Leland+ for Master’s Programs

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.

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.

Making Your Grad School Application Memorable

In a crowded applicant pool, strong credentials are not enough to stand out. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling, cohesive application that clearly communicates your story, goals, and fit beyond test scores and GPAs. We’ll break down what admissions committees actually remember, how to connect your essays, resume, and recommendations into a unified narrative, and the common mistakes that cause applications to blend in. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your graduate school application distinctive, authentic, and impactful.

Statement of Purpose Writing Guide & Examples

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

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.

School Selection Strategy

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

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.

A Roadmap to Graduate School Applications

Applying to graduate school is a multi-step journey, and success depends on having a clear plan from start to finish. This session walks through the full application roadmap, from early preparation and program selection to essays, recommendations, interviews, and final decisions. You’ll learn how to prioritize each stage, avoid common pitfalls, and stay organized throughout the process so you can submit strong, confident applications.

Your Master’s Application Roadmap: Where to Start and What Matters

Starting a master's application can feel overwhelming when you're unsure where to focus your time and energy. This session is for prospective applicants who want a clear, structured approach to the process from the very beginning. You'll leave with a practical understanding of how to prioritize your application components, what admissions committees actually weigh when evaluating candidates, and how to build a timeline that keeps you on track without second-guessing every decision.

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.

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.

Master's Program Decision Guide

Congratulations on your offer of admission! Use this guide to evaluate your options and make an informed decision.

Comprehensive Graduate School Selection Guide

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

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.

Graduate School Application Timeline

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

Master's Applications: School Selection Strategy

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

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.

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.