Skip to main content

Leland+ Content Library

A Peek Behind the Curtain: How Your Application is Really Evaluated at Top Business Schools

A Peek Behind the Curtain: How Your Application is Really Evaluated at Top Business Schools

Have you ever wondered what happens once you hit submit? Join this one-of-a-kind event to learn what really goes on behind the scenes from two coaches who have seen it all. ​Christine B.'s 25+ year admissions career has included as an Admissions Director for The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, London Business School and Yale School of Management. ​Faisal K. has been an MBA coach for 15+ years, and worked with Christine as an admissions committee member at the Chicago Booth. ​This fireside chat between Faisal and Christine will explore how an application is assessed, decisions are made to interview and admit, and offer tips on how to put your best foot forward at the world’s most selective business schools.

2 contributors
Navigating MBA Admissions Panel

Navigating MBA Admissions Panel

The MBA admissions process can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make your application truly shine. Join top MBA coaches Faisal K. (Chicago Booth), Bill C. (Paul Merage) and Sue C. (Harvard Business School) as they break down key components of the process—from crafting compelling essays and securing strong recommendations to preparing for interviews. ​Gain practical advice and insider perspectives to help you tell your story effectively and stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your application, this session will equip you with the tools to navigate admissions with confidence.

Bill C.
3 contributors
Office Hours with Former MBA AdComs & Admissions Experts

Office Hours with Former MBA AdComs & Admissions Experts

​Join us for an exclusive Office Hours session with former MBA Admissions Committee members and top admissions experts! ​This is your chance to get insider advice on the MBA application process—directly from those who used to make the decisions. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative, avoid common pitfalls, and stand out in competitive applicant pools. Whether you're just starting your MBA journey or putting the finishing touches on your application, our panelists are here to answer all your questions. ​Meet our panelists: ​Faisal K., Chicago Booth MBA, Chicago Booth Admissions Office, coached 100+ M7 admits, 15 years of experience aiding US and international applicants translate their rich global experiences into compelling, relevant, and memorable applications. ​Avi L., UC Berkeley, former USC Director of Admissions and admissions reader at Berkeley, expert in helping applicants identify how to tell their story in way that makes them stand out. ​Emily L., UC Berkeley Haas, former Haas Co-VP of Admissions, trained and mentored by former M7 AdCom members, extensive experience with clients with below median test scores.

Avi L.
Emily L.
3 contributors
Your 90 Day Plan to a Successful MBA Application

Your 90 Day Plan to a Successful MBA Application

Build a winning MBA application in just 90 days! Learn to strategically tackle essays, recommendations, and deadlines for success.

Faisal K.
Top 5 AI Prompts Every MBA Applicant Should Master [7/11/2026] (Recording)

Top 5 AI Prompts Every MBA Applicant Should Master [7/11/2026] (Recording)

While you cannot use AI to write your essays (the adcom can tell!), in this session we will look at how to use AI as a smart diagnostic tool to strengthen your application materials. You will walk away with five specific prompts that help you audit your own work, strip out generic phrasing, and highlight the true impact of your achievements. While AI is excellent for identifying gaps and pressure testing your narrative consistency, it cannot replace the nuanced positioning that comes from human strategy. This session will show you how to use technology to clean up the baseline copy so you can then focus your energy on the deep personalization required for top tier programs.

Faisal K.

Free

From the Experts: What Wins in M7 MBA Applications [7/15/2026] (Recording)

From the Experts: What Wins in M7 MBA Applications [7/15/2026] (Recording)

Applying to M7 MBA programs can feel overwhelming when you're trying to understand what separates admitted candidates from the many other highly qualified applicants in the pool. This session is designed for prospective MBA applicants who want a clearer understanding of what top programs value and how to position their candidacy effectively. You’ll learn how admissions committees evaluate applicants, the common traits that appear across successful applications, and how to strengthen your story across essays, recommendations, and interviews. Attending live gives you the opportunity to hear directly from experts who have spent years helping candidates navigate the MBA admissions process and ask questions about your own application strategy. The speakers will share the patterns they see across successful applicants, along with what they look for when evaluating overall candidacy and fit. If you want a better understanding of what wins in M7 MBA admissions, it’s worth joining live.

Geri T.
Karla M.
3 contributors

Looking for something specific?

Tell us what else you’d like to see!

Documents Folder