Leland+ Content Library

Navigating the MBA Waitlist Process

We will discuss how to navigate the waitlist process for MBA programs. While it is quite frustrating to not have closure after your decision, there is still hope! I will walk through my proven strategies for maximizing your chances of converting a waitlist into an acceptance! This will include: - General process and timelines - Common reasons people are waitlisted - How to plan structure your updates - What else you can do to improve your chances - Q&A

Your Guide to STEM Graduate School Admissions

Recording of a Leland webinar I presented on 02 Jan 2026 demystifying STEM graduate school admissions types and deliverables

Writing Compelling College Essays

College essays are your chance to go beyond grades and test scores and show who you really are. In this session, top Leland coach and former Stanford interviewer Alex L. will break down what makes an essay stand out, how admissions officers read them, and why many otherwise strong essays fall flat. You’ll learn how to choose the right story, write with clarity and authenticity, and craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

Essays (4): Duke Fuqua MBA Admitted Army Veteran

These are the 4 application essays of an Army veteran who secured R1 admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

The 5 Toughest MBA Interview Questions

Slides from event on 1/8/26 - Get everything you need to answer the 5 toughest MBA interview questions, including sample answers!

Access the Hidden Job Market

My best advice on how to network for a job

Stanford Masters' Student Resume

Employer-approved resume of recent Stanford graduate

Top 5 Tips to Break into IB

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—but with the right strategy, it’s achievable. Join Top 5 Tips to Break into IB, a focused session designed to give you clear, actionable guidance on how to stand out in the recruiting process. In this event, we’ll cover the five most important factors for breaking into IB, from building a strong resume and networking effectively to preparing for interviews and positioning your story. You’ll gain practical insights you can apply immediately, whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach. Walk away with clarity, confidence, and a smarter strategy for breaking into investment banking.

How to Land a Role in Business Strategy & Operations

Strategy & Ops roles sit at the center of how companies make decisions, solve problems, and scale—and breaking in requires a mix of strategic thinking, analytical skill, and crisp communication. In this session, you’ll learn what hiring managers look for, how to position your background (even if it's nontraditional), and how to prepare for the case, analytical, and behavioral components of the interview process. We’ll also cover how to craft a compelling narrative, build a targeted resume, and navigate recruiting across startups, tech, and high-growth companies.

Successful Environmental NGO Cover Letter

Example cover letter that was submitted as part of an application package for an environmental nonprofit

How to Stand Out in VC Recruiting

Venture capital recruiting is relationship-driven, competitive, and often opaque—and standing out requires far more than a strong resume. In this session, you’ll learn how VC firms actually evaluate candidates, what signals investing potential, and how to differentiate yourself through sourcing, market insight, and clear thinking. We’ll cover networking strategies, outreach, interview preparation, and how to demonstrate judgment and curiosity even without prior investing experience.

Pivoting into Equity Research: Tips for Early- and Mid-Career Professionals

Breaking into equity research can feel opaque - especially if you are coming from a nontraditional or STEM background - but the transition is absolutely achievable with the right strategy. In this session, Diane K. will share practical guidance drawn from her experience covering SMID Biotech and Healthcare at Goldman Sachs and working in corporate development at a venture-backed startup with over $650M in funding. You’ll learn the top things to consider when making an entry or pivot into equity research, how to position your background for research roles, and the key to-dos for getting started with an equity research job search. Whether you are early in your career or making a mid-career pivot, this workshop will help you understand what matters most and how to stand out.

Resume: Army Veteran Admitted to Duke Fuqua MBA

This resume showcases an Army veteran from a non-traditional background who earned R1 admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

S&T Interview Prep: Bond Market Fundamentals

A review of bond market fundamentals, covering key concepts and resources to build a strong fixed income foundation.

From Meh to Memorable: Law School Personal Statements

A strong law school personal statement can be the difference between blending in and standing out. In this session, top Leland coach and Harvard Law alum Dylan M. will break down what separates forgettable essays from memorable ones and why many applicants miss the mark. You’ll learn how to craft a clear narrative, highlight your motivations for law, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications.

Strategic Approach to GRE Quant Questions

GRE Quant can feel less about math knowledge and more about strategy—and that’s exactly where most test-takers lose points. Join this session, Strategic Approach to GRE Quant Questions, designed to help you think smarter, not harder, when tackling quantitative problems on test day. In this event, you’ll learn how to recognize common GRE question patterns, choose the most efficient solving methods, and avoid time-consuming traps that can derail your score. The session focuses on decision-making under pressure, strategic shortcuts, and knowing when to calculate, estimate, or eliminate answer choices. Whether you’re struggling to manage time or aiming to push your Quant score into a higher range, this coaching event will give you practical tools you can apply immediately. Walk away with clearer strategies, increased confidence, and a more controlled approach to GRE Quant questions.

Essays (4): UVA Darden MBA Admitted R1 Class of 28

These are the 4 application essays of an applicant who secured R1 admission to UVA Darden full-time MBA.

Networking and Building Professional Connections

Building strong professional connections is one of the most important skills for landing your first job, especially in a competitive market. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies for networking effectively, building authentic relationships, and turning conversations into real opportunities. Hosted by Leland coach Fiona T., who has helped hundreds of students land their first roles out of college, this event will break down what actually works when it comes to outreach, informational interviews, and follow-ups. The session will also cover considerations for international students navigating the U.S. job market, so you can network with confidence and purpose.

Positioning for IB and Buy Side

Breaking into investment banking or the buy side requires more than strong technical skills—it requires clear positioning. In this session, a top Leland coach and IB expert Adam B. will break down how to shape your story, experience, and skill set to appeal to both IB and buy-side recruiters.

How I’d Prepare to Land a SWE Offer in 90 Days (If I Were Starting Today)

Landing a software engineering offer in today’s market requires focus, structure, and the right priorities. This session breaks down how to approach SWE interview prep over 90 days if you were starting from scratch today. In this event, you’ll learn how to structure a realistic 90-day preparation plan, prioritize data structures and algorithms, practice coding efficiently, and prepare for behavioral and system design interviews. We’ll also cover common mistakes candidates make and how to stay consistent without burning out. Whether you’re early in your journey or restarting your prep, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap and actionable next steps