Leland+ for Master’s Programs

Land your Job or Study in ... Switzerland

Switzerland is not part of the EU. It does not have the largest job market in Europe. And it is, by most measures, one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. None of that stops it from being one of the most attractive destinations on the continent for ambitious non-EU graduates and young professionals: it simply requires knowing what you are walking into. The country hosts the European or global headquarters of Nestlé, Novartis, Roche, ABB, UBS, Credit Suisse's successor operations, and dozens of precision engineering and medtech companies that most people outside Europe have never heard of. Salaries are the highest in Europe by a significant margin, which is the other side of the cost equation. ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the world's top ten universities. English is widely used in professional environments, particularly in Zurich and Geneva. This session covers the study path and the direct job path side by side: how the permit system works for non-EU nationals, what living in Zurich or Geneva actually costs, language realities across the four linguistic regions, and how to position yourself in a market that rewards precision, reliability, and depth over volume. Two real cases show how international candidates made it work. Switzerland is selective. It rewards those who come prepared. In this session, we lay out exactly what that means in practice. New episodes in this series cover a different European country every Thursday.

Study in China’s #1 School: Schwarzman Scholars Application Guide

The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a fully funded master’s experience at Tsinghua University, designed to develop future global leaders with deep insight into China’s role in the world. In this session, you’ll learn what makes a competitive Schwarzman application, how to position your leadership story, and how to navigate the program’s unique essays and interview process. Whether you’re early in your research or preparing to apply, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap to strengthen your candidacy for one of the world’s most prestigious scholarship programs.

The STEM Master’s Application Timeline: What to Do and When

Applying to STEM master’s programs is as much about timing as it is about qualifications, and knowing what to do when can give you a major advantage. This session breaks down the full application timeline, from early preparation and test planning to essays, recommendations, school selection, and final submission. You’ll learn how to prioritize tasks, avoid last-minute stress, and align your experiences and materials with competitive STEM programs. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already mid-cycle, this workshop will help you stay organized, proactive, and on track.

Land Your Job or Study in ... The Netherlands

The Netherlands punches well above its weight. A country of 18 million people hosts the European headquarters of companies like ASML, Shell, Philips, Booking.com, Heineken, and IKEA. Rotterdam is home to the largest port in Europe. Amsterdam ranks among the continent's top financial and tech hubs. For a non-EU professional, this combination of scale, innovation, and openness is rare. The language barrier that slows people down in other European countries simply does not exist here. The Dutch are among the most proficient English speakers in the world outside of native-speaking countries. Most professional environments operate entirely in English. That removes one of the biggest obstacles non-EU candidates face elsewhere. This session covers the study path and the direct job path side by side: visa options, living costs in Amsterdam and beyond, the multicultural workplace culture that makes integration genuinely easier, and how to position yourself in a market that spans logistics, tech, finance, agriculture, and life sciences. Two real cases show how international candidates turned Dutch openness into a concrete career move. The Netherlands is one of the most welcoming labour markets in Europe. This Thursday, we show you how to use that to your advantage. New episodes in this series cover a different European country every Thursday.

Great Alternatives to the US for Grad School

For many applicants, top graduate programs outside the United States offer world-class education, strong career outcomes, and more accessible pathways to admission and visas. This session explores leading international destinations for grad school, how their application processes differ from the US, and what to consider when evaluating cost, career mobility, and long-term goals. You’ll leave with a clearer view of global options and practical guidance for building a competitive international application strategy.

Get Your Master’s in the EU

Earning a master’s degree in the EU can unlock world-class academics, lower tuition costs, and strong post-graduate career opportunities across global markets. This session breaks down how European master’s programs work, key differences from US applications, timelines and requirements, and how to choose the right country and program based on your goals. You’ll leave with a clear framework for evaluating options and taking next steps toward a competitive EU master’s application.

Grad Student Loan Paydown Schedule

Stop Guessing. Start Seeing Exactly When Your Loans End. Most people with student debt make their monthly payment and hope for the best. This template lets you run the actual math so you can see, month by month, exactly what happens when you pay more. Built in Excel. No subscriptions, no logins, no apps. Just a clean, professional model you'll actually use. What's inside: Three side-by-side paydown scenarios run simultaneously your base schedule, a flat monthly extra payment, and a fully flexible column where you can plug in one-time lump sums for any month. Salary bonus coming in March? Tax refund in April? Type it in and watch your payoff date move in real time. Built for people who just finished an expensive degree and are serious about what comes next. Whether you're in consulting, finance, tech, or any high-growth field, this tool helps you layer your paydown strategy around how you actually earn, raises, bonuses, tuition reimbursements, and surplus months, not just a flat monthly payment. What you'll know in five minutes: > Your exact payoff date under any scenario > How much interest you'll save with different payment levels > The true cost of waiting vs. paying aggressively now Fully editable. Works with any loan amount, rate, or term. One-time purchase, yours to keep.

Experienced Applicant Resume Guide and Template

A sample generic resume format and guide for those with existing work experience targeting business related roles.

Writing Strong Statements for Graduate Applications: Purpose, Diversity, and Research

​Your graduate application statements are a critical opportunity to show admissions committees who you are, what drives you, and how you’ll contribute to their program. In this session, expert Leland coach and former UC Irvine Program Director Bryan M. will guide you through crafting essays that effectively convey your purpose, highlight your unique perspective, and showcase relevant research or professional experiences. ​By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to write statements that stand out and make a lasting impression on admissions committees.

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.

Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays

​The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. ​You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.

Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation

​Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. ​You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.

Master's Applications: School Selection Strategy

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

Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?

​Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. ​Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.

How to Land a Place at Oxford or Cambridge Panel

​Securing a Master's offer from Oxford or Cambridge is one of the most competitive admissions challenges in the world. With rigorous academic standards, unique interview formats, and a highly selective admissions process, standing out requires more than just strong grades. ​In this panel, Adam B. and Zuwena V. with Matthew M. as a moderator will share proven strategies for excelling at every stage of the Master's admissions process for these elite schools. You’ll gain insights into building a strong academic profile, writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for subject-specific assessments, and navigating the interview. Whether you’re just beginning your application or fine-tuning your final materials, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to maximize your chances of success at these world-class institutions.

3 Secrets of the GRE That Will Raise Your Score Today!

Getting ready for the GRE? Small changes in how you prepare and approach the test can make a big difference in your score. In this workshop, expert test prep coach Bruce H. will reveal three insider strategies that top scorers use to gain an edge on exam day. ​You’ll learn how to tackle tricky questions with confidence, manage your time more effectively, and avoid the common mistakes that hold test-takers back. Whether you’re just starting your prep or looking for a last-minute boost, these actionable tips will help you raise your score right away.

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.

Harvard Masters and McGill PhD: AMA

Thinking about grad school but not sure how to navigate the admissions process? Join us for an open Ask Me Anything session designed to answer your biggest questions about applications, essays, interviews, and more. Led by an experienced grad school coach Haitham S., this session is your chance to get personalized insights on what admissions committees are really looking for. ​Whether you’re still deciding on programs, polishing your statement of purpose, or preparing for interviews, this AMA will give you clarity and direction.

Applying to US Master’s Programs as an International Applicant

The U.S. admissions process can feel complex and overwhelming for international students—especially when you’re navigating cultural differences, competitive standards, and unfamiliar expectations. In this workshop, Kanishka E.—a Harvard-trained Ph.D. with a decade of experience at elite institutions—will break down what U.S. master’s programs are really looking for and how international applicants can highlight their unique strengths. ​Whether you’re just starting to explore programs or preparing final materials, this session will give you the insight and tools to stand out in a global applicant pool.

Demystifying Master's Admissions: What You Need to Know

Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? In just 30 minutes, this fast-paced and informative session will walk you through the essentials of applying to a master’s program—from choosing the right school to submitting a strong application. Whether you're returning to school after a break, switching careers, or aiming to level up in your field, this webinar will equip you with clear next steps, practical tips, and confidence to begin your journey. ​​Join Amy G., Columbia & NYU Grad Enrollment Leader, to learn what admissions committees look for, how to stand out, and how to stay organized and focused throughout the process.