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.

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.

School Selection Strategy

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

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.

Building Your Recommender Packets for Grad School

Crafting strong recommendation letters starts long before your recommender begins writing—and a well-built recommender packet can make all the difference. In this session, a top Leland coach and dual HBS / HKS admit Reagan C. will walk you through exactly what to include, how to organize it, and how to make your recommenders' jobs easier while ensuring they highlight your strongest qualities. You'll learn what admissions committees look for, how to frame your achievements effectively, and how to set your recommenders up to write letters that truly elevate your application.

Top-Ranked Free Master’s in … Germany and Austria

Think Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, University of Vienna, and TU Wien. These top-ranked German and Austrian institutions represent just the tip of what Central Europe's economic powerhouses offer: world-class master's degrees with zero to €12,000 annual tuition, far below North American alternatives. Behind these prestigious names are remarkable opportunities to pursue advanced degrees delivering exceptional return on investment while building careers in Europe's strongest economies. Germany and Austria host hundreds of top-ranked institutions offering over 1,500 English-taught master's programs spanning all major disciplines. Germany provides an 18-month post-study work permit, while Austria offers 12 months for job searching, with straightforward paths to permanent residence for skilled graduates. What if this high-quality, budget-friendly pathway to Central European career success is exactly your calling?

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.

Your Next Chapter: Navigating the Road to Graduate School

​Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? This session will break down the entire journey—from choosing the right program to preparing a standout application. From Aric F., Zuwena V. and Matthew M., You’ll learn what admissions committees are really looking for, how to position your academic and professional experiences, and strategies to make your application shine. This event will equip you with the insights and tools to confidently take the next step toward your future.

Your Ticket to STEM Graduate School Admission

Short guide to STEM graduate programs, required application documents, and essay advice

Your Guide to STEM Graduate School Admissions

Recording of a Leland webinar I presented on 02 Jan 2026 demystifying STEM graduate school admissions types and deliverables

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.

Master's Program Decision Guide

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

Quick Quant Career Guide

A starter guide for careers, skills, and companies related to quantitative finance.

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.

MBA Interview Prep Guidelines

A concise MBA interview prep guide focused on storytelling, school fit, and nailing the questions that drive admissions decisions.

Top-Ranked Free Master’s in … Denmark and Sweden

Think University of Copenhagen, Lund University, Stockholm University, and Technical University of Denmark. These top-ranked Scandinavian institutions represent just the tip of what the Nordic countries offer: world-class master's degrees with tuition from zero to €17,000 annually, far below North American alternatives. Behind these prestigious names are remarkable opportunities to pursue advanced degrees delivering exceptional return on investment while building careers in two of the world's happiest, most innovative countries. Denmark and Sweden host dozens of top-ranked institutions offering hundreds of English-taught master's programs spanning all major disciplines. Denmark provides an automatic three-year post-study work permit, while Sweden offers one to two years for job searching, with clear paths to permanent residence. What if this high-quality, budget-friendly pathway to Scandinavian career success is exactly your calling?