Leland+ Content Library

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.

The PhD Statement of Purpose: Research Fit, Faculty Fit & What Actually Belongs [9/28/2026] (Recording)

What We’ll Cover What admissions committees actually look for in a PhD SOP How to articulate your research interests clearly How to demonstrate meaningful faculty and program fit How specific you should be about future research Common SOP mistakes that weaken strong candidates How to balance your background, research experience, and future goals How to tailor your SOP for each program without rewriting it from scratch

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.

MBA Behavioral Interviews: How to Tell Stories That Stand Out [10/8/2026] (Recording)

"Tell me about a time you failed." "Describe a situation where you faced conflict." "Give me an example of your leadership." These questions sound straightforward, but choosing the right story and knowing how to tell it can make all the difference. Join Loubna Bouamane, former Director of MBA Admissions and founder of The Admission Concierge, for a practical session on mastering behavioral MBA interview questions. We'll explore how to select compelling examples, structure your answers, and demonstrate your impact without sounding rehearsed. Key Takeaways - Choose the right stories: Identify experiences that demonstrate leadership, resilience, teamwork, and self-awareness. - Structure compelling answers: Learn how to use the STAR method to communicate your actions, impact, and lessons learned. - Avoid common mistakes: Discover how to handle difficult questions about failure and conflict while keeping your answers authentic and memorable.

PhD Applications: How to Identify Faculty Fit and Reach Out Strategically [9/24/2026] (Recording)

We'll cover: How to identify genuine research fit beyond simply matching keywords How many potential advisors you should identify at each program How to find out whether a professor is actually taking students When you should—and shouldn't—contact faculty before applying How to write a faculty outreach email that is specific without sounding transactional How to interpret responses like “I encourage you to apply,” “admissions are handled by the committee,” or no response at all How funding and faculty availability can affect your school list How to discuss faculty fit effectively in your Statement of Purpose What to do when your ideal professor isn't accepting students

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