✒️ The fellows program

Your Path to Thriving Outside Traditional Academia

Support to and Through academia is not just a catch phrase

As non-traditional students and scholars ourselves, our team knows how challenging navigating higher education and research can be (even more so if you are an independent researcher).

Accepted Fellows provides the community, expertise, and structure you need to flourish as an independent researcher or non-traditional student.

The fellows program

Define your scholarly path without the conventions of traditional academia

Complete access to the accepted community

As a ‘Fellow’ you will gain access to the complete suite of resources, study sessions, community spaces included in the Scholars membership, alongside the exclusive Fellows sub-community spaces.

Each week you will meet with your assigned cohort for ongoing communal support. With this intimate cohort you will grow as a scholar and complete a full 25+ page article or written sample, offering peer-review feedback, and connecting beyond the ‘classroom’ to form lasting connections.

Direct 1:1 mentorship


Each month you will meet with one of the Accepted Team Coaches dedicated to assisting you define, navigate, and achieve your scholarly goals while offering direct feedback on your written work. Whether you are looking to draft and submit you first publication, prepare to apply for continuing education, or simply need some guidance on where to start, we are here to support you each step of the way.

Weekly seminar classes


Join Kaelyn and/or Cait for weekly seminar classes which will guide students through the four step process for developing independent research articles or a graduate admissions written sample:
(1) Research skills and how to craft a research question which contributes to your field of study
(2) Developing a comprehensive literature review
(3) Structuring an article or written sample for submission
(4) Preparing to submit your work for publication, graduate admission, or a conference.

What our members say

  • I joined Accepted Society when I began my journey as an independent researcher. I had recently graduated from my Masters degree and I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD, but financial and health issues meant that it wasn't an immediate possibility. Instead, I decided to continue to research on my own. However, as a first-generation, non-traditional, mature student... I had no idea what I was doing! Additionally, one of the biggest downsides to going at it on my own was the fact that I didn't have a sense of community (because I didn't have a cohort, and as someone who moved countries, I didn't have my usual support network of friends and family to turn to). Accepted Society became my rock; it grounded me in my dreams and encouraged me to believe in my abilities as a researcher. Not only did the space provide essential accountability, but crucially, the community gave me a sense of belonging and friendship in a space that I never thought I could exist within. So when the time came for me to finally apply for a PhD, I leaned on that supportive community to see me through. When I recieved an offer for a PhD studentship, there was no one I was more excited to share the news with than the Accepted Society community because these were the people who KNEW how much this meant to me and geniunely celebrated my achievements. Joining Accepted Society was the best decision I've ever made in my academic journey.

  • I joined AS because I wanted to find folks who understand the academic experience. I am blown away by how much support is offered by just having dependable weekly meetings. The folks at AS really provide tangible support and meaningful community.

  • My experience with AS has been positive and encouraging as an independent researcher and entrepreneur considering going back to further their education. I enjoy the accountability aspect through study sessions and other events to get myself engaged in the academic community.

  • It’s been heaven sent. I was feeling so lost trying to find a PhD program as a non

    Traditional student. Finding a place that not only provided information, it gave me a sense of community I yearned for.

Month One - research 101

  • Onboarding Week (1:1 Onboarding Calls Start)

    • Seminar 1 (Introductions)

    • 1:1 Onboarding Calls Continue

    • Seminar No. 1 (Identifying Research Questions)

      • 📚 Assigned Reading

    • Seminar No.2 (The Field)

      • 📚 Assigned Reading

      • 📝 Assignment Due

    • Seminar No.3 (The Starting Gate) + Special Guest Workshop

      • 📚 Assigned Reading

      • 📝 Assignment Due

Month Two- lit reviews

    • Seminar 5 (Literature Reviews Part I)

      • 🧑‍🏫 In Seminar Presentations

      • 📚Assigned Reading

    • Seminar No.6 (Literature Reviews Part II)

      • 📚 Assigned Reading

      • 📝 Assignment Due

    • Seminar No.7 (Literature Reviews Part III)

      • 🧑‍🏫 In Seminar Presentations

      • 📚 Assigned Reading

    • 📖 Reading Week (x2 Working Sessions will replace the standard Seminar)

Month three - writing up

    • Seminar No.8 (The Anatomy of an Article)

      • 🤝🏻 Peer Review Session

      • 📝 Assignment Due

    • Seminar No.9 (The Anatomy of an Article Part II)

      • 📚 Assigned Reading

  • Seminar No.10 (The Art of Outlining)

    • 📝 Assignment Due

    • Seminar No.11 (The Craft of the Introduction)

      • 🧑‍🏫 In Seminar Presentations

      • 📝 Assignment Due

month 4 - submissions

    • Seminar No.12 (How to Publish Your Article)

      • 📝 Assignment No.1 Due

      • 📝 Assignment No.2 Due

    • Seminar No.13 (The Art of Revision)

      • 🤝🏻 Peer Review Session

      • 📝 Assignment Due

    • 📖 Reading Week (x2 Working Sessions will replace the standard Seminar)

  • 📖 Reading Week (no sessions or meetings)

  • Seminar No.14 (Final Presentations)

    • 📝 Assignment Due: Submit your final article

This program runs very similar to a university course. If students need to miss a session, they will still be required to submit assignments. This is so we can ensure you are able to successfully complete your article or written sample by the end of the program.

What makes this program different?

Unlike generic writing courses, our program combines:

  • Small-group seminars offered weekly

  • Personalized 1:1 coaching sessions throughout the 4 months

  • Step-by-step structured curriculum from research question to completed article

  • Direct engagement with published authors, including a surprise Guest Workshop

  • Peer collaboration with fellow independent researchers & non-traditional scholars

Who This Program Is For:

  • Independent researchers without institutional affiliation

  • Non-traditional students pursuing higher education after a professional or personal hiatus

  • Professionals looking to contribute to scholarly discourse

  • Anyone with valuable research who needs structure and guidance to publish

Join accepted fellows today

Stop trying to navigate the complex world of independent scholarship alone. With Accepted Scholars, you'll gain the mentorship, community, and structure you need to transform your intellectual passion into meaningful contribution.

Investment: $750 for the 4 week program (or $200/month x4 months)

Application Due April 26 at 11:59pm GMT

Enrollment will begin April 31

Your Journey Begins Here

When you join Accepted Fellows, you're not just accessing resources—you're finding your community. A place where your questions matter, your research is valued, and your unconventional path is understood.

Let Kaelyn, Cait, and our team of experienced coaches guide you toward the scholarly success you've always envisioned—no traditional academic affiliation required.