigious fellowships. WOAH! The Fully Funded Course gave me a process with which to approach the 8 PhD and fellowship applications I completed last fall. The tools and strategies that you provided made me a much more competitive applicant, especially the writing structure and interview prep. The MATCH ME Formula™ was practical and immediately useful. I count on your continued guidance as I make my decision. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!”
Mid-career applicant
Carmen G., fully funded PhD candidate in Sociology at UCSF ($345,000 funding package)
“Before taking the Fully Funded Course, I had applied to doctoral programs and was rejected across-the-board. I joined Fully Funded because I knew I had to do something different. The course taught me how to change my application story from one of tragedy to inspiration. At my next try, I was accepted to ALL four programs, with full funding offers!"
Mid-career applicant | Previous rejections
L. Tomay Douglas, fully funded PhD candidate in Sociology at UC San Diego ($345,000 funding award)
“This program is well worth the investment! I applied for graduate programs and was not successful because I did not use the MATCH ME Formula™️ and other strategies recommended in this program. The Fully Funded program uniquely prepares you for success in graduate school and your professional goals. The skills taught were practical, easily understood and transferable. I am thrilled I am now entering a fully funded MBA program with a fellowship!"
MBA Applicant
Melisha W., accepted to the UMass Amherst Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Isenberg Fellowship ($102,000 funding award)
"In the Fully Funded Course, I learned how to support and direct my referees in writing detailed recommendation letters. I also learned ways to make my applications timely, urgent, and elegant. After several years of unsuccessful applications, I am pleased to report that this year I won the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship, providing full funding for grad school and a career path to the U.S. Foreign Service.""
Previous rejections | Fellowship Winner
Andrew D., Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship winner ($84,000 funding award) + 5 top Graduate Policy Program acceptances (MPP, MPA, & MPIA) with $200,000+ in merit-based awards
“The Fully Funded Course helped me find graduate programs that are a great fit and matched my career goals. Being out of school for more than 10 years, I receive the structure and advice I need for the application process. I got accepted to several Master's programs, and with the course guidance, I was able to negotiate and achieve more funding than I imagined possible!"
Latina applicant
Flora M., accepted to 3 Master's programs in Design + $150,000 in funding awards!
"The Fully Funded Course has been a great investment and well worth the time! It provided me with the organizational tools, timeline, and encouragement to aim high and get accepted to some fantastic programs that are a great fit for me. I would recommend this course to anyone who is applying to a graduate degree. It will increase your chances of getting a Finalist interview and getting accepted to the program that is right for you."
Making a career change from government to Visual Arts
Luke S., accepted to 4 fully funded Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in Studio Art ($500,000+ in funding offers)
"I was hesitant to apply to graduate school because I feared rejection. Having a low undergraduate GPA, coupled with my low GRE scores, I honestly did not believe that I could receive a funded offer. I benefitted most from the course modules on program research and email templates. I now know that it IS possible to receive a fully funded offer, no matter your academic background. I would recommend the Fully Funded Course to anyone feeling lost and overwhelmed in the graduate school application process."
Previous rejections
Martha O., fully funded Master's candidate in Communication Studies at Texas Tech University ($50,000 funding award) + Semi-Finalist for a Fulbright Award in South Korea
“The Fully Funded Course made my third round of applying to grad school more efficient and allowed me to be confident about my applications. After going through the Fully Funded modules, I knew I was going to present the best application I could create. I will finally be able to obtain my PhD because of the strategies provided by this course! Thank you again for this program!"
Previous rejections
Sherron H., fully funded PhD candidate in Behavioral Health at University of Texas, Austin ($295,000 funding award)
"As I considered pursuing a PhD abroad, I felt I wasn't good enough or qualified for the PhD programs of my choice. Through the MATCH ME Formula™, I learned how to be highly specific about my academic and professional goals in my application. I was also able to make connections to the faculty's work and my areas of interest in my emails. Through Office Hours, I was introduced to a community of achievers and go-getters. They kept me inspired and motivated throughout the application process. I now have 3 incredible PhD programs to choose from offering full funding!"
International student applicant
Nishtha Y., accepted to 3 fully funded PhD programs in Communications in the U.S. and Canada ($200,000+ funding award per school)
"I was accepted to 3 out of 4 universities I applied to: Columbia University, The New School, and CUNY! My #1 choice was Columbia and with their fellowship offer of $18,000 (negotiated up from an initial offer of $8,000), I accepted their offer! I also applied for and received 3 scholarships. In total, I earned $47,000 in funds for my studies. I also made it to the semi-Finalist round for the Fulbright Award. The Fully Funded Course really made a difference in how I would pitch my story in the motivation letters. The overall preparation for applying to graduate school as an international student to the U.S. is a whole course on its own. Thank you for that!"
International student applicant
Roosmarijn K., international Master’s candidate in American Studies at Columbia University + $47,000 in funding awards
"I joined the Fully Funded Course because I knew that I was ready to apply to graduate school and fellowships but didn't know where to start. My biggest challenge was imposter syndrome. I found the MATCH ME Formula to be extremely helpful, as well as the personal statement guidance and email templates for recommendation letter requests. The Fully Funded Course is a phenomenal tool and resource. It helped me to achieve a prestigious fellowship and graduate school acceptances with funding. "
Traveria E., winner of the Work First Foundation Fellowship and acceptance to Vanderbilt University's M.Ed. in Applied Child Studies + the Peabody Honors Scholarship ($53,000 funding award)
"The greatest thing I gained from the Fully Funded Course was confidence. I have a decade’s experience as a writer and editor, but I experienced a lot of doubt about my own material because I couldn’t “see” it through another’s eyes. Watching the Fully Funded modules and applying the guidance gave me confidence that I was on the right path. In particular, the course guidance was extremely helpful for requesting references and negotiating awards. I gained entrance to two Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs, both with significant funding offers!"
MFA applicant
Adebola Rayo., MFA candidate at UC San Francisco on a $20,000 funding award + acceptance with full funding to the MFA at Temple University
"The Fully Funded Course helped me stay on track through the overwhelming graduate school application process and helped me craft a strong application. Thank you!"
Marina D., accepted to 7 top Master's programs in Public Health, including Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University, with $200,000+ in funding awards
"The Fully Funded Course really boosted my confidence during the application process, and I can confidently say my statement of purpose is one of the best I have ever written. I received glowing feedback from colleagues that reviewed it. Thanks to the support of this program, I will be completing my PhD fully funded!"
International student applicant
Daniel A., fully funded PhD student in Public Policy at Rutgers University ($200,000 funding award)
“As a mid-career professional, one of the best things I received from the Fully Funded Course was step-by-step guidance on how to narrow my goals and find fellowships and funding opportunities that will help me meet those goals. I've learned how to best position myself and my story for each individual program I've applied to. This clarified the whole process for me and really boosted my confidence that I was indeed someone they’d want to work with - and that was HUGE for me. I've now been accepted into a prestigious women’s leadership program AND a fellowship to work with leaders in local government, and I have a finalist interview for a third fellowship!"
Mid-career applicant | Fellowship winner
Maryruth P., Winner of the Coro Women in Leadership Fellowship AND Winner of the Urban Leaders Fellowship
“The module on "Interview Secrets" was incredible! It really helped me outline my interview plan, reach out to past fellows (which I was easily able to do), and formulate interview questions both for myself and the interview team. I walked away from that interview so excited, proud, and grateful for the experience."
Mid-career applicant
Nicole L., Buell Fellowship Winner ($75,000 award) &
mid-career PhD candidate in Human Development at Colorado State University
"The Fully Funded Course and Mentorship Program helped me espouse my qualifications, achievements, and research/publishing opportunities in a compelling narrative that I would never have come up with on my own. My biggest a-ha moment was realizing that it isn't just about what I can gain from a program, but what I can add to it as well. Learning how to frame all that in a compelling narrative is what led not only to my PhD acceptance but to a full funding offer. Vicki and the Fully Funded Program enabled me to put together the strongest application package possible."
Dannea N., accepted to a fully funded 3-year PhD in Irish and Scottish Studies at the University of Otago, New Zealand ($85,000 funding award)
"The Fully Funded Course online course provided great structure, insight, and insider knowledge that helped me immensely in securing funding for my top-choice graduate school in the UK. Access to Office Hours was extremely valuable. Dr. Johnson always took a lot of care to go through all the questions thoroughly and allow feedback from the group. The program is an investment, no doubt, but it provides highly relevant information, access to a terrific network, regular live support, and education about funding that will support you well beyond your time in the program."
American applicant to the UK
Chelsea R., accepted to 4 Master's programs in the United Kingdom + recipient of Glasgow University's International Leadership Scholarship ($12,000 funding award)
“When I first started researching Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs, I became overwhelmed. Having the Fully Funded Course guidance, email templates, and writing exercises made tasks that are time-consuming and nerve-wracking much simpler. The course modules helped explain exactly what the selection committees are looking for, and how to structure my application and essays to increase my chances of standing out. It also helped me meet the early deadlines so I could be eligible for funding. Every resource provided in the Fully Funded Course was valuable!"
Kelli O., accepted to two Master in Public Policy (MPP) programs plus a merit-based funding award from University of California, Irvine
“The Fully Funded personal statement writing exercises and interactive workbooks were beyond helpful, especially for a visual learner like myself. The course feels guided and personalized. It gave me the strategies I needed to be successful!"
Katherin S., fully funded Master's candidate in Urban Planning at Columbia University ($100,000 funding award)
“I was accepted to all three graduate programs I applied to! ASU is offering me a $35,000 merit scholarship and I'm a finalist for an additional scholarship that would cover my full tuition! The advice and strategies you teach were valuable in developing a competitive application. I want to thank you for the role you played in my successful applications."
Jennifer M., $35,000 Scholarship Winner + Full Tuition Award Finalist, ASU Thunderbird School of Global Management ($200,000+ in funding awards)
"As someone who was also going straight from their undergraduate to graduate degree, it was a bit intimidating to undertake the graduate school application process. The Fully Funded Course taught me where to find funded master's programs, and it made me really research schools and different disciplines that are a good fit for my interests but were also financially viable. I'm pleased to report that I received more than $100,000 in funding offers across the 5 graduate programs I was accepted to. I'll be starting my first year fully funded!"
Applying direct from undergrad
Josephine J., fully funded Master's candidate in Geography at UNC Chapel Hill ($100,000+ in funding offers)
"The MATCH ME Formula™ helped me secure a fellowship, three graduate school offers, an Assistantship offer, and scholarship/funding offers. The templates for emailing faculty and the timeframes for completing each step of the process were immensely helpful. I referred back to my Fully Funded templates each time I needed to contact a university, and soon found myself doing something I'd never envisioned: negotiating between multiple funding offers from multiple universities around the world! With each step, I increased my confidence. The regular Office Hours events and the connections I built with other students created a safe space for pursuing my dreams, while knowing that I am not alone in my journey. I frequently referenced the modules on interview prep, negotiation, and research, which I truly believe helped set me up for success."
Fellowship winner
Brittany R., accepted to 3 Master's programs in Instructional Design with significant funding + recipient of the CORO Women in Leadership Fellowship
“I have a lot of different interests and the Fully Funded Course helped me to narrow them down and tailor different goals to different opportunities. The module on goal setting was very eye-opening for me, especially when it came to crafting clear short-term and long-term career goal statements for each fellowship. I am extremely proud of the quality of my latest Fulbright application compared to my previous ones, and I'm thrilled it was successful! It is a testament to how the course content really forces you to hone in on every single aspect of your application package to make it the best it can be. I am definitely more confident because of it, and it inspired me to reframe my career break as a career adventure!"
Fellowship winner
Akshali G., 2023 Fulbright U.S. Student Research Award Winner to India
"I would absolutely recommend this course to graduate school applicants! If you are applying for the first time and you aren't familiar with how it all works, it can be overwhelming. It really helps to have an organized space in the Fully Funded workbooks to take notes on graduate programs and develop your strategy on how to approach them. Seeking a degree in the UK as an international student has been tricky and stressful, but with the support of the course and Vicki's Office Hours, I have achieved acceptance to several programs!"
American applicant to the UK
Brandi S., accepted to PhD in Literature at the University of York (UK) and Acton-Goodman Scholarship Finalist
"It's important to note how much I appreciate the time, energy and effort you dedicate to students in this course and your helpful feedback with every Office Hours session. I believe that my application was the best is could possibly be thanks to the Fully Funded modules and especially your MATCH ME Formula™."
First generation college graduate
Clara M., Master's student in Education at Georgetown University with a merit-based scholarship
"I got into the PhD program in Public Health at the University of Hawaii! I wanted to say thank you for everything. The course has been SO helpful in searching for schools and writing my applications."
Sai D., fully funded PhD candidate in Public Health at the University of Hawaii ($275,000 funding award)
"The Fully Funded Course helped me stay on track through the overwhelming graduate school application process and helped me craft a strong application. Thank you!"
Marina D., accepted to 7 top Master's programs in Public Health, including Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University, with $200,000+ in funding awards
“I just received this exciting email for a finalist interview and I’ve got tears of joy. I used your tips, listened to your videos over and over again, developed and reviewed my workbook, met a current fellow like you advised, and got more insights before submitting my application. Viola! This is my first invitation to interview after many unsuccessful attempts. I just can't thank you enough.”
International student applicant
Gladys O., accepted to 3 Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) programs with + winner of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship ($300,000 funding award)
Learn More & Enroll Here
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