Leland+ for MBA

Nontraditional Pre-MBA Resume Template

Pre‑MBA resume template for nontraditional “alphabet soup” public‑sector folks, turning govt and advocacy experience into crisp, admit‑ready impact.

Writing a Holistic Set of Kellogg Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)

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 Northwestern Kellogg admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Kellogg 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 Kellogg's top-flight MBA program.

Financial Aid for International Students

Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, Prodigy/MPower loans, sponsorship options

MBA Essay Development Requirements

A structured framework for developing compelling MBA essays that align your stories to admissions criteria and post-MBA goals.

GMAT, GRE & English Tests

Test options, typical target scores by school tier, TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo

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.

Storytelling vs Reporting

Avoiding resume repetition, writing essays that resonate

Ben L. (GSB Alum) Podcast Feature

Ben’s career has been anything but linear, from working at McKinsey helping prisons improve rehabilitation outcomes, to diving into politics, to supporting chess startups, his experiences are as diverse as they are fascinating. After struggling through the MBA application process himself, Ben became driven to help candidates craft powerful, authentic applications that truly reflect who they are. In this episode, Ben shares: How his varied career shaped his perspective on business school and beyond Why storytelling is the key to a standout MBA application How he helps candidates align their applications with their unique strengths and passions If you’re navigating the MBA application process, Ben’s insights will help you focus on what truly matters and make your story shine.

Visa Strategy

F-1 visa basics, OPT, STEM extension, sponsorship challenges, school support

Interviews for International Candidates

Mock structures + success strategies

How U.S. MBA Admissions Work

Application components, holistic review, timelines (Round 1 vs Round 2), application portals

Leveraging AI for MBA Applications (while also not cheating)

How can you make the most of GenAI tools to leave no stone unturned in your MBA process? What are the right and wrong ways to be leveraging AI as you build out your applications? I'll help you lower your anxiety around this topic, and help you use AI to complement your thinking on other critical questions like: - "How do I know what programs are the best fit for me?" - "How do I even go about researching my target programs?" - "How can I use it to level up my writing? What pitfalls do I need to avoid?” - "How can I map out my timeline for applying to MBAs?" - "How can I use AI to complement my live interview prep? - "How can I be sure my AI-based research is accurate?" The idea behind this session is twofold: 1) lending you tactical tips to raise the quality of your MBA applications in a world of limited time. (2) helping you think in ways that go beyond the specific questions we cover, so that you can generate plenty questions of your own. As someone who advises people on everyday-life-AI and has also worked with a handful of startup CEOs and investors on layered, complex research requiring heavy AI use, I'll help you make the most of our latest tech without compromising the integrity of your applications. I hope you leave feeling this whole MBA project is something doable, with a few AI-powered arrows in your quiver that can simplify your life as you get there. If you’re interested in 1:1 coaching, you can always drop me a line through my Leland profile. See you soon.

AdCom Insider Tip #1

Why International Applicants Get Misread in the U.S. MBA Process

Addressing Weak Spots

GPA conversion, school prestige gaps, job title confusion

Common Communication Mistakes

Over-formality, vague leadership claims, jargon

Adcom Insider Tip #2

How to Translate Global Impact Into U.S. Impact Language

Career Story & Post-MBA Goals

Structuring a compelling international career narrative

Building the Foundations

Understanding The Process Before You Launch Your Journey

Telling Your Story

Build Your Own Personal Brand

Translating Your Experience

Speak the US MBA Admissions Language