Leland+ Content Library

October Series - Crafting your Brand (Session 3)

We all know you can’t apply for jobs without a resume. While you technically can without a LinkedIn profile, it’s not advised. (Also, add a head shot...). Many job seekers try to fix things on the fly, but this approach is vague and leads to wasted time. Without a networking template, you’re flying blind, and without testing your materials, you’re stuck. Preparation means having your resume, LinkedIn, and networking materials ready before you start applying. It’s about making sure your documents are polished and your stories are clear. (Many people struggle with both). If you don’t prepare in advance, you’ll spend more time fixing mistakes and less time making real progress. Before you take off, make sure to run through your "pre-flight checklist."

Professionalism in Big Law Recruiting

The legal hiring market is accelerating! Not too long ago, most firms would engage in on-campus recruiting in between the first and second years of law school. Now, many big firms invite 1Ls to apply as early as their first semester. This session will cover how to search for summer associate positions, how to network professionally, and how to conduct yourself during interviews. As someone who has worked at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, one of the top law firms in the country, and navigated legal recruiting in smaller markets as well, I want to share with you the important tips that will help you highlight your strengths and pitfalls to avoid that could sink your candidacy.

What Successful MBA Applicants are Doing in January

January is a critical month in the MBA admissions cycle, and how you use it can set the tone for the rest of your application. In this session, Leland coach Jenny R., who has admissions committee experience at Wharton and has coached hundreds of MBA applicants, will share what she consistently sees top candidates focusing on during this window. Drawing on her years of admissions and coaching experience, Jenny will break down the specific actions successful applicants take in January, from refining their narrative and strengthening their profile to planning test retakes, recommendations, and school research. You’ll leave with a clear checklist of priorities and a smarter strategy for using January to position yourself competitively for the months ahead.

MBA Essays with AI the Right Way

AI tools are changing how applicants approach MBA essays—but using them effectively (and ethically) is the real challenge. In this session, expert Leland coach Eric L. will show you how to leverage AI to brainstorm, structure, and refine your essays while keeping your unique voice front and center. ​By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make AI your ally in the application process and walk away with actionable strategies to craft essays that stand out to admissions committees.

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

MBA Interview Success: What Top Programs Look For

MBA interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about showing who you are, how you think, and why you belong in a top-tier program. In this session, you’ll learn exactly how elite schools evaluate candidates, from behavioral depth and self-awareness to leadership potential and communication style. We’ll break down common interview formats (including blind interviews, behavioral deep dives, and scenario-based questions), teach you how to structure compelling answers, and share strategies for showcasing authenticity while still being polished and strategic. You’ll walk away with a clear playbook for standing out in any MBA interview setting.

Time GRE Verbal Timing & Pacing Strategy

This guide presents a structured approach to managing time during the GRE Verbal sections. It explains how to maintain consistent pacing, prioritize question types strategically, and make effective decisions when encountering difficult questions. Students will learn how to use timing checkpoints, implement a skip-and-return strategy, and allocate time efficiently across Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension questions. The guide also outlines a practical system for reviewing flagged questions and maintaining control of the section under timed conditions. This framework is designed to help students maximize accuracy while avoiding common timing traps, ensuring they reach every question and make the most of the available time during the GRE Verbal section.

Your Starter Pack for Med School Interviews

Preparing for medical school interviews can feel overwhelming—but with the right tools and strategies, you can walk in confident and ready to shine. In this session, expert coach Rasheca L. will break down everything you need to know to make a strong impression on interview day. ​By the end, you’ll have a clear starter pack of frameworks, practice techniques, and insider tips to help you stand out to admissions committees.

Ask Me Anything: Behind the screening curtain at MBB

Step behind the screening curtain of MBB with Alison L., a seasoned expert in strategic talent acquisition. With 15 years of experience between MBB, Alison has scaled and led global talent teams at McKinsey and Bain and served as a knowledge expert in BCG's global health care practice. These experiences have provided her some unique insights into their cultures and what they seek in candidates. Whether you're exploring a career in management consulting or preparing for interviews, this AMA session is your chance to gain insider knowledge and guidance.

Inside the Waitlist: How Admissions Really Uses It

• Define what a waitlist decision actually means • Explain why schools use the waitlist (class balancing, yield management, diversity mix) • Common misconceptions (e.g., “It’s a soft reject” vs. “It’s still active consideration”) • How timing, round, and school culture affect outcomes • Typical timelines • High-level do’s and don’ts immediately after being waitlisted

October Series - Finding Career Clarity (Session 1)

Most job seekers never take the time to define what they truly want from their next role. Instead, they rush into applications, hoping something will stick. This is the “career discovery” phase—your golden circle, your why. It’s about understanding what lights you up, what you jump out of bed for, and what your purpose is. These are tough questions, but they are essential. Skipping this step leads to wasted time and missed opportunities. The cost of not doing a self-inventory or clarifying your vision is that your job search becomes scattered and inefficient. Taking stock of your skills is a key part of this process. By getting clear on your direction, you set yourself up for a focused and effective search. Think of this as writing your playbook or creating your map before you set out on your journey.

If You’re Admitted vs. If You’re Not – Next Steps and Growth Opportunities

• What to do immediately if admitted off the waitlist (next steps checklist) • If not admitted: reframing and reapplication mindset • How to carry lessons forward to strengthen next cycle applications • Managing timelines (deposits, deferrals, reapp deadlines) • Closing encouragement: progress > perfection

Top 5 Tips for Your Law School Application [3/5/2026] (Recording)

Join Indrani as she goes over her top 5 tips to help you put your best foot forward as you apply to law school! A great law school application requires research, authenticity and hard work, and Indrani will help you strategize. She will go over the importance of the LSAT, putting together a thoughtful school list, who should submit letters of recommendation, how to go about writing your essays and the optimal timeline for getting it all done! The session will end with ample time for questions and answers.

LSAT 101: Final Prep for October and November LSAT

​With the October and November LSAT dates just around the corner, now is the time to lock in your final prep. In this session, Leland coach Zack A., who has helped students achieve top LSAT results, will share strategies to maximize your performance in the weeks leading up to test day. ​You’ll learn how to fine-tune your study plan, strengthen your timing and accuracy, and avoid the last-minute mistakes that cost valuable points. Zack will also cover section-specific tactics and test-day best practices so you can walk in confident and ready. Whether you’re aiming for a score jump or maintaining consistency, this workshop will help you finish your prep strong.

Example Personal Statement for PhD Applications

Successful personal statement for PhD applications in environmental science & geography

M7 MBA Essay Question Bank: Prompts by School (2024–25)

A reference guide to official M7 MBA essay prompts — organized by school. Covers all seven programs with each school’s full prompt list, word counts, what the admissions committee is actually evaluating per prompt, the most common mistakes that cost applicants, and strategic tips on what each school’s adcom is really looking for. Includes a format comparison table and universal essay principles that apply across all M7 applications.

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.

Permutations and Combinations for GMAT and GRE

An overview of permutations and combinations for the GMAT and GRE.

Waitlist 101 Guide

• Mindset shift: from “waiting” to “strategic repositioning” • Common emotional pitfalls (panic, over-updating, disengagement) • How to maintain professionalism and perspective • Setting intentions for the next 4–8 weeks • Quick self-checklist: “Am I reacting or responding?”

Nailing the Schwarzman Scholars Finalist Interview

Have you been selected as a Finalist for the Schwarzman Scholars program? If you've made it this far, a huge congratulations is in order, as you already overcame substantial odds - invitations to the in-person interview are extended to just 5-6% of the total applicant pool. However, the hardest part is yet to come! I'm here to offer advice and tips to help you navigate what will most definitely be one of the most unforgettable days of your life. This free event will cover what to expect in the Finalist round, alongside strategies to prepare for both the behavioral/application-based portion of the interview and the notoriously challenging 'Global Affairs' question.