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Package Description:
A strong graduate application begins with knowing yourself, your values, and what you actually need from a program, not just what looks impressive on paper. This package (3 x 60 minute sessions) is designed for prospective applicants exploring graduate programs in public policy and related fields who want thoughtful, intentional guidance from the very beginning of the process. Together, we'll move past rankings and surface-level research to take a values-based approach, one that helps you identify programs that genuinely align with who you are, what you care about, and where you want to go. You'll leave with a clear, intentional school list and a solid foundation for the rest of your application journey. This is ideal for you if: 🌿 You're just beginning to explore graduate programs and feel overwhelmed by where to start 🌿 You want support identifying programs that align with your values, not just your GPA 🌿 You're drawn to public policy or adjacent fields but need help narrowing your focus 🌿 You want a structured, spacious process that doesn't feel rushed or transactional 🌿 You're a first-generation applicant or someone without insider access to this process 🌿 You want your application to genuinely feel like you, not performative Alongside our exploration work, we'll begin laying the foundation for your application narrative, including the key themes and a starting point for your statement of purpose. This creates a natural bridge into deeper essay work, and if you choose to continue with additional support, you'll receive a discount toward future packages.
What you'll get from this package
Carefully curated and well-balanced school list
Clear articulation of policy interests that align with each school
A customized application timeline with clear next steps
Early positioning for personal statement and narrative development
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 unique, and shape them into essays that feel both compelling and authentic.
Services included:
School Selection
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
Authentic Narrative Coach | 15+ Years Experience | USC Admissions
As a former Associate Director of Recruitment and Admission at the USC Price School of Public Policy with 15 years of experience, I know what competitive programs are actually looking for: someone who knows their why, can articulate their direction, and brings a unique perspective. I offer a rare, holistic approach that goes beyond strategy. That means taking the time to truly understand who you are — academically, professionally, and personally — so the support I offer is specific to your path and helps you move forward with clarity and purpose. My expertise spans a wide range of graduate programs, including Public Policy, Public Administration, Health Policy and Management, Urban Planning and Real Estate Development, Data Science, and other policy-focused and social impact programs. My work is designed for students who: ✨ Have real professional experience but struggle to translate it into a clear, cohesive narrative — you have done meaningful work and are ready to articulate why it matters and where you want to take it 🌱 Feel like their draft sounds polished but hollow — something is missing, and you want support finding the anchor that makes your application feel genuinely yours 🔄 Are navigating a non-linear career transition — you have an unconventional path and want help framing it as a strength, not a liability 🎓 Are first-generation, LGBTQ+, students of color, or from historically underrepresented communities — and want a coach who will meet you with cultural attunement, not a one-size-fits-all approach ⚖️ Are applying to joint or concurrent degree programs — MPP/MBA, JD/MPP, and similar combinations — and need help positioning yourself cohesively across disciplines 🌍 Are purpose-driven applicants who want to influence systems, shift policy, or lead change — and want your application to reflect the depth and clarity of that commitment Through my work, I’ve learned that the strongest graduate applications aren’t just the most accomplished or credential-heavy—they’re clear and grounded in real direction. They show more than requirements: meaningful professional experiences, focused interests, a research question, or a passion project you’ve chosen to pursue. That combination is what sets you apart. And that’s what I’ll help you build. An application that’s not just impressive, but genuine.
$499
3h of coaching