Leland+ Content Library

Telling Your Story

Build Your Own Personal Brand

Demonstrating Cultural Adaptability

Global perspective + U.S. fit

Common Communication Mistakes

Over-formality, vague leadership claims, jargon

Financial Aid for International Students

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

The "American Style" Application

Directness, reflection, vulnerability—all without oversharing

Storytelling vs Reporting

Avoiding resume repetition, writing essays that resonate

AdCom Insider Tip #1

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

Visa Strategy

F-1 visa basics, OPT, STEM extension, sponsorship challenges, school support

GMAT, GRE & English Tests

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

Tuition, Cost of Living, and ROI

Real budgets, affordability planning, Deferred Tuition education

Building the Foundations

Understanding The Process Before You Launch Your Journey

How U.S. MBA Admissions Work

Application components, holistic review, timelines (Round 1 vs Round 2), application portals

What Makes a Successful Master’s Applicant in 2025?

​Graduate admissions are evolving—and so are the traits that top programs look for. In this session, expert Leland coach Loubna B. will break down what makes a standout Master’s applicant in today’s landscape, from academic readiness to global perspective and career clarity. ​Whether you’re preparing to apply this cycle or planning ahead, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable insights to strengthen your Master’s applications in 2025 and beyond.

FAFSA 101

​Leland is excited to partner with CareerVillage to host this free event on navigating FAFSA! Paying for college or graduate school starts with understanding financial aid—and that means knowing how to navigate the FAFSA. In this session, Leland coach Loubna B., who has years of experience guiding students through competitive admissions and funding opportunities, will walk you through the FAFSA process step by step. ​You’ll learn how to complete the application accurately, avoid common mistakes, and maximize your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your FAFSA, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take control of your financial aid journey.

Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application

​A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. ​You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.

Why Round 2 Could Be the Smart Move for Your MBA Application

An overview of why you might consider round 2 as the potential sweet spot for MBA admissions

The PhD Edge: How to Craft a Compelling Application

Applying to PhD programs is about more than strong grades and test scores—it’s about demonstrating your potential as a researcher and future scholar. In this session, top admissions expert coach Loubna B. will share insider strategies for building a standout application that highlights both your academic strengths and your research vision. ​You’ll learn how to craft a compelling statement of purpose, showcase your research experiences, and position your long-term goals in a way that resonates with faculty reviewers. We’ll also cover how to secure strong recommendations, avoid common mistakes, and tailor your application to specific programs. Whether you’re early in the process or polishing your materials, this event will give you the tools and confidence to approach PhD admissions with clarity and purpose.

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.

Non-Traditional Background? How to Turn Your Background into an MBA Advantage [8/23/2026] (Recording)

If you’re applying to an MBA without a classic finance or consulting background, this session is for you. As a former Director of MBA Admissions, I’ve reviewed thousands of applications from artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, teachers, athletes, and career-switchers — and I know exactly how unconventional profiles can rise to the top of the pile. In “Non-Traditional Background? Here’s How to Make the MBA Adcom Say Yes”, I’ll break down how admissions committees actually evaluate candidates with unique paths, what they value most, and how you can present your story in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and strategically aligned with what top programs are seeking. We’ll cover: What “non-traditional” really means in MBA admissions The strengths and blind spots most unconventional applicants have How to highlight your transferable skills (leadership, analytical ability, impact) How to position pivots, gaps, or non-linear paths The elements of a compelling narrative that stands out Real examples of successful non-traditional admits A live Q&A to answer your specific questions Whether you come from the arts, education, government, startups, healthcare, hospitality, science, military, or any unexpected field, you’ll walk away with clarity and a concrete strategy for making the adcom say yes.

Applying to College in 2026? Here’s What You Should Be Doing Each Month [8/10/2026] (Recording)

In this session, former admissions director, Loubna Bouamane, will walk students and parents through the real college admissions timeline from May through December — including what actually matters each month if you're aiming for competitive U.S. universities. We’ll cover: How to build a balanced college list strategically When students should start essays (and why waiting until September is risky) How extracurriculars and summer activities should be positioned What admissions officers notice early in the review process Common mistakes students make over the summer Testing timelines, recommendation strategy, and application planning How to avoid creating an application that feels overly polished or AI-generated This session is especially helpful for: Rising seniors applying in Fall 2026 International students navigating the U.S. admissions process Families targeting selective colleges and universities Students feeling overwhelmed or behind