Leland+ for PhD Programs

Resume for Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Application

Resume of an admitted Knight-Hennessy scholar

2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholars - Rec Template

Downloadable template to prepare your Knight Hennessy Scholars Recommenders - see associated PDF Guide for instructions!

2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholars - How to Answer the Short Answer Questions

This insider guide reveals what KHS really wants beyond stated criteria, offering specific frameworks for the three critical short answer questions

2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Recommender Guide

Comprehensive guide to preparing your recommenders for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship

2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Resume Guide

A comprehensive guide to revamping your resume for the Knight Hennessy Scholars program.

The PhD Interview Playbook: Strategy, Preparation, Confidence

PhD interviews can be intense, but the right preparation makes all the difference. This session is designed to help you approach PhD interviews with a clear strategy, strong preparation, and confidence in your research narrative. In this event, you’ll learn how to prepare for common interview formats, articulate your research interests and experiences effectively, and handle challenging academic questions with poise. We’ll also cover how to communicate fit with a program and faculty, and how to stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re interviewing for your first PhD program or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical frameworks and greater confidence.

Start Early, Apply Strong: Successful PhD Timelines

Strong PhD applications are built over time, not rushed together at the last minute. In this session, PhD application expert Abigail H. will walk you through ideal PhD application timelines, from early research planning to faculty outreach and final submissions. You’ll learn how to sequence your work strategically, avoid common timing mistakes, and set yourself up to apply with confidence and clarity.

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.

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.

How to Create a Competitive PhD Application

Applying to PhD programs is about more than strong grades and test scores—it’s about demonstrating research potential, academic fit, and a clear vision for your scholarly path. In this session, Leland coach and former AdComs Director at Princeton and Penn, Melissa A. will break down exactly what makes an applicant stand out in a highly selective process. ​Whether you’re applying this cycle or planning ahead, you’ll leave with a clear strategy for building a strong, cohesive, and competitive PhD application.

Staying Organized During PhD Applications

​Staying organized can make all the difference during the demanding PhD application process. In this session, Jennifer D.—a first-generation college student who went on to earn a JD/PhD in History at Stanford University and was selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar—will share proven systems and strategies for managing deadlines, recommendation letters, research statements, and more. ​You’ll learn how to structure your application workflow, track submissions efficiently, and reduce stress while keeping your materials polished and cohesive. ​Whether you’re applying this cycle or planning ahead, this session will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and control.

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.

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.

From Draft to Done: Finalizing Your PhD Applications

​Applying to PhD programs is a long process—and the final stretch can make all the difference. In this session, Madeleine L., Diane K., and Kenneth T., will teach you how to refine and polish your application materials so that every component works together to present a cohesive, compelling story. ​We’ll cover strategies for tightening your statement of purpose, ensuring your research interests are clear, aligning your recommenders, and avoiding last-minute mistakes. Whether you’re weeks away from submitting or just want a stronger review process, this event will give you practical tools to finalize your PhD applications with confidence.

Checklist: PhD School List Development and Prospective Faculty Search

Stop wasting time: Use this actionable framework to build your PhD school list and find the right faculty mentors. Learn how to target programs that match your research and maximize your admissions odds.

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.