Leland+ for Master’s Programs
Popular on Leland+
Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15-18) Kickoff
Join us for Leland's Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15–18) Kickoff! Come hear from top admissions experts coaches Tom N., Krysta F., and Amy G. who have helped candidates gain acceptance to their dream master's programs. You’re invited to a week of actionable insights and preparation strategies designed to help you craft a standout application and position yourself for success in the admissions process.
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.
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.
Knight-Hennessy Individual Interview Prep Guide
Sample Questions and Guideline of Knight-Hennessy Finalist Interview
How to Secure Top Graduate Fellowships: Rhodes, Truman, Knight-Hennessy & More!
Curious about how to earn prestigious fellowships like Rhodes, Marshall, Schwarzman, Knight-Hennessy, and others? In this session, coaches Machmud M. and Claire R.—both Knight-Hennessy Scholars themselves—will share what it takes to stand out in highly competitive selection processes. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling personal narrative, choose and prepare strong recommenders, approach essay prompts, and succeed in interviews, all while highlighting leadership, impact, and academic excellence. Whether you’re exploring opportunities for graduate study abroad, pursuing a master’s in the U.S., or looking to expand your academic and professional horizons, this session will give you clear strategies and practical tools to strengthen your application. With proven frameworks and insights from past awardees, you’ll walk away ready to approach fellowship applications with confidence.
Graduate School Application Timeline
Guide to help applicants stay organized and on track to submitting their applications by application deadlines
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.
Comprehensive Graduate School Selection Guide
The guide features detailed evaluation frameworks to make informed decisions when first considering graduate school.
Beyond the GRE: Building a Winning Grad School Application
In this session, Leland coach Loubna B. will walk you through how to build a compelling graduate school application that goes far beyond just test scores. Drawing on her experience mentoring students into competitive master’s and PhD programs, she’ll share what admissions committees really want to see in your essays, recommendations, and overall narrative. You’ll gain actionable strategies for highlighting your unique strengths, showcasing research or professional experience, and weaving your story into a cohesive, stand-out application. Whether you’re early in the process or putting on the finishing touches, this workshop will equip you with the tools to craft an application that sets you apart.
(Sept 2025) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brainstorming Workshop
Use this worksheet to pull out your best stories before you write a single sentence.
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.
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?
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.
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar Letter of Rec
Sample letter of rec for military vet selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
MBA Recommender Packets
A step-by-step playbook for setting up recommenders for success and turning your recommenders into your strongest advocates.
