Leland+ for MBA

Ace MBA Interviews & Essays: Strategies for Why an MBA/Now/This School

Are you struggling to clearly answer “Why an MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why this school?” in both interviews and written applications? These three questions are the backbone of every strong MBA candidacy. In this focused 60-minute session, you’ll learn exactly how to approach them with clarity, specificity, and confidence. We’ll break down what admissions committees are really looking for, why these questions matter, and the most common mistakes applicants make. You’ll see detailed examples drawn directly from successful applicant materials, along with in-depth analysis of what makes each example strong or weak. We’ll cover how to link your background, needs, and goals to the right program features, how to avoid generic phrasing, and how to bring authenticity and structure into your responses. Throughout the session, I’ll highlight specific dos and don’ts and walk you through the progression from vague answers to compelling, school-ready responses. You’ll also see how your approach should differ between essays and interviews so your answers feel natural and appropriate in each format. We will close with a Q&A where you can ask about these three questions, your approach, or anything that wasn’t fully clear in the presentation. By the end, you’ll have a sharper understanding of what makes a strong response, how to integrate school-specific research, and how to communicate your story in a way that resonates in both interviews and written applications.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Booth

Learn what it takes to stand out in Chicago Booth’s highly selective Deferred MBA program. In this session, expert Leland coach and Admissions Fellow at Booth Tim F. will share insights on what Booth values most, from intellectual curiosity to leadership potential. You’ll walk away with clear strategies for crafting a strong application and telling your story with authenticity and impact.

School Agnostic Recommender Guide

Non-program specific recommender guide with templates.

MIT Sloan Personal Statement Short Answer

While MIT Sloan does not have a traditional personal statement, they do have a Short Answer portion of their application following their behavioral cover letter and video introduction. This is an example of the Short Answer from an MIT Sloan admit.

Georgetown McDonough Essays

Application essays for two short answer questions and one long form question for dual-degree applicants

Wrap Up Your MBA Prep Before R2 Deadlines

Get ready to submit your strongest Round 2 MBA application with guidance from top Leland coaches. This session will cover final essay tweaks, resume polish, recommendation strategies, and interview prep to ensure every component of your application is aligned and compelling. You’ll leave with a clear plan and actionable next steps to approach Round 2 deadlines with confidence.

MBA Application Strategy: The Six Pillars

A clear definition of the Six Pillars MBA admissions use to evaluate candidates, with guidance on how to demonstrate each through your experiences.

Recommendation Development Requirements

A clear framework for selecting strong MBA recommenders and guiding them to deliver compelling, criteria-aligned recommendations.

Michigan Ross MBA Resume: Admitted Student Sample

Review a sample MBA resume from an admitted Michigan Ross student, showcasing professional and leadership experience.

HBS Example Essay: My Journey to Inclusion

Explore a powerful HBS essay on how personal experiences with identity and inclusion shaped a vision for inclusive business and leadership.

Wharton Honors and Awards Example

A sample list of academic, professional, and leadership honors designed to illustrate how to showcase meaningful recognition in the Wharton MBA application.

LinkedIn AE, Fulbright Scholar & Wharton MBA Resume Example

A standout path from sales leadership to social impact to dual MBA/MA at Wharton Lauder—this resume blends strategy, language, and global perspective.

Why You Should Consider Getting an MD/MBA

Watch an event explaining the benefits of an MD/MBA degree.

Wharton Lauder Recommendation Prep

A prep doc shared with the applicant's recommender, outlining key strengths, stories, and values to highlight in the Wharton Lauder letter.

NYU Stern Career Goals Essay

From consulting to global film strategy to launching a production company—read a bold, purpose-driven vision for a post-MBA career.

MIT Full Essay Package

This document includes both MIT Sloan essays from an admitted client (cover letter and additional essay).

HBS Application Info - Summer Analyst and Insurance Roles

A breakdown of how one summer strategy analyst explained their role at Accenture, detailing key accomplishments like creating a pricing model that identified $10M in cost savings.

Decoding the GMAT FE: What You Need to Know Before You Register

Thinking about business school? The new GMAT Focus Edition is here—shorter, smarter, and designed to highlight the skills that matter most in today's data-driven business world. Whether you're transitioning from the classic GMAT or comparing it to the GRE, this session breaks down everything you need to know: from exam structure and section strategies to scoring and test-day logistics. Join us to get insider tips, practice problems, and the confidence to plan your prep—and your future—effectively.

Your 3 Month Application Prep Plan with ex-GSB Admissions Director

With three months remaining to the first application deadlines in the 2026 cycle, there are several steps and approaches you can take to strengthen your application. Understanding what you can adapt (the content of your application) and what you can't (where you have worked, where you went to school, your GPA, etc.) needs to be evaluated strategically. Having worked in admissions at Stanford for more than a decade, I will offer tips to help you begin your business school learning journey now, using what you incorporate in your essays, recommendations and resume to tie together other aspects of your application and story.

Financing Your MBA

In this 1-hour webinar, Juno co-founder and HBS alum, Nikhil Agarwal, shares several tips and tricks for mastering personal finances during your MBA school matriculation, including your options regarding federal and private student loans, how to compare your options the smart way, tax strategies, investment tips, and more.