Leland+ Content Library

School Selection Strategy

Develop a robust strategy to select Master's programs to apply to.

Statement of Purpose Writing Guide & Examples

Learn what separates a good essay from a great one and deconstruct winning SoP essays written by admitted students.

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.

Statement of Purpose Essay Checklist

Don’t hit submit until you’ve checked every box on this list. Following these steps will help you ensure your essay is flawless and focused.

Brainstorming Workshop

Use this worksheet to pull out your best stories before you write a single sentence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Difference Between the PS and the SoP

Is your application essay confusing adcoms? Get a clear, concrete breakdown of what each essay requires so you don't accidentally write a personal statement for your SoP.

Personal Statement/Diversity Essay Brainstorm Guide

Your guide to uncovering authentic stories for your PS or Diversity Essay. This guide will help you go deeper with your personal stories and write something that deeply reflects who you are.

Crafting Your Story: Personal Statement Workshop

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your grad school application—it’s your chance to go beyond test scores and transcripts to show admissions committees who you really are. In this workshop, expert coach Debby C. will walk you through how to turn your experiences, goals, and passions into a compelling story that stands out. ​From brainstorming ideas to structuring your narrative and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll gain practical strategies to make your statement authentic, memorable, and impactful. Whether you’re starting with a blank page or revising a draft, this session will give you the tools and confidence to craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

Master's Applications: School Selection Strategy

An overview of which schools to apply to for Master's programs.

Graduate School Application Timeline

Guide to help applicants stay organized and on track to submitting their applications by application deadlines

Comprehensive Graduate School Selection Guide

The guide features detailed evaluation frameworks to make informed decisions when first considering graduate school.

Statement of Purpose Writing Guide & Examples

Comprehensive essay guide for applicants to master's and doctoral programs in the US