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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Customizable Resume Template

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

Final Push: Perfecting Your Master’s Application Before the Deadline

The deadline is almost here—make sure your Master’s application is truly ready. In this session, expert Leland coaches will walk you through the final checks that matter most, from tightening your narrative to eliminating subtle weaknesses that could cost you an admit. You’ll leave with a clear, prioritized plan to submit a polished, compelling application with confidence.

Live Review of a Master's Personal Statement by an Expert Coach

Get an inside look at what makes a master’s personal statement stand out in a live, real-time review led by Ash C, one of Leland’s expert graduate admissions coaches. You’ll see how an experienced reader evaluates structure, clarity, storytelling, and fit—and learn exactly what elevates a draft from “good” to “admit-worthy.” Whether you're early in your writing or polishing your final version, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies to strengthen your own statement before deadlines hit.

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.

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.

Is a U.S. Degree Still Worth It? Hear from Recent F-1 Grads & BigTech Hiring Managers

​With a turbulent U.S. political climate, difficult economic conditions, and the rise of global multipolarity, many applicants are asking: Is a U.S. degree still worth it? ​Recent U.S. visa policy updates have added new layers of complexity to the decision, leaving international students and early-career professionals weighing the risks and rewards of moving to the US more carefully than ever. ​In this panel moderated by Soundarya (Author of Unshackled, O-1 recipient, Columbia MS'19), you’ll hear from Angela C. (recent O-1 recipient, Stanford MIP '23), David H. (Former Recruiter @ Meta, Intuit & A16Z), and Madhuri M. (recent green card recipient, former Product Hiring Manager @ Adobe) who have hired, coached, and worked with with dozens of international applicants. They’ll share candid perspectives on how U.S. employers view international candidates, what still pays off, what may be shifting, and how to think about long-term career security in light of today’s environment. ​You’ll leave with a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and the risks of studying in order to work in the U.S., so you can make an informed decision about whether pursuing a U.S. degree aligns with your future goals.