Example: Admitted Wharton Essay from a Deferred Candidate
A breakdown of an MBA essay that got a deferred candidate admitted to Wharton, focusing on how they addressed the prompt, "How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals?"
Example INSEAD MBA Essay
Essay for INSEAD (waitlisted based on GMAT)
Kellogg Essay Example
Example of both Kellogg main essays
Exploring the MPP/MBA Dual Degree
Considering a path that blends business and public policy? The MPP/MBA dual degree might be the perfect fit. In this workshop, you'll hear from Karla M., a seasoned coach with an MBA from Chicago Booth and an MPP from Harvard, who will share insights from her own journey and what she’s learned guiding hundreds of applicants into top programs. You’ll get an inside look at what these programs offer, who they’re right for, and how to position yourself for success. Whether you’re actively applying or still exploring, this session will help you move forward with clarity.
Roadmap to R1: A Step-by-Step Plan to Apply Without Losing Your Mind
Applying to MBA programs isn't just about checking boxes, it's about telling your story, managing MANY moving parts, and doing it all while keeping your head above water! In this 40-minute presentation, admissions coach and former CBS Admissions Officer Kelsey Kephart will walk through the essential phases of the MBA application journey; what to tackle when, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to build momentum without burning out. The second part will be an Ask Me Anything (AMA) style session where you can ask questions!
Decoding the GMAT FE: What You Need to Know Before You Register
Thinking about business school? The new GMAT Focus Edition is here—shorter, smarter, and designed to highlight the skills that matter most in today's data-driven business world. Whether you're transitioning from the classic GMAT or comparing it to the GRE, this session breaks down everything you need to know: from exam structure and section strategies to scoring and test-day logistics. Join us to get insider tips, practice problems, and the confidence to plan your prep—and your future—effectively.
MBA Recruiting Resume Guide
This resume guide is your strategic blueprint for standing out in the highly competitive MBA admissions process. Designed with input from top business schools and recruiters, it walks you through proven formatting, language, and content strategies that highlight your leadership, impact, and potential—ensuring your resume rises to the top of the pile. Whether you're just starting or refining a final draft, this guide will help you craft a one-page resume that speaks the language of top MBA programs.
Acing Behavioral Questions with the CAR Framework
Use the CAR framework to craft compelling answers for behavioral questions. Tell a memorable story and showcase your skills to impress!
The Ultimate MBA Recruiting Cover Letter Guide
Learn how to craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your qualifications and gets you noticed by top employers.
The Deferred MBA Essay That Got Me Accepted
A deep dive into a successful Columbia Business School deferred MBA essay. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that gets you noticed by admissions committees.
Mock Fuqua Admissions Interview
Prepare for your Fuqua interview with this mock session. Get expert feedback and learn the strategies you need to impress the admissions committee.
DMBA Workbook: Application Strategy
Your ultimate guide to deferred MBA admissions. Master the essays, interviews, and recommendations for Stanford GSB, Harvard, and more!
Sample Kellogg Personal Statement from an Admitted Deferred MBA Applicant
A breakdown of an actual personal statement that got a deferred candidate admitted to the Kellogg School of Management, addressing the values-based prompt.
How to Write the Kellogg Purpose & Leadership Essay
A top MBA admissions expert analyzes a successful Kellogg essay and shares how to answer the prompt, "Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value."
My Winning Kellogg Deferred MBA Essays
A successful applicant shares the powerful essays that got them into Kellogg and breaks down how to tell a compelling story, even with a non-traditional background.
Booth Deferred MBA Resume: Energy & BizOps Sample
See a successful deferred MBA resume example for Energy & Business Operations. Learn to craft yours for top programs like Booth!
Leland MBA Week (June 2-6) Kickoff
Join us for Leland's FREE MBA Week (June 2-6) Kickoff! You’re invited to the ultimate MBA admissions prep week, designed to help you get into your dream program. This week will feature a series of online sessions hosted by some of Leland’s top admissions coaches—former admissions officers and application experts who have helped hundreds of applicants get into schools like GSB, HBS, Wharton, Booth, and more. Throughout the week, you’ll gain extremely tactical insight on school selection, application strategy, essay writing, interviews, and more. Last year, more than 3,000 participants joined us, and we can’t wait to welcome even more of you this year! In this kickoff session, we’ll cover essential topics like crafting your personal story, selecting the right schools, and what MBA programs are really looking for. Our expert panelists include Timothy F. (former Chicago Booth Admissions Fellow with 150+ M7 admits), and Geri T. (former Associate Director of Harvard Business School with 75+ M7 admits). With their extensive experience reading applications, conducting interviews, and coaching successful applicants into every M7 school, they’ll provide top insights to help you stand out in a competitive admissions process.
Office Hours with Former MBA AdComs & Admissions Experts
Join us for an exclusive Office Hours session with former MBA Admissions Committee members and top admissions experts! This is your chance to get insider advice on the MBA application process—directly from those who used to make the decisions. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative, avoid common pitfalls, and stand out in competitive applicant pools. Whether you're just starting your MBA journey or putting the finishing touches on your application, our panelists are here to answer all your questions. Meet our panelists: Faisal K., Chicago Booth MBA, Chicago Booth Admissions Office, coached 100+ M7 admits, 15 years of experience aiding US and international applicants translate their rich global experiences into compelling, relevant, and memorable applications. Avi L., UC Berkeley, former USC Director of Admissions and admissions reader at Berkeley, expert in helping applicants identify how to tell their story in way that makes them stand out. Emily L., UC Berkeley Haas, former Haas Co-VP of Admissions, trained and mentored by former M7 AdCom members, extensive experience with clients with below median test scores.
Standing Out as an International Applicant
This session will be focused on helping international applicants develop a high-level understanding of all the components of the MBA application process, learn how to differentiate themselves from the crowd, and start to create a standout profile to get them into a top business school. With more non-US candidates applying every year, it’s more important than ever to show what makes you unique. Learn from a panel of experts who will share their expertise and experiences through an interactive discussion, practical tips, and real-life examples. We invite potential applicants from all corners of the globe to join us for this amazing event! Meet our panelists: Vica G., Stanford GSB MBA, former Silicon Valley tech executive and startup founder, double émigrée and storytelling expert passionate for helping international or underdog clients craft competitive applications. Jesse L., has coached 100% of full-service clients to top 30 MBAs, 95% to top 20, expert in international applicants and crafting compelling narratives. Cathy M, INSEAD MBA, has successfully coached candidates to gain admissions into top schools, including INSEAD, LBS, Booth, Wharton, HEC Paris, IESE, Cambridge Judge, Oxford Said & NYU Stern.
What’s Next? Your MBA Journey, Powered by Leland
Whether you're planning to apply to business school this cycle or considering a future application, this final MBA Week session will help you get clear on your timeline, required materials, and next steps. We’ll break down the two key types of applicants—those targeting Round 1 deadlines this fall, and those planning ahead for next year—and what each group should be doing now to stay on track. From building your school list to prepping for the GMAT/GRE, writing your essays, or securing letters of recommendation, we’ll map out your path to success. You’ll also hear from the Leland team about the best resources available to support you, whether you’re ready to dive in or just starting to explore. We’ll share how our 1:1 coaching, bootcamps, essay reviews, and course content libraries align with where you are in your journey. Let’s wrap up MBA Week by setting you up for what’s next with confidence and a clear plan.