Leland+ Content Library

What You NEED to Know Before Submitting Your BYU App (From a Former Admissions Officer)

Get an inside look at how BYU evaluates applications from someone who used to help make the decisions. In this session, expert Leland coach and former BYU’s Admissions Committee Christian H. will break down what truly matters in your essays, activities, and recommendations—and what applicants often misunderstand. You’ll learn how to present your story with authenticity, avoid common red flags, and highlight the qualities BYU values most. Perfect for anyone who wants to maximize their chances before hitting “submit.”

MBA to Consulting: How to Nail the Interview

Consulting interviews are some of the toughest in the MBA world—and breaking into a top firm requires mastery of both case and behavioral components. In this workshop, Erik Z. —a former Bain consultant and manager who spent three years on the “other side” of recruiting—will walk you through exactly how to prepare. Having conducted 300+ mock interviews, authored an MBA interview case at Bain, and coached candidates (including many from non-traditional backgrounds) into MBB, Erik brings insider knowledge of what firms truly look for. He’ll cover networking strategy, resume positioning, case frameworks, behavioral excellence, and the nuances that help you stand out during recruiting season. Whether you're prepping for on-campus recruiting or pivoting into consulting post-MBA, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to excel.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Columbia

Applying to Columbia Business School’s deferred MBA program is a unique opportunity—and a uniquely competitive one. In this session, Melanie E.—a multi-disciplinary coach featured in Forbes, NBC, ABC, CBS, Business Insider, and TEDx—will break down exactly what CBS is looking for and how to position yourself as a standout candidate. With deep experience coaching applicants into top MBA programs and a coaching style tailored to each individual’s strengths, Melanie will walk you through how to craft a compelling narrative, highlight leadership potential, and approach Columbia’s essays and recommendations with clarity and strategy. Whether you’re early in your MBA exploration or preparing to hit submit, this session will give you actionable insights to strengthen your CBS deferred application.

Gaming the GMAT FE: Advanced Strategies to Outsmart the Test and Break 705

The GMAT Focus Edition rewards strategy just as much as content mastery—and if you understand how the test thinks, you can dramatically boost your score. In this workshop, Mihir G.—a top GMAT FE scorer (765, 100th percentile) and strategic test-prep specialist—will teach you the advanced tactics, time-management systems, and pattern-recognition techniques that high scorers use to break the 705+ threshold. Drawing on his deep understanding of the exam’s logic and structure, Mihir will walk you through how to approach problems with efficiency, eliminate traps, and leverage a results-driven framework tailored to your strengths. Whether you’re stuck at a plateau or aiming for a top-tier MBA score, this session will give you the tools to think like the testmaker and outperform the competition.

Choosing Your Target Law Schools

Selecting the right law schools is one of the most important steps in shaping a successful application strategy. In this session, UCLA Law Alum and Law Review Editor Michael S. will guide you through factors to consider, including program strengths, culture, location, and career outcomes. You’ll learn how to match your profile to schools where you’ll be both competitive and fulfilled, and how to prioritize applications to maximize your chances of admission. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework for identifying and targeting the schools that align best with your goals.

Investment Banking Interview Essentials for MBA Students

Preparing for Investment Banking Summer Associate interviews requires a level of polish, depth, and business maturity far beyond the analyst track—and this workshop is designed to get you there. We’ll cover how to tell a compelling, experience-driven story, articulate a convincing and credible “Why IB,” speak intelligently about current deals and market dynamics, and demonstrate a command of both technicals and the sector you’re targeting. You’ll also learn what banks expect specifically from Summer Associates: leadership, client readiness, process ownership, and the ability to think strategically at a higher altitude and a deeper level. If you're an MBA student aiming for IB recruiting, this session will help you stand out as a confident, capable associate-level candidate.

Building a Memory Palace - Example

A walk through example of how to use memory palaces for your most difficult questions. In this video we will be learning GRE vocabulary using the memory palace method.

GRE Analytical Writing Assessment Breakdown

In this lesson you will get an overview of the Analytical Writing Assessment as well as a high-level view of the issue essay, essay structure, and other strategies and tips.

Review Hard Data Analysis & Arithmetic

In this review we will cover counting, probability, and statistics as well as additional examples for data analysis and arithmetic.

Review Hard Reading Comprehension & Critical Reasoning

Here we will review reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and the 7 deadly wrong answers. We will also explore additional examples for reading comprehension and critical reasoning and learn some new vocabulary.

Ask Me Anything: IB Recruiting Insights from a Former Lazard Banker

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—especially if you're targeting elite boutiques or specialized coverage groups. In this AMA-style workshop, Akaash P.—a former Lazard banker with hands-on experience across Media & Telecom, Restructuring (RX), FIG, Energy, and Software—will give you an inside look at what it takes to stand out in IB recruiting. Drawing on cross-sector banking and investing experience, as well as coaching candidates into top groups at elite firms, Akaash will answer your questions on technical prep, industry-specific expectations, crafting a differentiated story, and navigating competitive recruiting processes. Whether you're aiming for M&T, RX, FIG, Energy, or Software roles, or simply want to understand the landscape better, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights to elevate your recruiting strategy.

Navigating an AI Career: from Google to Microsoft to AI startups

Curious what it’s really like to build a career in AI—and how to stand out in one of tech’s fastest-growing fields? In this session, Michael A., who previously worked at McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft, and who now works with AI startups, will share insights from his own journey across big tech and emerging companies. You’ll learn how to identify the right roles in AI, what skills and experiences matter most to hiring teams, and how to position yourself for long-term success in this evolving space.

Essay Edit: Watch Me Transform an Underwhelming Master Essay Draft

Ever wonder what turns a decent essay into an admit-worthy one? In this live session, expert Leland coach and former AdComs at Harvard Karla M. will walk you through the process of transforming a real, underwhelming master’s essay into a compelling, polished narrative. You’ll see how to refine structure, elevate storytelling, and bring clarity and personality to your writing. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework and practical editing techniques to strengthen your own essays and stand out in the admissions process.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Stanford

Get an inside look at what Stanford GSB seeks in Deferred MBA candidates and how to bring your unique story to life. Expert Leland coach and GSB alum Ben L. will break down the qualities Stanford cares about most—impact, curiosity, and personal growth. You’ll leave with concrete strategies to articulate your values, achievements, and ambitions in a way that resonates with the GSB admissions committee.

Before You Hit Submit: Tips to Make Your College App Shine

As deadlines approach, this workshop will walk you through the final steps that take a college application from good to unforgettable. Our expert panel will cover how to polish your essays, strengthen your storytelling, and make strategic last-minute tweaks that help you stand out in competitive pools. Meet Your Coaches: Jessica F. — Harvard alum with 30 years of experience helping students get into top schools through expert essay and application guidance. Liz C. — Duke MBA and storytelling specialist with an almost 100% BYU admit rate, known for elevating nontraditional and healthcare-focused applicants. Luzy G. — Harvard graduate with 4+ years of consulting experience whose students have been admitted to top universities—and who earned full-ride scholarships herself.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Harvard

Join us for an insider-focused session on the Harvard Future Leaders deferred MBA program. Expert Leland coach and former HBS AdCom Geri T. will break down what makes HBS’s deferred pathway unique, how the admissions committee evaluates early-career candidates, and what “leadership potential” really looks like at this stage. You’ll learn how to position your experiences, craft a compelling narrative, and avoid the strategic mistakes most applicants make. Ideal for undergrads and master’s students aiming to build a standout HBS application from the ground up.

Oops!: How to recover and still ace the case

We've all been there - the case is going well, but you hit a wall or make a mistake, and suddenly things seem to be going downhill. Don’t panic - great candidates make mistakes all the time. What separates the pass from the fail is how smoothly you recover. In this webinar, we’ll break down exactly how to bounce back when things go sideways in a case. You’ll learn how to: - Recognize when you’ve veered off track (before the interviewer does) - Correct mistakes confidently without derailing the conversation - Manage nerves and avoid the “spiral” effect after a slip-up - Turn errors into moments that impress interviewers with poise and clarity - Use "zero defect" strategies to prevent common errors We’ll walk through real examples of common case pitfalls — and model what strong recoveries sound like. By the end, you’ll have a practical playbook for staying composed, regaining momentum, and delivering a strong finish even when the start wasn’t perfect. If you’ve ever thought “welp, I blew it,” this session is for you. Come learn how to turn your oops moments into offers.

How to Fix Your MBA Essays Without Starting Over

If your essay feels off, and you're wondering how to fix them without starting over, tune in to learn about the most common issues and how to fix them

Breaking into Venture Capital - Ask Me Anything

Venture capital is one of the most competitive and relationship-driven industries to break into—but this AMA will give you rare, unfiltered access to someone who’s done it. Jason C. has spent the last decade building and investing in companies, from founding two startups to becoming a partner at Contrary shortly after graduating from Wharton/Lauder. He’s led investments in standout companies like Orchard Robotics, Nomic, and Endeavor AI, and his angel portfolio includes high-growth names such as Warp, Ramp, Clara, and Slingshot AI.

Networking Like a Product Management PRO

Tips and Tricks to Effectively Build Your Product Management Network