Leland+ for Master’s Programs
Popular on Leland+
Winning Resume/CV Bank Template
Whether you're applying to a professional position or an academic program, use this template to organize your experiences in one cohesive document.
Grad School Applications Tracker
Applying for grad school, but don't know where to start? Use this Google Sheets to keep track of all your graduate school applications, including tests, recommendation letters, and overall application status!
Comprehensive Graduate School Selection Guide
The guide features detailed evaluation frameworks to make informed decisions when first considering graduate school.
How to Write the First Draft of Your Master’s Application SoP in 60 Minutes (or less)
Your Statement of Purpose (SoP) is one of the most important parts of your master’s application—but getting started can feel overwhelming. At the end of this session, you'll walk away with the first draft of your SoP in 60 mins or less. You’ll learn a step-by-step framework to draft a strong first version in under an hour. We’ll cover how to identify your key themes, structure your story, and highlight your academic and professional goals in a way that resonates with admissions committees. The session will be led by Kanishka E., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive graduate applications. You’ll leave with a clear process to take the guesswork out of writing, so you can move from blank page to a compelling SoP draft quickly and confidently. Mostly importantly, we'll get you through the hardest part of your Master's application: getting started.
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.
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.
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.
From Research to Results: Guide to PhD Applications
Thinking about pursuing a PhD but unsure how to navigate the admissions process? Join us for From Research to Results: Guide to PhD Applications, where experienced PhD coach Madeleine L. will break down what it really takes to build a competitive doctoral application. Whether you’re just starting to explore PhD programs or preparing to hit submit, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to strengthen your application and move closer to your academic goals.
Master's Applications: School Selection Strategy
An overview of which schools to apply to for Master's programs.
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.
How to Approach Grad School Essays and Personal Statements
Your essays and personal statements are some of the most important parts of your grad school application—and often the hardest to get right. In this session, Michael G. (Schwarzman Scholar) and Elijah D. (Gates-Cambridge), and Erika C. (UPenn M.S.) will walk you through how to craft authentic, memorable essays that make admissions committees take notice. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework for approaching your essays with confidence and a roadmap for writing compelling personal statements that stand out before deadlines hit.
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.
What Makes a Successful Master’s Applicant in 2025?
Graduate admissions are evolving—and so are the traits that top programs look for. In this session, expert Leland coach Loubna B. will break down what makes a standout Master’s applicant in today’s landscape, from academic readiness to global perspective and career clarity. Whether you’re preparing to apply this cycle or planning ahead, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable insights to strengthen your Master’s applications in 2025 and beyond.
Nailing the Schwarzman Scholars Finalist Interview
Have you been selected as a Finalist for the Schwarzman Scholars program? If you've made it this far, a huge congratulations is in order, as you already overcame substantial odds - invitations to the in-person interview are extended to just 5-6% of the total applicant pool. However, the hardest part is yet to come! I'm here to offer advice and tips to help you navigate what will most definitely be one of the most unforgettable days of your life. This free event will cover what to expect in the Finalist round, alongside strategies to prepare for both the behavioral/application-based portion of the interview and the notoriously challenging 'Global Affairs' question.
MBA Recommender Packets
A step-by-step playbook for setting up recommenders for success and turning your recommenders into your strongest advocates.
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar Letter of Rec
Sample letter of rec for military vet selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
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.
Free
Top-Ranked Free Master's in Europe: 5 Key Reasons to Apply
Think ETH Zurich, TU Munich, Sorbonne in Paris, FU Berlin and Delft University. These top-ranked European institutions represent just the tip of the iceberg in what public universities across Europe offer: world-class master's degrees with minimal or zero tuition fees. Behind these prestigious names are remarkable opportunities for bachelor's graduates to pursue advanced degrees that deliver exceptional return on investment while building careers in Europe's thriving job markets. What unites successful international graduates? They discovered how European public universities combine academic excellence with financial accessibility, opening doors to careers at growing companies actively seeking international talent. With European employers increasingly recruiting international master's graduates and offering attractive employment opportunities during and after studies, we are witnessing an unprecedented window of opportunity for ambitious graduates. Beyond the famous institutions everyone recognizes, hundreds of top-ranked public universities across Europe offer programs in English with clear pathways to meaningful careers. What if this high-quality, budget friendly way to advanced education and a European career is exactly your calling?
Deadline Ready: Final Steps for Your STEM Master’s Applications
Get insider guidance on how to finish your STEM Master’s applications strong with Leland Coach Fiona T., the former Director of Career Development at Berkeley, who has reviewed thousands of competitive STEM applications. Fiona will walk you through the final steps to ensure your materials are polished, cohesive, and aligned with what top programs are looking for. From last-minute statement edits to recommendation strategy, you’ll leave this session confident and deadline-ready.
