Leland+ for Master’s Programs
Popular on Leland+
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar Letter of Rec
Sample letter of rec for military vet selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
What Makes a Successful Master’s Applicant in 2025?
Graduate admissions are evolving—and so are the traits that top programs look for. In this session, expert Leland coach Loubna B. will break down what makes a standout Master’s applicant in today’s landscape, from academic readiness to global perspective and career clarity. Whether you’re preparing to apply this cycle or planning ahead, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable insights to strengthen your Master’s applications in 2025 and beyond.
Nailing the Schwarzman Scholars Finalist Interview
Have you been selected as a Finalist for the Schwarzman Scholars program? If you've made it this far, a huge congratulations is in order, as you already overcame substantial odds - invitations to the in-person interview are extended to just 5-6% of the total applicant pool. However, the hardest part is yet to come! I'm here to offer advice and tips to help you navigate what will most definitely be one of the most unforgettable days of your life. This free event will cover what to expect in the Finalist round, alongside strategies to prepare for both the behavioral/application-based portion of the interview and the notoriously challenging 'Global Affairs' question.
Brainstorming Workshop
Use this worksheet to pull out your best stories before you write a single sentence.
Statement of Purpose Essay Checklist
Don’t hit submit until you’ve checked every box on this list. Following these steps will help you ensure your essay is flawless and focused.
The Difference Between the PS and the SoP
Is your application essay confusing adcoms? Get a clear, concrete breakdown of what each essay requires so you don't accidentally write a personal statement for your SoP.
Personal Statement/Diversity Essay Brainstorm Guide
Your guide to uncovering authentic stories for your PS or Diversity Essay. This guide will help you go deeper with your personal stories and write something that deeply reflects who you are.
Graduate Admissions Committee Structure & Roles
Stop guessing how your application is reviewed. Understand the structure, hierarchy, and roles of the graduate admissions committee to strategically frame your candidacy.
Master's Application Timeline & Checklist
Never miss a deadline again. Download the essential timeline and checklist used by successful applicants to manage all phases of their graduate school applications.
Inside the Grad Admissions Office from ex-Stanford Graduate Admissions Committee Member
An ex-Stanford Graduate Admissions Committee member reveals the unwritten rules of application review. Learn exactly what adcoms discuss and look for in a candidate.
School List Development Guide
A step-by-step guide to developing a balanced and compelling school list for any master’s program. Learn how to categorize, research, and narrow your options strategically.
Building Your School List
A tool for filtering and organizing your master’s program targets. Use this list framework to assess fit and maximize your admissions chances.
Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays
The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.
Master's Applications: School Selection Strategy
An overview of which schools to apply to for Master's programs.
Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?
Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.
How to Land a Place at Oxford or Cambridge Panel
Securing a Master's offer from Oxford or Cambridge is one of the most competitive admissions challenges in the world. With rigorous academic standards, unique interview formats, and a highly selective admissions process, standing out requires more than just strong grades. In this panel, Adam B. and Zuwena V. with Matthew M. as a moderator will share proven strategies for excelling at every stage of the Master's admissions process for these elite schools. You’ll gain insights into building a strong academic profile, writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for subject-specific assessments, and navigating the interview. Whether you’re just beginning your application or fine-tuning your final materials, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to maximize your chances of success at these world-class institutions.
Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.
How to Write the First Draft of Your Master’s Application SoP in 60 Minutes (or less)
Your Statement of Purpose (SoP) is one of the most important parts of your master’s application—but getting started can feel overwhelming. At the end of this session, you'll walk away with the first draft of your SoP in 60 mins or less. You’ll learn a step-by-step framework to draft a strong first version in under an hour. We’ll cover how to identify your key themes, structure your story, and highlight your academic and professional goals in a way that resonates with admissions committees. The session will be led by Kanishka E., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive graduate applications. You’ll leave with a clear process to take the guesswork out of writing, so you can move from blank page to a compelling SoP draft quickly and confidently. Mostly importantly, we'll get you through the hardest part of your Master's application: getting started.
Demystifying Master's Admissions: What You Need to Know
Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? In just 30 minutes, this fast-paced and informative session will walk you through the essentials of applying to a master’s program—from choosing the right school to submitting a strong application. Whether you're returning to school after a break, switching careers, or aiming to level up in your field, this webinar will equip you with clear next steps, practical tips, and confidence to begin your journey. Join Amy G., Columbia & NYU Grad Enrollment Leader, to learn what admissions committees look for, how to stand out, and how to stay organized and focused throughout the process.
Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.
