Early Starters Master's Prep Plan

Early Starters Master's Prep Plan

5.0

Offered by Sonya K.

5.0

()

Coaching for Design & HCI Programs | Stanford d.school | ex-Microsoft

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Studied at Stanford University

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Worked at Microsoft

Package Description:

This package is built for ambitious applicants who are more than 12 months away from deadlines and want to proactively position themselves for success in top Master’s programs. Whether you’re still exploring your options or ready to start building your application story, this package helps you lay the groundwork for a standout submission. You’ll partner with a Leland coach to navigate the full landscape of the graduate admissions process—from big-picture strategy to tactical next steps. Together, you’ll focus on early moves that create long-term impact and give you a clear advantage come application season. Common coaching activities in this package include, but are not limited to: - Application Strategy: Craft a compelling narrative that connects your academic, professional, and personal experiences. - Recommender Planning: Identify the right recommenders and build strong relationships that lead to standout letters. - Extracurricular Development: Strategize meaningful activities that reinforce your goals and strengthen your profile. - Timeline Building: Create a month-by-month roadmap to stay organized and reduce stress throughout the process. - Profile Assessment: Conduct a deep dive into your candidacy to highlight strengths and uncover areas to enhance. - Test Prep Planning (if needed): Outline a personalized test strategy for exams like the GRE or GMAT based on your timeline and goals. - School Selection: Curate a mix of programs that align with your academic interests, professional aspirations, and personal values. - Essay & Statement Planning: Brainstorm themes and develop early outlines for essays and personal statements that tell your story with clarity and conviction. Your coach will be by your side every step of the way, helping you make smart, high-leverage decisions early in your journey. This package is your foundation for a confident, well-prepared, and strategic Master’s application process.


What you'll get from this package

A clear application strategy that defines your unique narrative

Two (or more) recommenders selected and actively prepared to support your application

A thoughtful plan for extracurricular involvement (if needed)

A well-organized timeline you can confidently follow to meet deadlines

A clear profile assessment with insights on areas to improve or strengthen your candidacy

A well-defined list of schools that align with your goals and aspirations

A narrative you are eager to develop and communicate in your essays


Additional details

Coaching delivered via live sessions and .

Refund Policy

Services included:

School Selection

Application Strategy

Essays

Resume

Letters of Recommendation


Sonya K.

Offered by Sonya K.

Joined March 2025

5.0

Coaching for Design & HCI Programs | Stanford d.school | ex-Microsoft

As an alum of the Stanford d.school (the birthplace of design thinking!), I bring a blend of creative and analytical frames to help you navigate master's admissions. I coach students applying to design masters programs, including: - Stanford d.school's MS Design - Harvard's Masters in Design Engineering (MDE) - MIT's Media Arts and Sciences masters via the MIT Media Lab - Carnegie Mellon's Design School (several degree options) - Georgia Tech's MS in HCI or Masters of Industrial Design - University of Washington's MDes or HCDE programs - NYU's IDM - University of Michigan's Masters of Science in Information ...and many more! Whether you’re targeting design, HCI, or interdisciplinary innovation programs, I’d love to work together and tailor your application strategy to maximize your chances of success. I can help you in program selection, portfolio strategy & design, personal statements, and any program-specific requirements. Professionally, I've designed and built products at some of the largest tech companies (Microsoft, Meta) and done product and strategy work at AI startups. I've dabbled across a breadth of industries: enterprise productivity, fintech, ed-tech, gaming, accessibility, and VR. This broad exposure allows me to help applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to craft compelling, cohesive stories that position you to get into the program of your dreams! Feel free to reach out to discuss how I can support your journey!

$389

6h of coaching

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