Leland+ Content Library

Applying to College in 2026? Here’s What You Should Be Doing Each Month [5/27/2026] (Recording)

In this session, former admissions director, Loubna Bouamane, will walk students and parents through the real college admissions timeline from May through December — including what actually matters each month if you're aiming for competitive U.S. universities. We’ll cover: How to build a balanced college list strategically When students should start essays (and why waiting until September is risky) How extracurriculars and summer activities should be positioned What admissions officers notice early in the review process Common mistakes students make over the summer Testing timelines, recommendation strategy, and application planning How to avoid creating an application that feels overly polished or AI-generated This session is especially helpful for: Rising seniors applying in Fall 2026 International students navigating the U.S. admissions process Families targeting selective colleges and universities Students feeling overwhelmed or behind

From College to Stanford GSB: The Deferred MBA Strategy Session (Feb 5)

Getting into Stanford GSB’s Deferred MBA program is not about checking boxes: it’s about building a strategy years before most candidates even think about business school. In this exclusive session, Dr. Loubna Bouamane, former MBA Admissions Director and founder of Admission Concierge, will walk you through exactly how top students position themselves for Stanford straight from college. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling early-career narrative, select the right internships and leadership experiences, stand out academically, and avoid the most common mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or recent graduate, this session will give you a clear roadmap to Stanford’s deferred MBA pathway with real-world insights from inside the admissions process.

From College to Stanford GSB: The Deferred MBA Strategy Session (Dec 11)

Getting into Stanford GSB’s Deferred MBA program is not about checking boxes: it’s about building a strategy years before most candidates even think about business school. In this exclusive session, Dr. Loubna Bouamane, former MBA Admissions Director and founder of Admission Concierge, will walk you through exactly how top students position themselves for Stanford straight from college. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling early-career narrative, select the right internships and leadership experiences, stand out academically, and avoid the most common mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or recent graduate, this session will give you a clear roadmap to Stanford’s deferred MBA pathway with real-world insights from inside the admissions process.

Round 1 MBA Application Strategy: Month-by-Month Plan

Most applicants think Round 1 starts when essays are released. It doesn’t. By the time you’re staring at a blank document in July, the strongest candidates have already done the hardest part of the work. Not writing but thinking. Not polishing, but positioning. What happens between May and September is where applications are won or lost. And the biggest mistake I see every year is candidates staying busy instead of getting strategic.

How to Get Started on Your PhD Application

Starting a PhD application can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin or how to position yourself for research-driven programs. This session breaks down the first steps that matter most, including identifying research interests, finding the right advisors, planning your timeline, and preparing key materials like statements of purpose and recommendations. You’ll learn how to build early momentum, avoid common missteps, and set yourself up for a strong application cycle.

Build Your Master’s Application Narrative

Many strong applicants struggle to clearly explain why their experiences, goals, and chosen program fit together into a compelling master’s application. This session is designed for candidates preparing graduate school applications who want to turn scattered achievements into a focused, persuasive narrative. You’ll learn how to connect your academic background to future goals, identify the experiences that matter most to admissions committees, and structure essays that present a clear story about who you are and where you’re headed.

The PhD Edge: How to Craft a Compelling Application

Applying to PhD programs is about more than strong grades and test scores—it’s about demonstrating your potential as a researcher and future scholar. In this session, top admissions expert coach Loubna B. will share insider strategies for building a standout application that highlights both your academic strengths and your research vision. ​You’ll learn how to craft a compelling statement of purpose, showcase your research experiences, and position your long-term goals in a way that resonates with faculty reviewers. We’ll also cover how to secure strong recommendations, avoid common mistakes, and tailor your application to specific programs. Whether you’re early in the process or polishing your materials, this event will give you the tools and confidence to approach PhD admissions with clarity and purpose.

Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application

​A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. ​You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.

Targeted School Essays

Harvard, Wharton, MIT Sloan, examples

Tuition, Cost of Living, and ROI

Real budgets, affordability planning, Deferred Tuition education

Storytelling vs Reporting

Avoiding resume repetition, writing essays that resonate

Translating Your Experience

Speak the US MBA Admissions Language

Behavioral Interview

STAR strategy + international context examples

School-Specific Interviews

HBS, Wharton TBD, MIT behavioral, Kellogg/team-based

LinkedIn & Online Presence

Strengthening credibility and recruiter alignment

Competency Questions

Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics

Waitlist Strategy

Updates, new achievements, school engagement

AdCom Insider Tip #5

What Admitted Applicants All Have in Common

Communication Coaching

Accent confidence, tone, pacing