The Recommendation Advantage: Turning Letters Into Game-Changers

A strong letter of recommendation can make or break your application—but most applicants don’t realize they have real influence over what their recommenders write. While you cannot (and *should NOT*) draft your own letters, you can absolutely coach your recommenders to highlight stories and strengths that complement your essays and overall application narrative. In this session, we’ll break down what admissions committees look for in recommendation letters, how to choose the right recommenders, and practical strategies for equipping them with the context they need to advocate for you. You’ll leave with a clear framework for aligning your recommendations with the rest of your application, ensuring your candidacy shines from every angle. With over a decade of experience, I’ve helped candidates gain admission to the world’s most competitive master’s programs in the U.S. and Europe—including MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and the Harvard Kennedy School. My work spans a wide range of programs including engineering, finance, public policy, economics, data science, and more. Qualifications include: ◉ 100+ successful master’s admits across MPP, MPA, MFin, MEng, MSc, and interdisciplinary programs ◉ Tens of millions in scholarships and fellowships secured for graduate school candidates ◉ Leland Top Coach in both 2023 and 2024 (since rankings began), with reviews highlighting high-touch, strategic