Leland+ Content Library

Activities & Interests Overview for MBA Candidates

This video explains how to approach the activities and interests section of MBA applications.

MIT Sloan Optional Essay

An essay on a personal mission of giving back, influenced by family history and demonstrated with community advocacy and mentorship.

Essay Branding Analysis & Example

Learn to build a compelling MBA application narrative by transforming your personal story into a powerful statement of purpose and ambition

Bain Cover Letter Example – Rising Ross Senior & First-Gen Leader

A driven BBA candidate shares her journey from rural China to Goldman Sachs and PwC—now aiming to join Bain’s collaborative, impact-driven team.

Consulting Applications: An Overview

A guide to navigating the entire consulting application process, from networking and resume building to interviews and offer negotiation.

How to Network Into a Consulting Interview

Learn the networking strategies that actually work! We'll show you how to build a powerful professional network and get your foot in the door at top consulting firms.

Maximizing Your Campus Visit

This guide emphasizes the importance of campus visits for prospective students, offering advice on when and how to visit, what to observe, key questions to ask, and strategies for managing visit expenses.

Stanford GSB Letter of Recommendation - Intellectual, Committed Learner

This letter of recommendation emphasizes the applicant's intellectual maturity, commitment to continuous learning, and strong desire to contribute positively to various communities, citing her experiences in Rwanda and her proactive involvement in team-building and educational activities.

McKinsey Cover Letter - New Grad Full-Time

A cover letter for a McKinsey new grad role, highlighting a finance/tech background, passion for management consulting, and skills in advising clients.

Framing Professional Potential and Full-Time Work Experience

Learn how to position your full-time plans (after finishing your undergraduate degree) for the MBA programs you're applying to.

Kellogg Essay and Short Answer Examples – Leadership, Culture, and Collaboration

A compelling set of responses reflecting on cross-cultural leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to values like solidarity, inclusion, and ethical influence in high-stakes environments.

How to Case and What to Expect

New to case interviews? We'll break down the format, what to expect, and how to prepare for your first consulting case.

How to Write the Kellogg Purpose & Leadership Essay

A top MBA admissions expert analyzes a successful Kellogg essay and shares how to answer the prompt, "Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value."

Letter of Rec Example - M7 Admit

A deep dive into an impactful letter of recommendation. See how a powerful LOR can help you stand out and get into a top M7 MBA program.

Competitive Threats: Identifying & Addressing Market Risks

Learn how to analyze and identify competitive threats in a case interview. We'll provide a framework for assessing market risk and staying ahead of the competition.

Activities & Interests: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let small errors hurt your app—fix these frequent slip-ups in the activities section.

HBS Essay Example: Engineering Innovation & Impact

See how this deferred HBS admit, an engineer and innovator, navigated uncertainty and championed LGBTQ+ inclusion.