Leland+ Content Library
Select a category
Popular on Leland+
Getting Started: When & How to Use Addenda
Optional addenda can be used for a variety of purposes. This guide will help you figure out if you need to include one or more optional essays.
Writing Standout DMBA Essays
Your Deferred MBA essays are your chance to show top programs who you are — but with limited experience, it can be hard to know what stories to tell and how to make them stand out. In this session, Leland Coaches Ben L., Melanie E., and Olivia P. — who have helped dozens of early-career applicants get into programs like HBS, GSB, and Wharton — will break down what makes a winning essay. They’ll share proven strategies for identifying your strongest themes, crafting a clear and authentic narrative, and avoiding the common pitfalls that hold candidates back. You’ll leave with a sharper sense of how to approach each prompt, connect your story to your goals, and position yourself as a must-admit candidate in this year’s Deferred MBA cycle.
Sample Successful Personal Statements
Examples can spark ideas for style, structure, and content. Just remember, no two personal statements ever look the same.
How to get MBB Offers
Breaking into McKinsey, BCG, or Bain is one of the most competitive career goals out there—but with the right preparation and strategy, you can set yourself apart. In this session, expert Leland coaches and former MBB consultants Alex S. (McKinsey interviewer), Tim F. (BCG Project Leader), and Ashwin S. (Bain Manager) will walk you through exactly what it takes to land an offer. By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step game plan to position yourself as a top candidate and maximize your chances of landing that coveted MBB offer.
Sample Redlined Optional Essay
Seeing red? Good! This example shows you how even short optional essays need thorough editing and revision.
Addenda Templates & Tips
If you know you need a certain type of addenda but feel unsure of how to approach it, try using one of these templates to get started
Comprehensive Personal Statement Editing Checklist
The checklist is thorough for a reason. Perfection isn't easy, it takes time. Use this checklist to guide you on your journey.
Networking Your Way Into Private Equity
In private equity recruiting, your network can be just as important as your resume. In this workshop, Nina M.—a former Growth Equity Investor and Analyst at Goldman Sachs—will share how to strategically build relationships that open doors to top PE firms. With over seven years of experience in private equity and more than 100 candidates successfully coached into competitive finance roles, Nina will walk you through how to identify key contacts, craft thoughtful outreach messages, and turn conversations into real opportunities. Whether you’re breaking into the industry or planning your next move, this session will give you the tools and confidence to network effectively and accelerate your private equity career.
Stop Guessing: Real AI Use Cases for Growing Your Business
AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool that can unlock growth, efficiency, and insight when used strategically. In this session, Matthew W. a Leland coach, AI expert and 2x Founder with a background from Meta and Stanford, will walk you through real-world examples of how companies are using AI to drive measurable results—from automating operations and optimizing marketing to enhancing customer experiences and decision-making. You’ll learn how to identify high-impact opportunities for AI in your own organization, evaluate the right tools, and avoid common implementation pitfalls. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with practical frameworks and inspiration to start applying AI thoughtfully and effectively to grow your business.
From Good to Great: Editing 101
Editing is way more than rereading your draft. This guide will walk you through the process (pro-tips and all!).
Sample Redlined Personal Statement
Not sure how much editing you need? Here is an example of one (of many) rounds of editing with a client.
The GRE Is a Game You Can Win: Building Verbal Mastery Through Depth, Strategy, and Control
Cracking the GRE Verbal section isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary—it’s about mastering the game. In this session, expert Leland GRE coach Ralph L. will break down how top scorers approach verbal questions with strategy, precision, and confidence. You’ll learn how to build true verbal depth through smarter study methods, approach Reading Comprehension and Text Completion questions strategically, and maintain control under timed conditions. By the end, you’ll have a practical framework to study efficiently, avoid common traps, and play the GRE verbal game to win.
IB Resume Secrets: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't)
Breaking into investment banking starts with one thing: a resume that grabs attention. But with so many conflicting tips out there, it’s hard to know what really matters to recruiters and deal teams. In this session, Ryan T., a former Investment Banker at Wells Fargo Securities with nearly 5 years of experience in healthcare investment banking, will reveal what top firms actually look for in resumes. Ryan has served as Staffer, Recruiting Team Captain, and Manager - interviewing, hiring, and training multiple analyst classes while executing $10B+ in deals across 90+ transactions. He’s also coached 70+ candidates into roles at leading firms, so you won't want to miss his advice! You’ll learn how to structure your bullet points for maximum impact, highlight the experiences that truly matter, and avoid the common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re recruiting for summer analyst positions or full-time roles, this session will give you the insight and clarity to stand out in one of the most competitive fields in finance.
Things You Need to Know Before Submitting Your Law School Application
As deadlines approach, it’s essential to make sure every piece of your law school application tells a cohesive and compelling story. In this panel, expert Leland law school coaches will share insider tips on how to polish your materials, avoid last-minute mistakes, and approach submission day with confidence. From personal statements and addenda to letters of recommendation and timing strategy, you’ll learn what admissions committees are really looking for in the final stretch. Whether you’re putting finishing touches on your application or preparing for future cycles, this session will give you the clarity and tactical guidance to submit with confidence. Meet Your Panelists Yaseen E. – Law school admissions coach with a track record of helping students gain admission to top programs through strategic storytelling and strong LSAT preparation. Margo K. – Former admissions professional with years of experience guiding applicants in crafting standout essays and identifying best-fit law schools. Ruthie S. – Law school coach specializing in personal statement development, application strategy, and helping students find their authentic voice in the admissions process.
Writing Strong Statements for Graduate Applications: Purpose, Diversity, and Research
Your graduate application statements are a critical opportunity to show admissions committees who you are, what drives you, and how you’ll contribute to their program. In this session, expert Leland coach and former UC Irvine Program Director Bryan M. will guide you through crafting essays that effectively convey your purpose, highlight your unique perspective, and showcase relevant research or professional experiences. By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to write statements that stand out and make a lasting impression on admissions committees.
Round 2 MBA: What You Need to Do Between Now and the Deadlines
Round 2 MBA deadlines are just around the corner—and what you do in the next few months can make or break your application. In this session, you will learn how to prioritize your time, strengthen your materials, and fill any remaining gaps in your candidacy. Faisal K. brings admissions experience from Chicago Booth, Oren M. previously served in Wharton’s admissions office, and Jenny R. is a former Stanford GSB Admissions Officer—together, they’ve helped hundreds of applicants gain admission to top programs. You’ll learn exactly where to focus your energy—from refining your essays and securing powerful recommendations to polishing your resume and prepping for potential interviews. Whether you’re just starting your Round 2 applications or putting on the finishing touches, this session will help you create a clear, actionable plan to submit your strongest possible application.
Tips for Success: Navigating the Deferred MBA recommendation Process
Applying to deferred MBA programs is a unique challenge—especially when it comes to securing strong recommendation letters. Your recommenders can make or break your application, but knowing who to ask, how to prepare them, and what schools are really looking for can be tricky to navigate. Join Claire R., a former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford GSB and MBA graduate of Yale SOM, for an insider’s guide to navigating the deferred MBA recommendation process. Drawing on her experience evaluating applications at one of the world’s top programs, Claire will share how to select the right recommenders, guide them to highlight your strengths effectively, and ensure their letters complement—not duplicate—your essays and resume.
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.
The Trusted AI PM: Build Products That Win Trust & Career Influence
The Trusted AI PM: Build Products That Win User Confidence and Career Influence The final masterclass explores how trust, transparency, and ethics make or break AI products - and careers. Through real-world stories and the 4 Pillars of Responsible AI, discover how PMs balance innovation with integrity to become trusted leaders inside their organizations. Learning Objectives Apply the 4 Pillars of AI Risk to any product. Conduct a mini bias audit for any AI feature. Design feedback loops that reinforce trust and fairness across releases.
Sloan Cover Letter
Example cover letter for successful Sloan applicant
