Welcome to GradStart!
My name is Kayla Patterson, and I'm excited to personally welcome you to GradStart—your go-to platform for navigating the graduate school journey. I graduated from Stanford University with my Master's degree in Computer Science in June 2024. Before this I had a graduate journey of my own that allowed me to embark on my Masters program. Despite not knowing where to start, I was able to use my network of friends, collegues, and professors to help me with my graduate school applications. I was able to get into 4 of the 6 schools that I applied to, which were Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University and Harvard University. It was not easy learning about statement of purposes and how to write one, or where to even begin with finding scholarships for graduate schools. So to make it easier for everyone else, I decided to create GradStart.
GradStart was created to provide comprehensive resources for the graduate school application process, scholarships, and research opportunities. Beyond these resources, we host a podcast where current graduate students share their insights, advice, and tips on various aspects of applying to and thriving in graduate school.
The inspiration for GradStart stems from my own experience during my senior year at Hampton University. When I began my graduate school application process, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. However, with the guidance of my network of friends, colleagues, professors, and mentors—who had all gone through the process themselves—I was able to access valuable advice, tools, and resources that made a world of difference.
While I’ve always aspired to create a platform to help others, the idea for GradStart solidified after I shared my acceptance into Stanford University’s Master’s in Computer Science program on LinkedIn. The overwhelming response of people seeking advice on graduate school applications sparked the idea of creating a resource that could help even more aspiring graduate students. This led me to embark on an independent study during my final year at Stanford to bring GradStart to life.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my independent studies advisor, Dr. Christopher Gregg, Associate Chair for Education in Stanford’s Computer Science Department, whose guidance was invaluable throughout the development of GradStart. I am forever grateful to Dr. Gregg who provided me with an ample amount of feedback and advice throughout the independent studies course. I’m also grateful to Breauna Spencer, whose advice and mentorship during my time at Stanford helped me refine and grow the website.
Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the graduate students who have contributed to the GradStart podcast. Thank you for generously sharing your experiences, advice, and resources to support others on their path to graduate school. Special thanks to my podcast interviewees: Christopher Flowers, Alex Figueroa, Jovanay Carter, Adrian Jenkins, Favour Nerrise, Dean Alazarez, Victoria Grant, and Aaron Jones.
Thank you for being part of the GradStart community—I hope you find the guidance and support you need to embark on your graduate school journey.