Leland+ for Master’s Programs
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Popular on Leland+
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.
The Difference Between the PS and the SoP
Is your application essay confusing adcoms? Get a clear, concrete breakdown of what each essay requires so you don't accidentally write a personal statement for your SoP.
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.
Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?
Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.
Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays
The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.
Building Your School List
A tool for filtering and organizing your master’s program targets. Use this list framework to assess fit and maximize your admissions chances.
Brainstorming Workshop
Use this worksheet to pull out your best stories before you write a single sentence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free
From ROI to Fit: Making the Right MBA/Grad School Decision
MBA program and/or other Grad school on your mind? Before investing $100K+ and years of your life, make sure it’s the right move. Join us for a free 1-hour workshop where three experienced admissions + career coaches break down: - Why grad school (and why now)? - MBA vs. specialized master’s—which fits your goals (business oriented grad programs, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Finance, MS in Marketing, etc.)? - Full-time vs. part-time vs. hybrid—what’s best for your career path? - How debt, recruiting, and location factor into the decision. 35–40 minutes of actionable insights + plenty of time for your questions. Walk away with clarity and confidence about your next step. If you're wondering about IF business related grad school is right for you - and/or which program to attend, this is the session for you! Session will feature advice and experience from 3 of Leland's Top Coaches: Kira D. - https://www.joinleland.com/coach/kira-d Christine B. - https://www.joinleland.com/coach/christine-b Adam B. - https://www.joinleland.com/coach/a-b
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.
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.
MIT Sloan Personal Statement Short Answer
While MIT Sloan does not have a traditional personal statement, they do have a Short Answer portion of their application following their behavioral cover letter and video introduction. This is an example of the Short Answer from an MIT Sloan admit.
MBA Interview Prep Guidelines
A concise MBA interview prep guide focused on storytelling, school fit, and nailing the questions that drive admissions decisions.
HBS Admit Full Letter of Recommendation Example
This is an example of a letter of recommendation that lead to candidate admittance into the Harvard Business School.
Crafting a Compelling Narrative for Your Master’s Application
Your story is the most powerful part of your master’s application—but only if you know how to tell it well. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to shape your experiences, goals, and values into a cohesive narrative that resonates with admissions committees and sets you apart from other applicants.
