Leland+ for MBA

2 Must-Haves for Round 2 And What To Do Right Now!

​Round 2 deadlines are right around the corner - is your application ready? Bruce H. and Betsy M. have over 30 years of MBA admissions experience and they will share the 2 essential things you MUST have in your application. ​Deadlines are coming up fast and Betsy and Bruce will give you their best advice on what you should be doing RIGHT NOW to produce your strongest application by January. They will also talk about whether it is better to apply this year or if waiting until next year will give you a better chance of attending your dream school.

School Research Strategy

Culture matching, curriculum, recruiting strengths

Translating Work Experience

Clarifying roles, context, business scale, quantifying impact

Résumé for U.S. MBA Applications

One-page rules, U.S. formatting, action verbs, metrics

Competency Questions

Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics

Waitlist Strategy

Updates, new achievements, school engagement

Finish Strong

What Happens After You Submit?

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Harvard

Join us for an insider-focused session on the Harvard Future Leaders deferred MBA program. Expert Leland coach and former HBS AdCom Geri T. will break down what makes HBS’s deferred pathway unique, how the admissions committee evaluates early-career candidates, and what “leadership potential” really looks like at this stage. You’ll learn how to position your experiences, craft a compelling narrative, and avoid the strategic mistakes most applicants make. Ideal for undergrads and master’s students aiming to build a standout HBS application from the ground up.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Stanford

Get an inside look at what Stanford GSB seeks in Deferred MBA candidates and how to bring your unique story to life. Expert Leland coach and GSB alum Ben L. will break down the qualities Stanford cares about most—impact, curiosity, and personal growth. You’ll leave with concrete strategies to articulate your values, achievements, and ambitions in a way that resonates with the GSB admissions committee.

MBA Application Process: Questions to Ask

A list of questions to ask during your interview–or a chat with students/alumni–when going through the MBA application process to help you standout

How to Answer the HBS "What Else?" Essay

A top MBA admissions expert breaks down a successful essay for Harvard Business School and shares how to answer the "what more would you like us to know?" prompt.

NYU Stern Interview Question Bank

List of questions applicable to Stern Interview to help a candidate prepare for an interview.

Example: MIT Sloan Cover Letter

This is an example cover letter for the MIT Sloan MBA application

Darden MBA Example Essay 1: Inclusivity at Darden

A successful example of a Darden Essay Prompt 1 response on creating an inclusive environment at Darden, which secured the applicant’s acceptance.

NYU Stern "Change" Essay: The Story of a Consultant

A deep dive into a successful NYU Stern "Change" essay. Learn how an organizational transformation consultant crafted a compelling narrative around their professional experience to secure a spot at the school.

Michigan Ross Essays

These essays are from a successful candidate who was admitted to Ross.

The Yale SOM Essays That Got Me Accepted

A deep dive into the essays that earned a spot at Yale School of Management. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions committees.

How Two M7 Admits Nailed Deferred MBA Apps

Are you a college senior aiming for a Deferred MBA program at a top business school? Join us for an insightful session on how two M7 admits successfully navigated the deferred MBA application process. I'm Mihir, your guide for this event. As an admit to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth Scholars, I bring firsthand experience and insider knowledge to help you stand out in your applications. With a background in Biochemistry, English, Business, and Computer Science, and professional stints at Capital One and Moderna, I offer a well-rounded perspective on crafting compelling applications. I'm thrilled to co-host this session with Kristen, an outstanding admit to both Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB through their deferred MBA programs. Kristen studied Business Administration and Management and has worked as an Associate Consultant Intern at Bain & Company, a Strategy & Operations Coach at Leland, and is the Co-Founder of Ignite Digital Wellness. She brings deep insight into building a powerful application from a non-traditional background and balancing startup, nonprofit, and consulting experiences. During this session, we'll cover everything from school selection and application strategy to essays and testing. Whether you're just starting or refining your final application, this event is designed to help you present your most authentic self.

Columbia Business School Example Essay: Inclusive Leadership

Example of an Inclusive Leadership essay that got the applicant into Columbia Business School.

Deferred MBA Red Flags & How to Reframe Them

Deferred MBA applications are scrutinized closely—and small missteps can raise big questions. In this workshop, top Leland coach and former AdComs at USC Avi L. will break down the most common red flags admissions committees see in deferred MBA candidates, from experience gaps to unclear goals. You’ll learn how to reframe weaknesses with honesty and strategy, strengthen your overall narrative, and present a compelling case for your long-term potential.