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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.
Crafting Your Throughline
Distill your story into a central theme or “throughline” that ties together your experiences and goals.
Stanford University Admit: Deferred Essay Examples
Read the deferred essay responses that got me into Stanford based on the 2024 prompts.
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.
October Series - Managing a Job Search (Session 4)
Stop moving in the wrong direction! It’s easy to confuse being busy with making progress. Not all activity is created equal. Many job seekers spend hours applying blindly or scrolling through job boards. But this kind of busywork often leads to burnout and disappointment. The real trap is measuring effort instead of results. (Read that again). What matters is focusing on high-impact activities and tracking meaningful metrics. If you don’t, you risk throwing darts in the wrong direction and wondering why you’re not hitting the board. While you might get lucky with sheer volume and the law of averages, it’s ultimately the quality and direction of your activity that truly counts.
Sequential Numbers Made Fast and Easy for the GMAT and GRE
Do you struggle with the quantitative part of the GMAT/GRE? Join the club! This workshop will teach you an easy way to tackle sequential numbers - and you'll knock down even the hardest questions in under a minute. This workshop will be hosted by Bruce H. - Wharton MBA and professional GMAT/GRE tutor. Bruce has helped over 300 students achieve their target test scores, and developed the rigorous GMAT/GRE curriculum at UCLA!
Beyond the GRE: Building a Winning Grad School Application
In this session, Leland coach Loubna B. will walk you through how to build a compelling graduate school application that goes far beyond just test scores. Drawing on her experience mentoring students into competitive master’s and PhD programs, she’ll share what admissions committees really want to see in your essays, recommendations, and overall narrative. You’ll gain actionable strategies for highlighting your unique strengths, showcasing research or professional experience, and weaving your story into a cohesive, stand-out application. Whether you’re early in the process or putting on the finishing touches, this workshop will equip you with the tools to craft an application that sets you apart.
Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect
Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.
Intro to MBA Essay Writing
Translate your narrative into compelling MBA essays that demonstrate clarity of purpose, authenticity, and school fit.
Writing the STARR Essay
Master the STARR (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) framework to highlight your leadership, impact, and growth.
Inside the Waitlist: How Admissions Really Uses It
• Define what a waitlist decision actually means • Explain why schools use the waitlist (class balancing, yield management, diversity mix) • Common misconceptions (e.g., “It’s a soft reject” vs. “It’s still active consideration”) • How timing, round, and school culture affect outcomes • Typical timelines • High-level do’s and don’ts immediately after being waitlisted
Top Leland Coach Reviews MBA Coaching Process with New Oxford Admit
In this session, Leland coach Ben L. sits down with his former client, Greg R., to unpack how Greg built a standout MBA application and navigated the admissions process with confidence. You’ll hear firsthand what worked, what didn’t, and how strategic coaching helped transform his story into an acceptance at a top program. Through their conversation, you’ll gain actionable insights on crafting a compelling narrative, approaching essays and interviews, and avoiding the common mistakes that trip up even the strongest candidates. Whether you’re just starting your MBA journey or putting finishing touches on your applications, this event will give you the tools and inspiration to nail the process yourself.
(Sept 2025) Demystifying Master's Admissions: What You Need to Know
Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? In just 30 minutes, this fast-paced and informative session will walk you through the essentials of applying to a master’s program—from choosing the right school to submitting a strong application. Whether you're returning to school after a break, switching careers, or aiming to level up in your field, this webinar will equip you with clear next steps, practical tips, and confidence to begin your journey. Join Amy G., Columbia & NYU Grad Enrollment Leader, to learn what admissions committees look for, how to stand out, and how to stay organized and focused throughout the process.
Landing Data Science Roles in Times of Change
Are you feeling uncertain about your next move in data science? Whether you’re stepping into your first role, navigating a career pivot, or aiming to level up, the path can feel overwhelming — especially in today’s fast-changing market. Join me, Cong, for a practical and inspiring session on navigating data science careers in times of change. With over 15 years of experience leading high-impact analytics at companies like Apple and DoorDash — and having recently helped candidates land data science roles at Netflix, Stripe, and beyond — I understand the pressure of high-stakes opportunities and what it really takes to break through. In this event, we’ll explore how to: • Navigate interviews with clarity and confidence • Frame your projects and experience for maximum impact • Build resilience to thrive in an uncertain job market Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, or experienced data scientist, this session will give you the tools and perspective to strengthen your job search and feel more confident in your next step.
Investment Banking Week (September 8-11) Kickoff
Join us for Leland's Investment Banking Week (September 8–11) Kickoff! Come hear from top IB experts Katharine J, Jonathan H, and Isha A. who have helped candidates break into leading Wall Street firms and excel in their roles.
Resumes 101: Mastering the ATS
Are you ready to take your resume to the next level and make it stand out in today's competitive job market? Join Bryan S. for "Resumes 101," where we'll dive into the essentials of crafting a resume that not only captures your unique personal brand but also passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) with ease. With extensive experience mentoring and coaching hundreds of transitioning military service members, spouses, and executives, Bryan has completed over 7,000 professional resume reviews. His background spans career development, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and more. As the CEO and Founder of multiple successful ventures, he brings a wealth of knowledge from international markets and organizations. In this session, we'll cover career planning, resume review, interview prep, networking strategy, job search strategies, and personal branding. Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking to make a transition, this event is designed to equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
MBA Interview Questions
Comprehensive list of MBA Interview Questions asked by the top business schools.
Stanford University Admit: Activities and Extracurriculars Example
See the activities and extracurriculars that got me into Stanford University.
Private Equity Full LBO Model Test
60-minute model test to prepare you for Private Equity interviews
Crushing PE Behavioural Interviews
The most commonly asked questions and model answers for them.
