Leland+ for MBA

UVA (Darden) Interview Question Bank

Interview questions tailored to applicants interviewing for UVA Darden

LinkedIn & Online Presence

Strengthening credibility and recruiter alignment

Resume: Army Veteran Admitted to Duke Fuqua MBA

This resume showcases an Army veteran from a non-traditional background who earned Early Action admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

Essays (3): Duke Fuqua MBA Admitted Army Veteran

These are the 3 application essays of an Army veteran who secured Early Action admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (Deck)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Booth's top-flight MBA program.

School-Specific Interviews

HBS, Wharton TBD, MIT behavioral, Kellogg/team-based

Communication Coaching

Accent confidence, tone, pacing

Timeline & Project Management

Managing multiple schools

LinkedIn Cribsheet

A targeted guide that helps experienced professionals rewrite their LinkedIn profiles to better reflect their value, momentum, and career direction.

Waitlist Strategy

Updates, new achievements, school engagement

Competency Questions

Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics

Mock Interview Practice

Real simulation exercises

Finance to MBA: Showing Impact and Proving Passion

Breaking into an MBA program from a finance background takes more than strong credentials—it's about showing real impact and authentic passion. In this session, Leland coaches John N. (Kellogg MBA), Faisal K. (Booth adcom), and Kelsey K. (CBS adcom) will share how to differentiate yourself, connect your experience to your goals, and stand out in essays and interviews. Perfect for finance professionals aiming to make a powerful impression in Round 2.

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.

Finish Strong

What Happens After You Submit?

AdCom Insider Tip #5

What Admitted Applicants All Have in Common

Personal Brand Cribsheet: Craft Your Story & Stand

A practical workbook that helps professionals define and confidently communicate their personal brand during a career transition.

AI & Your MBA Application: Dos and Don'ts for Written Content

Are you thinking about using AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your MBA application essays, but are unsure how to do it ethically and effectively? Join me, M, for a practical and candid session designed to equip MBA applicants with the necessary knowledge and strategies for using AI to assist them in crafting authentic and compelling written content while remaining policy compliant. This session will help you understand how to responsibly integrate AI support into the written components of your application while maintaining your personal voice and authenticity. Learn how to use AI as a supportive tool without violating school guidelines or compromising the integrity of your narrative. I’ll share examples that show the difference between a compelling story that captures your real voice and an AI-produced generic essay.

Pre-Departure Preparation

Visa, housing, networking, CPT prep

Behavioral Interview

STAR strategy + international context examples