Leland+ for MBA
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Applying for an MBA in 2026? 6 Things You Could be Doing Now to Get Ahead
Planning to apply for an MBA in 2026? Join me, Meghna (HBS '28), for a high-impact session to help you get ahead in your MBA application journey. With acceptances and scholarship offers from multiple M7 and T15 programs, I’m excited to share the strategies, lessons learned, and insider insights that helped me navigate the process successfully, and that can help you do the same. In this session, we’ll cover practical, actionable strategies you can start implementing now - from refining your target school list and clarifying your “Why MBA,” to a structured framework for brainstorming essays and building a personalized application timeline. I’ll also share candid advice on where to invest (and where not to invest) your time and money when it comes to test prep, networking, and other application resources. Space is limited, so RSVP today to secure your spot and take the first step toward a standout application. Attendees will also receive an exclusive discount code for 1:1 coaching for the 2026 cycle.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Build Your Test Prep Study Plan: GMAT & GRE
Your target score is not a dream. It is a strategy. The GMAT and GRE are beatable, but only if you stop winging it and start training with intention. In this session, you will build a personalized, high-performance study plan designed around your strengths, weaknesses, and timeline. You will learn how to diagnose your baseline, prioritize the sections that move the needle fastest, structure practice for maximum retention, and time your prep so you peak exactly when it matters. No more scattered studying. No more second guessing. Just a clear roadmap to a score that changes your trajectory. If you are ready to take control of your prep and unlock your full potential, this is your starting line.
Writing Standout MBA Application Essays
Led by Jenai A. (Stanford MBA), Oren M. (Ex Admissions @ NYU Stern MBA) and Ellin L. (MBA coach for 12+ years with 98.9% accept rate), this session will provide you with valuable insights, proven strategies, and expert guidance to help you create impactful essays that reflect your unique experiences and aspirations. Discover top tips for capturing the attention of admissions committees, structuring your essays effectively, and showcasing your authentic voice. Whether you are just starting your application or looking to refine your existing essays, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to make your application shine.
Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect
Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.
GRE Algebra - Quantitative Comparison
In this review a coach walks through an example of a GRE quantitative comparison question involving systems.
MBA Interview Questions
Comprehensive list of MBA Interview Questions asked by the top business schools.
Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays
The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.
Waitlist Action Planner Template
• Weekly layout (Weeks 1–6) • Sections for: school engagement, updates, achievements, outreach, mindset goals • Columns for tracking actions, deadlines, and communications sent • Example of a completed plan for inspiration • Summary section for final reflection
Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application
A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.
How to Prepare for MBA Interviews with Former M7 Admissions Officers
In this session, former M7 admissions officers Kelsey K. (Columbia), Mike H. (Stanford), and Christine B. (Booth) will share insider strategies on how to prepare for one of the most critical parts of the MBA application process: the interview. From traditional behavioral questions to school-specific formats, you’ll learn what top programs are really evaluating and how to showcase your strengths with confidence. You’ll also gain practical tips on structuring your answers, communicating your story clearly, and avoiding the common mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or gearing up for final rounds, this session will equip you with the tools and insights you need to stand out in MBA interviews.
MBA Interviews Series: Stanford GSB
Jumpstart your Stanford GSB MBA interview prep with up-to-date insights and stage-specific strategies. As application deadlines approach, join expert coach and GSB Grad Claire R. who will help you understand what’s expected, how to prepare, and how to stand out. You’ll learn about the format of the GSB interview (alumni-led, behavioral, highly structured), the key evaluation criteria, and how to craft strong stories using frameworks while balancing polish and authenticity. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear action plan for your interviews—what to practice, how to outline your answers, and how to present your best self when your invitation arrives.
The Military-to-MBA Timeline: What to Do and When
After this session, you will know exactly how to sequence your MBA application efforts as a military candidate, from when to start building your school list to how to time your GMAT prep around separation or transition milestones. You will also leave with a clear picture of how to frame your service record for civilian admissions committees and which application components military candidates most often underinvest in.
How to Answer Stanford’s “What Matters Most to You and Why?”
Stanford’s “What matters most to you and why?” is one of the most challenging MBA essay prompts, and many applicants struggle to answer it with real depth and clarity. This session is for candidates applying to Stanford who want to approach this essay with a more thoughtful and effective strategy. You’ll learn how to identify a meaningful central theme, avoid common pitfalls that make essays feel surface-level, and structure a response that feels both personal and compelling to admissions readers.
Introduction to MBA Narrative Brainstorming
Learn to uncover and articulate your personal and professional story—clarifying what drives you, what you’ve done, and where you want to go—to form the foundation for your MBA applications.
Nailing the MBA Interview
In this panel, MBA admissions experts will share strategies to help you prepare for one of the most critical parts of the application process: the interview. From common question types and school-specific approaches to storytelling techniques and pitfalls to avoid, you’ll get insider perspectives from Oren M., Emily L., and Temi O. Whether you’re gearing up for Round 1 interviews or looking ahead to Round 2, this session will give you practical tips, proven frameworks, and the confidence to walk into your MBA interviews fully prepared.
15 Challenging GMAT Questions
An overview of 15 challenging GMAT questions and walkthroughs.
MBA to Consulting Panel
Still planning to break into consulting before graduation? You're not alone, and it's not too late. This panel is designed for MBA students who are exploring full-time roles in consulting, whether you’re re-recruiting, pivoting, or looking to refine your strategy. Hear from Taylor R., Andrew H., and Rifat M., all of whom successfully landed consulting offers later in the MBA journey as they share practical advice on networking, storytelling, case prep, and how to stand out in a competitive recruiting cycle. If you're hoping to make the jump into MBB or other top firms, this session will help you make the most of the months ahead.
Conclusion of Module 1
Review your progress and refine your brainstorm to prepare for essay drafting.
Columbia Business School: Interview Answer Worksheet
Worksheet designed to help applicants prepare for Columbia Business School interviews by organizing responses to behavioral questions using the STAR framework.
