Leland+ Content Library

Crafting a Winning Narrative: Harvard and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions

Elite college admissions are driven by how clearly and authentically you tell your story, not just by grades and test scores. In this session, graduates of Harvard and Stanford will explain how top schools evaluate applications and what makes a narrative resonate with admissions committees. You’ll learn how to connect your experiences, values, and goals into a cohesive story across essays, activities, and recommendations, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong profiles.

Deferred MBA Planning — Preparing for a Successful Application [3/5/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up for the deferred MBA application process sometime in the next couple of years? Join me for a session dedicated to making sure you are well prepared when application season rolls around. I'm John, CEO of Leland, and I'll be your host for this session. Prior to Leland, I was admitted to HBS 2+2 and Stanford GSB deferred, and then founded Deferred MBA Consulting. In the past 8 years I have helped thousands of people with their deferred applications. Space is limited, so make sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

The Comprehensive Guide to PE Secondaries Recruiting

Interested in recruiting for private equity secondaries? This PDF is a 25-page guide to private equity secondaries written by a former Blackstone Strategic Partners Associate who spent 4 years executing GP-led continuation funds and co-investments. Covers everything you need to land a secondaries role: what secondaries are and why the market exists, a deep dive into LP-led vs. GP-led transactions with walkthrough examples, the J-curve and how secondaries mitigate it, a ranked table of the top 25 secondaries firms by AUM, which major PE firms are launching secondaries practices (and why), 2024–2025 market data and trends ($226B+ in volume, the rise of single-asset CVs, credit and VC secondaries), 15+ technical interview questions with detailed answers, 10 behavioral questions with full sample answers, and a 'Why Secondaries' framework you can adapt to any firm. Updated March 2026.

Build Your Medical School Application Plan

Medical school applications are a marathon, not a sprint—and the right plan can change everything. This session helps you step back, see the full picture, and build an application strategy that actually works. You’ll learn how to map out your timeline, focus on the experiences and metrics that matter most, and avoid common missteps that derail strong applicants. If you want to approach the med school process with confidence and control (instead of stress), this session will give you the framework to do it.

Great Alternatives to the US for Grad School

For many applicants, top graduate programs outside the United States offer world-class education, strong career outcomes, and more accessible pathways to admission and visas. This session explores leading international destinations for grad school, how their application processes differ from the US, and what to consider when evaluating cost, career mobility, and long-term goals. You’ll leave with a clearer view of global options and practical guidance for building a competitive international application strategy.

The Investment Banking Behavior Interview: Prove Your Value

Investment banking behavioral interviews test more than fit—they assess judgment, resilience, and whether you’ll add value on day one. In this session, you’ll learn how to structure compelling stories, highlight impact under pressure, and answer common questions with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re preparing for first rounds or superdays, you’ll leave with a repeatable framework to stand out in behavioral interviews.

Eating for Weight Loss

Eating nutritiously means making choices that support your health. When creating meal options, it’s important to include a variety of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats on your weekly grocery list. Incorporating these macronutrients, along with plenty of fiber, will provide balance to meals, help you stay full longer, and prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. This resource includes pro tips and even a recipe or two! Enjoy!

Frameworking Mindset Shifts: How to Solve Any Case Prompt

After this session, you will have a repeatable mental framework for approaching any case prompt, regardless of industry or format. We will cover how to identify the core question beneath a prompt, how to structure your thinking before you speak, and how to shift your mindset from solving to synthesizing the way strong candidates consistently do.

The $100K H-1B Pathway: Landing Your Role in BigTech

Breaking into Big Tech on an H-1B can feel overwhelming, but the right strategy can dramatically increase your odds. In this session, we’ll break down how candidates successfully land six-figure roles at top tech companies while navigating visa considerations, recruiting timelines, and employer sponsorship realities. You’ll learn how to position your skills for high-impact roles, target companies and teams that regularly sponsor, and avoid common mistakes that limit international candidates’ opportunities. Whether you’re early in your search or actively recruiting, this session will give you a clearer roadmap to securing a Big Tech role that supports long-term career growth in the U.S.

Consulting Career Path Options for Experienced Professionals

Are you a professional (with or without an MBA) who is curious about a career in consulting and whether it's a viable option? Check out this resource to learn the answer to that question and more.

Find Your Fit: Where to Apply to Thrive

Where you apply can shape your growth as an engineer as much as the offer itself. In this session, you’ll learn how to evaluate companies by stage, team structure, tech stack, and culture to identify where you’re most likely to thrive. We’ll cover how to align your strengths and goals with the right environments and build a focused, intentional application strategy.

Personal Statements Deep-Dive

Your medical school personal statement is more than a summary of achievements—it’s how admissions committees assess your motivation, character, and readiness for medicine. In this session, you’ll learn how to structure a compelling narrative, highlight meaningful clinical and service experiences, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken strong applicants. Whether you’re drafting from scratch or refining a final version, you’ll leave with a clear framework to tell your story with focus and authenticity.

Experienced Applicant Resume Guide and Template

A sample generic resume format and guide for those with existing work experience targeting business related roles.

Build Your Software Engineering Resume

A strong software engineering resume does more than list languages and tools, it demonstrates impact, ownership, and technical depth in a way that quickly signals readiness to hiring managers. In this session, you’ll learn how to structure your resume, quantify your contributions, highlight meaningful projects, and tailor your experience for internships or full-time roles. Whether you’re a student, career switcher, or early-career engineer, you’ll leave with a clear framework to turn your resume into a powerful interview magnet. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot. We’re excited to be on the software engineering journey with you!

ADEA AADSAS - Manual Dexterity Essay

I have included an example of my manual dexterity essay for the ADEA AADSAS application. Please feel free to take a look for formatting and ideas!

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.

How To Step From Participation to Leadership in your Extracurriculars

A step by step framework for turning extracurricular involvement into leadership and impact.

LBS MBA Application Essays | Securing that interview!

These are examples of detailed MBA application essays that secured a place at London Business School.

Law School: Apps & Their Bits and Pieces

A law school application is made up of many moving parts, and understanding how they fit together is key. This session is designed to break down each component of the law school application and how they work together to tell a cohesive story. In this event, you’ll learn the role of LSAT scores, transcripts, personal statements, resumes, and recommendations, along with common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your materials, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of how to build a strong application.

Roadmap to College: A Values-Based Guide to Choosing the Right College

Instead of focusing on traditional ideas of “fit,” this values-based guide invites you to reflect on what truly matters to you. Through self-reflection and journal prompts, you will identify colleges that align with your values, interests, and goals. Designed for students in grades 9-12, it offers practical steps to help you approach the college search with greater clarity and confidence so you can make intentional choices and find a college community that's authentic to you.