Roya R. | Leland

Roya R.

5.0

(2)

3 followers

Studied at Harvard Business School

Worked at McKinsey & Company

Available Friday at 1:00 AM UTC

Protected by the Leland Experience Guarantee

Available Friday at 1:00 AM UTC

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About Roya

My path to business school wasn’t linear—and that’s exactly why I love coaching. The first time I applied (Round 2), I was waitlisted after interviews at both schools. Instead of waiting a full year, I improved my applications in two months, reapplied in Round 1, and was accepted to both HBS and GSB. I know firsthand that getting into your dream schools can feel like a roller-coaster. I’d love to share what I learned, from strengthening my narrative under pressure to navigating waitlists and reapplications. I'd love to help you put forward the strongest version of your story!

Why do I coach?

When I first applied to business school, I didn’t use a coach. As an international applicant and a consultant, I knew I was competing in one of the most competitive segments of the applicant pool. I didn’t fully understand how to differentiate myself or how to frame my cross-cultural experiences in a way that felt unique and compelling. Because the consulting packages I saw were $5,000+ per application, I decided to go through the process alone. I ended up waitlisted at both of my dream schools, HBS and GSB. It was frustrating because I knew I was close, but something wasn’t landing. Over the next 2–3 months, I took a step back and did the deep work I hadn’t done before. I rethought my narrative, clarified what truly made my international journey distinctive, and figured out how to stand out in a pool of applicants who often looked just like me on paper. I also changed how I approached interviews—shifting from “what I’ve done” to “who I am and how I think.” Those targeted adjustments—small but high-impact—made all the difference. When I reapplied in the next round, I got into both HBS and GSB. That experience shaped why I coach today. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to craft a differentiated story in a crowded profile group. I also know that you don’t always need an expensive package or a complete overhaul—sometimes you just need clarity, strategy, and the right guidance from someone who has lived it. Coaching matters to me because I want to make that kind of support accessible. I love helping ambitious applicants articulate what truly makes them different, elevate their story, and ultimately compete—and win—at the highest level.