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Personal Statement/Diversity Essay Brainstorm Guide
Your guide to uncovering authentic stories for your PS or Diversity Essay. This guide will help you go deeper with your personal stories and write something that deeply reflects who you are.
From Strong to Unforgettable: Crafting Essays That Break Into the Ivies
Applying to college can feel overwhelming—but with the right strategy, your application can truly stand out. In this workshop, Abigail L.—a Harvard-educated admissions consultant who has guided 600+ students to top schools including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT—will share what sets successful applicants apart.
Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.
Applied to 1000 Tech Jobs with No Luck? Stand Out with Personal Projects
“Applied to 1000 tech jobs with no luck.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—many candidates flood the market with generic resumes that don’t stand out. The truth is, recruiters and hiring managers are looking for more than just a list of responsibilities: they want to see initiative, impact, and skills in action. In this session, Annie F., a Leland coach with extensive experience in tech recruiting and product roles, will break down how personal projects can transform your application from forgettable to compelling. You’ll learn what types of projects make the strongest signals, how to showcase them effectively on your resume and in interviews, and why they often matter more than another line on your work experience. Whether you’re transitioning into tech or struggling to land interviews, this event will give you practical strategies to highlight your unique value and finally stand out from the crowd.
Develop Your Plan of Attack: Breaking 705 on the GMAT
Develop Your GMAT Plan of Attack: How to Break 705 with Precision, Stamina, and Strategy Crushing the GMAT isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about sharpening logic, mastering time pressure, and building test-day readiness. In this session, we’ll walk through how to practice effectively, which prep resources to trust, how to simulate the real exam environment, and how to craft a weekly study plan that builds stamina and precision. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to cross the 705 threshold with confidence.
The Application Mindset That Changed Everything: My Path to Stanford
Most school applications sound the same: "I've always dreamed of attending your prestigious program because..." But what if there's a completely different approach that admissions committees actually want to see? In this free session, I'll share the exact mindset shift that transformed my application strategy and led to my Stanford acceptance. You'll discover: - Why traditional application advice often backfires - The critical perspective change that makes you stand out instantly - How to demonstrate value to programs (not just desire to attend) - Real examples from my Stanford application materials Whether you're targeting top-tier programs or finding your best-fit school, this session will fundamentally change how you approach your applications.
Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay
Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.
From Draft to Done: Finalizing Your PhD Applications
Applying to PhD programs is a long process—and the final stretch can make all the difference. In this session, Madeleine L., Diane K., and Kenneth T., will teach you how to refine and polish your application materials so that every component works together to present a cohesive, compelling story. We’ll cover strategies for tightening your statement of purpose, ensuring your research interests are clear, aligning your recommenders, and avoiding last-minute mistakes. Whether you’re weeks away from submitting or just want a stronger review process, this event will give you practical tools to finalize your PhD applications with confidence.
Boston Consulting Group: Interview Prep
Overview of BCG’s interview process. Learners will master both the case and behavioral formats, understand what interviewers evaluate, and develop habits to stay calm, structured, and authentic throughout.
Master's Applications: School Selection Strategy
An overview of which schools to apply to for Master's programs.
AMA with Former AI Product at Amazon and RBC
Curious about what it takes to break into AI product management—or how to grow your career in the rapidly evolving world of AI? In this AMA session, you’ll have the chance to hear directly from Avinash M., a Leland coach and former AI Product Lead at the Royal Bank of Canada. Avinash will share his journey leading AI initiatives at scale, what companies are really looking for in AI PMs, and how you can build the skills and experiences that set you apart. He’ll also take your questions on everything from landing interviews to navigating technical conversations as a PM. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to pivot into AI, this is your chance to learn from someone who’s been at the forefront of the field.
How to Network (And Enjoy It!)
What is networking all about? What do I say to make conversation with a stranger? How can I approach new contacts and make progress in my career? Networking is an essential skill to developing your career and searching for a new job, but many people struggle with putting themselves out there authentically and being able to create a genuine connection with people. In this free workshop, Career Coach Connie Ma will guide you through the three steps of networking effectively and enjoying yourself at the same time: asking questions, listening actively, and sharing about yourself. Join us, and start feeling more confident, resourceful, and excited about your next networking encounter!
How to Break Into YC: Advice from Alumnus
Getting into Y Combinator is a dream for many founders—but the application, pitch, and selection process can feel opaque and daunting. In this session, join Nick V., co-founder & former COO of Relay (a YC-backed startup) and top-rated Leland coach, as he pulls back the curtain on what makes a YC application stand out. Nick will walk you through what YC looks for, how to frame your idea and progress, and what mistakes most founders make (and how to avoid them). You’ll leave this session with sharper clarity and concrete steps to strengthen your candidacy.
Columbia Business School: General Overview
Holistic information about Columbia Business School's admission statistics and program.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Crafting Your Throughline
Distill your story into a central theme or “throughline” that ties together your experiences and goals.
Work With Me!
Learn about personalized coaching options to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy. Get an overview of the personalized coaching options Joshua can offer to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy.
Tailoring Your Story for Different Schools
Adapt your core story for different MBA programs while maintaining consistency and authenticity.
Columbia Business School: Interview Answer Worksheet
Worksheet designed to help applicants prepare for Columbia Business School interviews by organizing responses to behavioral questions using the STAR framework.
