Leland+ Content Library

Craft Your Career Transition Story

A video to help you articulate a compelling narrative around your career shift, connecting past experiences with future goals for resumes, interviews, and MBA essays.

5 Tips for MBA Applicants from a Former Stanford Admissions Director

Insider advice on how to strengthen your MBA application—from storytelling and school fit to strategic positioning—straight from a former GSB gatekeeper.

Ace Your Interview!

A high-level guide to interview preparation, offering tips on confidence, structure, and storytelling to help you make a strong impression across MBA or job interviews.

Strategizing MBA Options for Experienced Candidates (EMBA Focus)

A resource for mid-career professionals exploring Executive MBA programs, with guidance on timing, program fit, and aligning your MBA choice with long-term leadership goals.

Is Now the Right Time for a Transition?

A reflective guide to evaluating personal, professional, and market factors when considering a career pivot.

(Jun. 2024) Former AdCom Evaluates an MBA Application

An insider session where a former admissions committee member walks through a real or simulated MBA application, sharing evaluation criteria, red flags, and tips to strengthen your materials.

GMAT/GRE Behind the Curtain: What are they really testing?

A deep dive into the purpose behind each section of the GMAT and GRE, uncovering the core skills schools care about—and how to align your prep accordingly.

L.E.K. Cover Letter Example – From Urban Education to Private Equity Consulting

A first-year MBA’s cover letter emphasizing leadership in large-scale school reform, interest in L.E.K.’s fast-paced PE work, and a desire to contribute strategic thinking and team management skills to client engagements.

Darden MBA Application Guide

Learn about deadlines, essays, and other elements of the Darden MBA application.

Strategies to Upskill in Your Career

Learn why upskilling matters and how you can build a plan to learn new skills in a way that works for you.

Ultimate MBA Networking Template Guide

A complete set of customizable email and LinkedIn templates for every stage of MBA networking—from cold outreach to post-interview follow-ups and status updates.

NYU Stern Example – Activities and Achievements List

A sample of curated extracurriculars and accomplishments designed to strengthen an MBA application by showcasing leadership, initiative, and impact.

HBS Example Essay – Breaking Cycles and Building Opportunity

A powerful reflection on overcoming systemic inequality, founding a nonprofit, and using impact investing to drive change for underrepresented communities.

Differentiate Your MBA Application: The Power of Deep School Research

How thorough school research can elevate your essays, interviews, and overall application strategy.

Deferred MBA Planning - Preparing for a Successful Application

Watch an event with Leland CEO, John K., where he walks through the components of and timeline for deferred MBA applications.

Amazon Interview Workbook – Full STAR Story Tracker

An organized spreadsheet for preparing Amazon interviews, linking behavioral questions to detailed STAR stories and key leadership principles.

Fuqua School of Business: 25 Random Things Example Essay From An Admitted Applicant

Explore a unique "25 Random Things" essay from an admitted Fuqua applicant, revealing personality beyond the resume.

Thinking Fast & Slow: Mastering Critical Reasoning with a Stanford MBA

Approach critical reasoning questions with confidence after practicing these techniques from a GMAT/GRE expert.