Leland+ for MBA

How to Ace the Wharton TBD (From an Ex-Admissions Fellow)

The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is unlike any other MBA interview—a fast-paced, collaborative exercise designed to test how you think, communicate, and lead in a group setting. ​In this session, Brian B., a Wharton MBA graduate (with honors) and former Admissions Fellow who helped run Wharton’s TBDs, will share insider insight into what the admissions team is really looking for. Having coached dozens of MBA candidates, Brian will walk you through how to prepare effectively, contribute with confidence, and stand out as both a strong teammate and leader. ​Whether you’ve received your Wharton invite or are planning ahead, you’ll leave this session with actionable frameworks and strategies to excel in the TBD.

How to Ace the Wharton TBD (From an Ex-Admissions Fellow)

​The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is unlike any other MBA interview—a fast-paced, collaborative exercise designed to test how you think, communicate, and lead in a group setting. ​In this session, Brian B., a Wharton MBA graduate (with honors) and former Admissions Fellow who helped run Wharton’s TBDs, will share insider insight into what the admissions team is really looking for. Having coached dozens of MBA candidates, Brian will walk you through how to prepare effectively, contribute with confidence, and stand out as both a strong teammate and leader.

MBA Interviews Series: MIT Sloan

​Get ready to shine in your MIT Sloan MBA interview with insider insights from current Sloan MBA and former BCG consultant Justin K. Join Justin for a deep dive into what makes Sloan’s behavioral interview unique—and how to stand out with confidence and authenticity. ​You’ll learn about the Sloan interview format, what qualities interviewers are looking for, and how to strategically prepare your stories using proven frameworks. Justin will share real-world advice drawn from his own experience at BCG, his acceptance into both MIT and Darden’s deferred MBA programs, and his success coaching candidates into MBB and top business schools. ​By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear game plan for your interviews—from structuring your answers to demonstrating leadership, curiosity, and analytical rigor—the qualities Sloan values most. ​

How to Create a Winning MBA Application

​Getting into a top MBA program is more than strong test scores and a polished résumé—it’s about telling your story in a way that resonates. In this session, you’ll learn from Rifat M. (HBS), Ben L. (GSB) and Rob R. (GSB, admitted to all M7 schools) about what schools are really looking for and how to approach each part of the application, from essays to recommendations to interviews. ​Whether you’re early in the process or gearing up to submit, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to showcase your experiences authentically and put together an application that stands out.

Creating the Perfect MBA Resume

Slides from a presentation on Aug 5, 2025 on Leland

Essay 1 Brainstorm & Structure Worksheet

A guided worksheet designed to help you brainstorm impactful stories, identify key themes, and structure your Kellogg essay 1 with clarity and purpose.

AI and Your MBA Application: Do’s and Don’ts for School Research

Thinking about using AI tools to streamline your MBA school research and networking strategy, and want to do so efficiently and ethically? Join me, M, for a practical and candid session designed to help MBA applicants use AI as a powerful tool for uncovering insights, identifying fit, and guiding meaningful outreach, all while staying focused on authenticity and personal reflection. This session will show you how to integrate AI into your research process, without relying on generic outputs or missing key personal connections. Learn how to craft strategic prompts that help you dig deeper into program offerings, find school culture and values that align with your own, and uncover talking points for essays, interviews, and outreach. I’ll share examples of weak vs. strong AI prompts and how to adapt AI outputs into meaningful, human communication.

Leveraging Events & Resources

How to make the most of info sessions, AdCom events, and student panels to build your story.

Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar Letter of Rec

Sample letter of rec for military vet selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

AI and Your MBA Application Do's and Don'ts for Interview Practice

Ready to leverage AI tools to elevate your MBA interview preparation but want to ensure you're doing it strategically and authentically? Join me, M, for a practical and actionable session designed to help MBA applicants use AI as a powerful practice partner while maintaining genuine responses and natural delivery. This session will show you how to integrate AI into your interview prep routine to simulate real interview scenarios, generate tailored questions, and receive instant, impactful feedback. Learn how to craft prompts that help you practice behavioral and school-specific questions, refine your storytelling, and analyze your responses. We’ll discuss how to use AI for mock interviews and avoid common pitfalls that can make your responses sound robotic or inauthentic. We’ll also cover ethical considerations, best practices, and how to blend AI support with real-world input for maximum value.

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.

Kellogg Program & Academics

Understand the structure of the MBA program, including majors, pathways, and global learning experiences that define Kellogg’s academic edge.

You've Started Your MBA App ... But Now What?

You've started your MBA application, but now what? You need to create a compelling application while navigating a landscape that has undergone a shift from last year. In this session, using real examples from past clients, you will learn how to craft a compelling elevator pitch that will drive ALL your application content. With over 15 years of experience in MBA coaching and a background as a former admissions committee member at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, I have helped over 100 applicants secure their spots at top business schools and will share what separates good applications from the bad. Whether you're applying for a traditional full-time, executive, or part-time MBA, this session will provide you with the tools and insights needed to craft a compelling application. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge in your MBA application process!

Sample Outreach Messages

Sample emails and LinkedIn messages to help you confidently connect with Kellogg student and alumni for networking and insights.

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7 - Asian Male - Consulting.

Optional MBA Essay Example – Low GPA

MBA Optional Essay Example addressing a low GPA and mental health challenges. Asian Male.

Top 10 Kellogg Facts Every Applicant Should Know

Learn the top 10 facts about Kellogg that applicants should be aware of during the application and interview process.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

Resume Template

An editable template designed to help you showcase impact, leadership, and clarity across every bullet point.

Full-time or Executive MBA - That is the Question!

One question I hear again and again is, "At my age, and with years of experience, should I be aiming towards a full-time MBA or an Executive MBA?" Some candidates worry that they might be too young for an EMBA. Others fear that they are overqualified for a typical full-time program. Still others wonder if a part-time MBA might not be all that they need, and is it really worth pursuing the other programs instead? Each type of MBA program comes with its particular advantages and disadvantages, and each one has its standard cohort, with the expected outliers. The question is really, what are you looking for? Why do you want or need to attend that program? Which will truly be the best for your particular goals? In this webinar we will start to open up these questions to bring clarity to the issue.