Leland+ for PhD Programs
Popular on Leland+
Why You Didn’t Get Into a PhD Program (And How to Fix It Before December)
Not getting into a PhD program can be frustrating—especially when it’s unclear what held your application back. This session is designed for reapplicants and first-time applicants who want to understand how admissions committees actually evaluate candidates and where strong profiles fall short. You’ll learn how to diagnose weaknesses in your application, strengthen your research narrative, and make targeted improvements before the next round of deadlines.
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.
Staying Organized During PhD Applications
Staying organized can make all the difference during the demanding PhD application process. In this session, Jennifer D.—a first-generation college student who went on to earn a JD/PhD in History at Stanford University and was selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar—will share proven systems and strategies for managing deadlines, recommendation letters, research statements, and more. You’ll learn how to structure your application workflow, track submissions efficiently, and reduce stress while keeping your materials polished and cohesive. Whether you’re applying this cycle or planning ahead, this session will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and control.
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.
From Draft to Done: Finalizing Your PhD Applications
Applying to PhD programs is a long process—and the final stretch can make all the difference. In this session, Madeleine L., Diane K., and Kenneth T., will teach you how to refine and polish your application materials so that every component works together to present a cohesive, compelling story. We’ll cover strategies for tightening your statement of purpose, ensuring your research interests are clear, aligning your recommenders, and avoiding last-minute mistakes. Whether you’re weeks away from submitting or just want a stronger review process, this event will give you practical tools to finalize your PhD applications with confidence.
Checklist: PhD School List Development and Prospective Faculty Search
Stop wasting time: Use this actionable framework to build your PhD school list and find the right faculty mentors. Learn how to target programs that match your research and maximize your admissions odds.
How to Create a Competitive PhD Application
Applying to PhD programs is about more than strong grades and test scores—it’s about demonstrating research potential, academic fit, and a clear vision for your scholarly path. In this session, Leland coach and former AdComs Director at Princeton and Penn, Melissa A. will break down exactly what makes an applicant stand out in a highly selective process. Whether you’re applying this cycle or planning ahead, you’ll leave with a clear strategy for building a strong, cohesive, and competitive PhD application.
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar Letter of Rec
Sample letter of rec for military vet selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
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.
Knight-Hennessy Individual Interview Prep Guide
Sample Questions and Guideline of Knight-Hennessy Finalist Interview
PhD to Industry: How to Successfully Navigate the Transition
Graduate students devote countless hours and effort into producing the best research possible. But little do we get the chance to candidly discuss midst all the papers and figures - how can we start laying the foundation that will help launch us into the next stage of our career? In this compact 30-minute session, Diane K. (PhD in Biomedical Engineering | Biotech Corp Dev | ex-Goldman), will share tips on how to best set up for success during your PhD studies for your long-term career goals. PhD students of all stages - from just applied/started to dissertation-ready, and even recently defended - will be able to walk away with actionable recommendations. Come with questions and leave with a roadmap to confidently navigate your PhD studies and transition into industry.
