Leland+ for Master’s Programs

Recommender Packet Example – School Targets, Themes, and Strategy

A dual-degree recommender briefing outlining deadlines, school-specific expectations, and key traits like inclusivity, data fluency, and social impact—complete with detailed examples for crafting strong letters.

Recommender Prep Packet – Timeline, Strategy, and Talking Points

A structured slide deck to guide recommenders through the application process, including school-specific expectations, key application themes, deadlines, and detailed examples to help them craft strong, personalized letters.

Stanford & MIT Essay: Learning Through Teaching

A National Honor Society student finds purpose and passion while teaching English—discovering the power of creativity, connection, and education.

Nailing the Personal Statement

This guide walks a client through the reasons behind a Personal Statement along with examples of each section & what should be included.

Stanford Grad Essay - Enriching Learning Community

Detailed guide with examples on how to answer the Stanford grad application prompt "enriching the learning community"

Pursuing Further Education: Pros & Cons

Weigh the real benefits and tradeoffs of grad school, MBAs, and more before making the leap.

Land Your Job or Study in ... France

France is not just Paris, luxury brands, and Grandes Écoles. It is Europe's second largest economy, home to 5,500 companies operating in the US alone, and one of the world's top destinations for AI investment. For non-EU graduates and young to mid-career professionals who take it seriously, France offers a career path that is both internationally prestigious and genuinely accessible. The question everyone asks first is the language. It is a fair question and this session answers it honestly: where English is enough, where French matters, and at what point in a career it becomes a real differentiator. We cover the study path and the direct job path side by side: visa options, grandes écoles versus public universities, living costs in Paris and beyond, workplace culture, and what makes a French employer say yes to an international candidate. Two real cases show how people with no European background made it work. France rewards those who understand the culture before they apply. This Thursday, we get into the details. New episodes in this series cover a different European country every Thursday.

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.

Master’s Applications: How to Stand Out Before Deadlines Hit

With application deadlines fast approaching, now’s the time to make your Master’s application shine. In this session, expert Leland coaches Jennifer P. D. (AdCom at University of Wisconsin-Madison), Ash C. (AdCom at Carnegie Mellon University), Amy G. (AdCom Columbia & NYU) will walk you through how to strengthen every part of your application—from your personal statement to your resume and letters of recommendation. ​By the end, you’ll know exactly where to focus your time and how to stand out in a competitive applicant pool—no matter how close deadlines are.

When You Should (and Shouldn't) Go to Graduate School

A candid guide to evaluating whether grad school aligns with your goals, including factors to consider before making the leap.

Your GMAT Mistakes Called. Did You Get the Message? [5/20/2026] (Recording)

Ever feel like your GMAT prep isn’t paying off the way it should? You’re putting in the hours, solving question after question—yet your score isn’t reflecting your effort. What’s going wrong? In this interactive webinar, “Your GMAT Mistakes Called. Did You Get the Message?”, expert GMAT coach Jennifer PD will uncover how to learn from your mistakes. From flawed study strategies and timing issues to misreading questions and falling into trap answers, we’ll break down the patterns that silently hold you back. You’ll learn how to identify your personal weak spots, avoid repeating the same errors, and approach the exam with sharper strategy and confidence. Whether you’re just starting your GMAT journey or looking to push your score to the next level, this session will help you turn mistakes into meaningful progress.

How to Succeed as a Joint MBA-MPP Applicant

Are you considering applying for a joint MBA-MPP program and wondering how to stand out in the competitive admissions process? Join me for an insightful session on how to succeed as a joint MBA-MPP applicant. With firsthand experience as an admit to both Harvard Kennedy School and MIT Sloan, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities of these programs. Throughout my career, I've helped applicants craft compelling narratives that connect their experiences to a clear direction, focusing on school and networking strategy, essays, resumes, and interviews. In this session, we'll cover the common storytelling mishaps of joint degree candidates, and exactly what admissions committees are looking for. We'll also do a live exercise so you can walk away with a better sense of your own application story.

What should I be doing NOW before Round 1 Applications Open?

Applying to MBA and Master's degree programs can be VERY stressful. But they don't have to be. There are many actions you can take now to reduce stress later on, and ensure that you reach your school deadlines as prepared as possible, with applications that you feel truly proud to submit. Join me to review the steps you should be taking now, to have the best possible application process.

Stanford Learning Design & Technology - Rec Prep

Comprehensive recommender prep guide for aspiring candidates of the Stanford MS Learning, Design & Technology, Graduate School of Education

Customizable Resume Template

With all the formatting done for you, just fill in your chosen experiences into this easy-to-use resume template!

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.