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Description
This 60-minute session is designed to offer you intentional, grounded direction on your path to top graduate programs. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or actively preparing to apply, we'll work together to assess where you are, clarify what you're working toward, and map out an admissions strategy that feels clear and aligned. We'll start by getting to know your story: your academic background, professional experience, academic interests, and long-term vision. From there, we'll look honestly at how admissions committees are likely to see your profile and where you stand right now. From there, we'll move into program fit and positioning: Which graduate programs genuinely align with your interests and goals? Where are you competitive today, and what would help you become a stronger applicant for more selective programs? We'll also look at how to bring every piece of your application into alignment with your vision. That means shaping a narrative that feels both authentic and strategic, getting clear on your academic/professional focus, and making sure your experiences, goals, and materials tell a cohesive, compelling story. By the end, you'll walk away with more clarity, a personalized roadmap, and the confidence to move forward with intention. This session is ideal for: 🌿 Prospective applicants who feel overwhelmed by the admissions process and want a clear, grounded place to start 🌿 Career changers with meaningful experience who aren't sure how to frame their background for their respective programs 🌿 Early-stage explorers who are curious about graduate school but haven't committed to a specific direction yet 🌿 Motivated applicants who want their application to feel cohesive and true to who they are, not just competitive on paper 🌿 Anyone who wants to approach this process with intention and clarity, not pressure
What you'll get from this package
An honest assessment of your competitiveness for graduate programs
Tailored program recommendations based on your goals and background
Strategic guidance on positioning your story and interests
Specific, actionable steps to strengthen your profile
A clear timeline and next steps for your application journey
Additional details
Coaching delivered via live sessions and .
My coaching philosophy blends clear admissions strategy with empathy and values. I help applicants slow down, reflect, and articulate who they truly are, while staying intentional about positioning and what selective programs are looking for. Through thoughtful questions and genuine conversation, we'll uncover the themes and lived experiences that make your application yours, and shape them into essays that feel both compelling and authentic.
Services included:
Application Strategy
General Exploration
Talk to a team member
Schedule a call with a Leland team member who can help you explore your options.
Schedule a call
More packages from Sarah
Custom hourly · $225/hr
Get help with Interviews, Waitlist Strategy, and .
Offered by Sarah E.
Joined December 2025
5.0
Authentic Narrative Strategist | 15+ Years Experience | USC Admissions
After reviewing thousands of graduate applications during my 15 years in admissions, I learned that the strongest applications are rarely the ones with the longest résumés or the most polished essays. As a former Associate Director of Recruitment and Admission at the USC Price School of Public Policy, I know admissions committees aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for applicants who have a clear sense of purpose and can communicate how their experiences, values, and future goals fit together into a compelling, cohesive narrative. That's the foundation of my work. I help applicants gain the clarity and confidence to make decisions aligned with their strengths, values, and long term goals, then translate that into an authentic application that stands out. Whether you're unsure how to tell your story, deciding between graduate programs, or applying to a highly competitive field, I'll help you communicate not just what you've done, but why it matters and where you're headed. I'll help you communicate not just what you've done, but why it matters and where you're headed. That's what makes applications stand out. My work is especially valuable for applicants who: ✨ Have meaningful professional experience but struggle to translate it into a clear, cohesive application narrative. 🌱 Feel that their essays are polished but still missing the deeper story that connects their experiences, motivations, and goals. 🔄 Are navigating a career transition and want to position it as an evolution rather than a weakness. 🎓 Are first generation students, LGBTQ+, students of color, or from historically underrepresented communities seeking guidance from someone who understands the importance of honoring your lived experience. ⚖️ Are applying to joint or concurrent degree programs and need help creating a cohesive narrative across multiple disciplines. 🌍 Want to create meaningful impact through public service, policy, social innovation, or systems change. If you're looking for thoughtful, personalized guidance throughout the graduate admissions process, I'd be honored to help you create an application that reflects your strengths, your purpose, and your potential. Not sure if we're the right fit? Watch my recent masterclass on Leland+ to learn more about my approach to graduate admissions and how I help students build applications with clarity and purpose.
$225
1h of coaching