Leland+ Content Library

How to Land an Interview at an MBB Firm

​McKinsey, Bain, and BCG are among the most competitive employers in the world—so how do you actually land an interview? In this panel, three top Leland consulting coaches will share the insider strategies, application tactics, and networking approaches that helped them break into MBB and that they now use to coach candidates into these firms. ​Hear from James H., a Columbia MBA, former McKinsey consultant, and ex-McKinsey interviewer; Annika F., a Bain consultant, HEC Paris MBA, and ICF-certified coach; and Sushmitha R., an MIT Sloan alum and former BCG summer consultant. Together, they’ll break down how to craft standout resumes, position nontraditional backgrounds, build meaningful networking connections, and align your story with what MBB teams are truly looking for. Whether you're an undergrad, MBA student, or career-switcher, this session will give you a clear roadmap to landing the interview that changes everything.

Brand Nurturing Plan

To nurture your brand on LinkedIn or other platforms, start simple so you don’t get overwhelmed. It’s better to start simple and small so you’ll follow through.

Leveraging AI for MBA Applications (while also not cheating)

How can you make the most of GenAI tools to leave no stone unturned in your MBA process? What are the right and wrong ways to be leveraging AI as you build out your applications? I'll help you lower your anxiety around this topic, and help you use AI to complement your thinking on other critical questions like: - "How do I know what programs are the best fit for me?" - "How do I even go about researching my target programs?" - "How can I use it to level up my writing? What pitfalls do I need to avoid?” - "How can I map out my timeline for applying to MBAs?" - "How can I use AI to complement my live interview prep? - "How can I be sure my AI-based research is accurate?" The idea behind this session is twofold: 1) lending you tactical tips to raise the quality of your MBA applications in a world of limited time. (2) helping you think in ways that go beyond the specific questions we cover, so that you can generate plenty questions of your own. As someone who advises people on everyday-life-AI and has also worked with a handful of startup CEOs and investors on layered, complex research requiring heavy AI use, I'll help you make the most of our latest tech without compromising the integrity of your applications. I hope you leave feeling this whole MBA project is something doable, with a few AI-powered arrows in your quiver that can simplify your life as you get there. If you’re interested in 1:1 coaching, you can always drop me a line through my Leland profile. See you soon.

Study Smart for GMAT Quant

​Preparing for the GMAT Quant section isn’t just about doing hundreds of problems—it’s about mastering strategy, review, and time management. In this hands-on workshop, expert GMAT coach Sage P. will guide you through a curated set of Quant problems to illustrate how top scorers think, study, and review effectively. ​This isn’t a lecture—it’s an interactive session where you’ll solve, discuss, and refine your approach in real time. Come ready to participate and leave with a clear game plan for boosting your GMAT Quant score.

Deferred (2+2) MBA Application Week Kickoff

Thinking about applying to a Deferred MBA program? Join us for Leland’s Deferred MBA Week Kickoff, featuring top Leland coaches Andy P. (20+ years of MBA coaching), Allie K. (75+ M7 Admits), and Geri T. (Founder of Harvard's DMBA Program), who have helped countless candidates get into the most competitive programs at schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.

Adcom Insider Tip #3

How Top MBA Programs Actually Read Essays (HBS vs GSB vs Wharton vs MIT)

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Booth's top-flight MBA program.

AdCom Insider Tip #1

Why International Applicants Get Misread in the U.S. MBA Process

GMAT, GRE & English Tests

Test options, typical target scores by school tier, TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo

Recommendation Letter Request: Sample & Pro Tips

See a sample recommendation letter request that gets results. Learn how to ask effectively for powerful endorsements!

Common Pitfalls in AI Writing

Checklist of common writing issues (tone drift, hallucinations, overconfidence) and how to identify and fix them.

Cambridge MBA | Application Essays

Successful admission with bursary scholarship

GMAT & GRE: Ratios and Mixtures

This is an overview of ratios and mixtures for the GMAT and GRE. Watch as this coach works through problems and see how logic and test strategy play a role in these quant questions.

Why Notre Dame? Essay

This is a successful essay for a Notre Dame undergrad applicant's "Why Notre Dame?" essay.

Financial Aid for International Students

Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, Prodigy/MPower loans, sponsorship options

Getting into Stanford GSB

Are you aiming to secure a spot in a top MBA program? Join me, Sydney, for an insightful session on how to navigate the MBA application process and stand out among a competitive pool of applicants. As a recent MBA graduate from Stanford's Graduate School of Business and a former MBA Student Admissions Ambassador, I am passionate about guiding prospective students through this journey. During this event, we'll cover essential topics such as general exploration, essays, application strategy, recommendations, and networking strategy. Whether you're considering applying in round 2 or looking for an extra push for round 1, this session is tailored for you. Let's work together to present your authentic story and find your passion through business.

Overview of the Waitlist Process

• Visual timeline from decision release → movement → final outcomes • Key decision points: R2 admit shifts, summer yield management • Typical volume of waitlisted candidates and admit conversion rates • School-specific examples (generalized, not data-heavy) • Summary: What you can and can’t control at each stage