Leland+ for Master’s Programs

The STEM Master’s Application Timeline: What to Do and When

Applying to STEM master’s programs is as much about timing as it is about qualifications, and knowing what to do when can give you a major advantage. This session breaks down the full application timeline, from early preparation and test planning to essays, recommendations, school selection, and final submission. You’ll learn how to prioritize tasks, avoid last-minute stress, and align your experiences and materials with competitive STEM programs. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already mid-cycle, this workshop will help you stay organized, proactive, and on track.

International Students & US Master's Admissions

Learn what Admissions Committees in the US look for in your graduate application.

Master’s Applications 101: What Matters Most and When to Start

A successful master’s application is built on clear priorities and smart timing. This session breaks down the key components admissions committees care about most, including academics, experience, essays, recommendations, and fit, and explains when to focus on each. You’ll learn how to plan your timeline, strengthen your profile early, and avoid common missteps that create unnecessary stress or weaken applications. Whether you’re just starting to explore programs or preparing to apply soon, this workshop will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

A Roadmap to Graduate School Applications

Applying to graduate school is a multi-step journey, and success depends on having a clear plan from start to finish. This session walks through the full application roadmap, from early preparation and program selection to essays, recommendations, interviews, and final decisions. You’ll learn how to prioritize each stage, avoid common pitfalls, and stay organized throughout the process so you can submit strong, confident applications.

Crafting Your Story: Personal Statement Workshop

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your grad school application—it’s your chance to go beyond test scores and transcripts to show admissions committees who you really are. In this workshop, expert coach Debby C. will walk you through how to turn your experiences, goals, and passions into a compelling story that stands out. ​From brainstorming ideas to structuring your narrative and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll gain practical strategies to make your statement authentic, memorable, and impactful. Whether you’re starting with a blank page or revising a draft, this session will give you the tools and confidence to craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

CV Guide for Graduate School Admissions

How do graduate admissions committees view CVs? What's most important to include? What type of format should I use? Your answers are in this guide!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MBA Recommender Packets

A step-by-step playbook for setting up recommenders for success and turning your recommenders into your strongest advocates.

Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar Letter of Rec

Sample letter of rec for military vet selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

Your Next Chapter: Navigating the Road to Graduate School

​Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? This session will break down the entire journey—from choosing the right program to preparing a standout application. From Aric F., Zuwena V. and Matthew M., You’ll learn what admissions committees are really looking for, how to position your academic and professional experiences, and strategies to make your application shine. This event will equip you with the insights and tools to confidently take the next step toward your future.

Writing Strong Statements for Graduate Applications: Purpose, Diversity, and Research

​Your graduate application statements are a critical opportunity to show admissions committees who you are, what drives you, and how you’ll contribute to their program. In this session, expert Leland coach and former UC Irvine Program Director Bryan M. will guide you through crafting essays that effectively convey your purpose, highlight your unique perspective, and showcase relevant research or professional experiences. ​By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to write statements that stand out and make a lasting impression on admissions committees.

How to Approach Grad School Essays and Personal Statements

​Your essays and personal statements are some of the most important parts of your grad school application—and often the hardest to get right. In this session, Michael G. (Schwarzman Scholar) and Elijah D. (Gates-Cambridge), and Erika C. (UPenn M.S.) will walk you through how to craft authentic, memorable essays that make admissions committees take notice. ​By the end, you’ll have a clear framework for approaching your essays with confidence and a roadmap for writing compelling personal statements that stand out before deadlines hit.

Top-Ranked Free Master's in Europe: 5 Key Reasons to Apply

Think ETH Zurich, TU Munich, Sorbonne in Paris, FU Berlin and Delft University. These top-ranked European institutions represent just the tip of the iceberg in what public universities across Europe offer: world-class master's degrees with minimal or zero tuition fees. Behind these prestigious names are remarkable opportunities for bachelor's graduates to pursue advanced degrees that deliver exceptional return on investment while building careers in Europe's thriving job markets. What unites successful international graduates? They discovered how European public universities combine academic excellence with financial accessibility, opening doors to careers at growing companies actively seeking international talent. With European employers increasingly recruiting international master's graduates and offering attractive employment opportunities during and after studies, we are witnessing an unprecedented window of opportunity for ambitious graduates. Beyond the famous institutions everyone recognizes, hundreds of top-ranked public universities across Europe offer programs in English with clear pathways to meaningful careers. What if this high-quality, budget friendly way to advanced education and a European career is exactly your calling?