Public Degrees Master’s Admissions Consultants

I’ve guided over 50+ students into top master’s programs in computer science, natural science, psychology, engineering and more at top programs like: Harvard, Stanford, Berkley, USC, UCLA, Yale, Columbia, and many more! Whether you’re refining your strategy, perfecting essays, or preparing for high-stakes interviews, I’ll work with you to highlight your unique strengths and craft a compelling story. Together, we’ll create a clear, actionable plan to get you into the masters program of your dreams.

Here's something people don't know about me: prior to business school, I worked on Capitol Hill and for a lobby group of business CEOs. I chose not to go to HKS because I didn't need more politics in my life. However, policy is in my blood, and I love working on the all MPP type applications, including Columbia's SIPA or Georgetown, or Johns Hopkins SAIS. For the Kennedy School, in the two-year and the mid-career program I have close to a 95% success rate. That's because in addition to thinking like a policy wonk, I consider these applications a labor of love. There's no interview for HKS, and the application and resume are demanding! But I'm here for it.

I went to Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford GSB, which means I've sat on both sides of the admissions process this coaching is built around, first as the applicant, now helping others get there. Before business school, I was an Army officer; after, venture capital and AI innovation. Both jobs taught me the same thing: how to read a person's story quickly, find what's actually compelling in it, and cut the rest. If your essays are flat, I'll tell you why. If your interview answers ramble, I'll help you tighten them. I'm not here to cheerlead; I'm here to get you in. I also have experience with applying for competitive scholarships and international programs. I was awarded a Rotary Scholarship to study in King's College London, amongst other programs.

MBA & MASTER'S COACHING, WRITING EXPERTISE & GMAT WORK • Stanford GSB Alum, Class of 2021 -- see relevant experience sets below: • Coaching | Advised multiple admits into Stanford GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, MIT Sloan, INSEAD, Haas, and more (see >20 Leland reviews), while teaching multiple courses through Leland • Professional Writing | Speechwriting in public policy & political environments, Lead Editor for Nondisclosure (Stanford GSB's magazine) and Managing Editor for the Stanford International Policy Review • GMAT / Test-Taking | Scored in the highest percentile of GMAT test-takers (99th), but more importantly I've honed my ability to help others extrapolate top test-testing strategies in the areas they're weakest • Interview Training | I'm interview-trained for McKinsey, allowing me to give high-quality mock interviews for MBBs and any MBA program • Additional Writing | Crafting op-eds, ghostwriting for major publications, developing a fictional short story collection, policy deep dives, a book on chess applications to life, and application essays of all sorts CAREER • What I'm Doing Now | Based in NYC working on a stealth, marketplace startup while continuing various forms of advisory work • Public Policy | Prior to Stanford, worked on the Policy Team for the Chicago Mayor's Office under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, focusing on 5G infrastructure policy, criminal justice policy, and citywide corporate/economic development deals • McKinsey | Before policy, worked at McKinsey & Co , with casework focused on job training for the formerly incarcerated and workforce development for at-risk youth • PE / VC / Startup Advising | After Stanford, worked in Bain's Private Equity Group on various due diliegences, managed deals with several venture capital firms, and advised multiple startups on growth and go-to-market strategy

Hi, I’m Becky Song, Founder & Executive Director of Ivy Journey, Wharton MBA, former Wharton admissions fellow, and admissions coach with 15+ years of experience helping applicants earn admission to top graduate programs. For master’s applicants, my specialty is helping strong candidates turn their academic, professional, and personal background into a clear, differentiated admissions strategy. I’m especially strong with applicants targeting MS, MiM, MSBA, MFin, policy, management, analytics, AI/ML/engineering/STEM-adjacent, and career-pivot programs where schools need to see not only strong credentials, but also a compelling reason for why this degree, why this program, why now, and why you. My clients have earned admission to top programs and universities including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, UPenn/Wharton, MIT, Columbia, Yale, Duke, Johns Hopkins, UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Vanderbilt, and more. I also bring firsthand career strategy experience from management consulting, pharmaceutical/life sciences, research, entrepreneurship, government & nonprofits, which allows me to help applicants connect their graduate school goals to a credible long-term career story. I can help you with school selection, application strategy, personal statements/statements of purpose, resumes, recommendation strategy, scholarship positioning, interviews, waitlist strategy, and final application reviews. My approach is strategic, direct, and deeply personalized: we’ll identify your strongest admissions angle, sharpen your positioning, and make every part of your application reinforce a cohesive, memorable case for admission.

Welcome to my profile! With a dual degree from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, I bring a unique blend of business acumen and public policy expertise to my coaching. I have successfully guided over 30 clients into top-tier MBA and policy programs, including HBS, MIT Sloan, Tuck, Stanford, and Wharton, by helping them craft compelling narratives that highlight their unique personal and professional stories. My experience as a consultant at The Bridgespan Group and my leadership roles in both the non-profit and public sectors equip me to offer a holistic approach to your application, ensuring every element tells your authentic story. Whether you're from a traditional or non-traditional background, I'm here to help you answer the critical "Why MBA" and "Why Now" questions with confidence. Let's work together to unlock your potential and secure your spot in the program of your choice!

Welcome to my profile! With an MBA from the Paul Merage School of Business and a BS in Materials Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I bring a wealth of experience to my role as a Consultant at Leland. Since 2007, I've been dedicated to helping aspiring professionals gain admission to top-tier Master's programs by providing personalized application strategies, school selection guidance, essay advice, resume preparation, and interview training. My extensive background in engineering, product management, and business development, combined with my passion for mentoring, equips me to help clients craft compelling applications that stand out. Let's work together to achieve your academic and career goals—reach out to start your journey today!

Welcome to my profile! With a Master's degree from the University of Oxford and another from the University of Edinburgh, I bring a wealth of academic experience to my coaching. Over the years, I've successfully guided 62 individuals through the intricacies of master's program applications, helping them secure spots at top institutions. My approach is tailored to each client's unique strengths and aspirations, ensuring that their applications stand out. Whether you need assistance with personal statements, interview preparation, or overall application strategy, I'm here to help you achieve your academic goals. Let's connect and craft a winning application together!

Welcome to my profile! As a former consultant, applying to Masters of Public Health programs was daunting. But, through my personal experiences writing SOPHAS, getting letters of recommendations, I was able to get into Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth with over $100k of scholarships. I have used this experiences to help others in a similar situations to get into their dream MPH programs. My background includes a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy from Duke University, where I graduated with Highest Distinction and completed an honors thesis. Whether you need assistance with application strategy, essay writing, or interview preparation, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to start your journey towards your dream master's program!

Welcome to my profile! With a diverse educational background that includes an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, an MBA from Tuck School of Business, a JD from Georgetown University Law Center (in progress), and an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my coaching practice. My professional journey includes leadership roles such as Executive Director at Starfire Council and Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group, where I honed my strategic and analytical skills. I have a passion for guiding aspiring master's program candidates through the complexities of the application process. Whether you need help with application strategy, essay crafting, or interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's connect and make your master's program aspirations a reality!