MBA Admissions

I'm an admit of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Having read over dozens of essays and resumes from prospective applicants, and drawing from my own successful application journey, I have a deep understanding of what makes a truly stellar application, including the lesser known tips and tricks that one really only picks up from having gone through the process. In my own application to Stanford GSB, and other top schools, I approached every little detail methodically and carefully. I'm committed to supporting your application with this same type of intentionality and thoughtfulness. Your success is my mission. Wherever you are in the process, whatever your background may be, I'm excited to meet you where you're at and serve as a resource for you!

Welcome to my profile! As a dual-degree graduate from The Wharton School and Harvard Kennedy School, I bring a unique blend of business acumen and public administration expertise to my coaching. With experience as a Chief of Staff at Wellth and a Senior Consultant at Accenture, I have a deep understanding of strategic operations and digital strategy. Over the years, I've successfully coached 18 individuals, helping them navigate the competitive MBA admissions process and secure spots at top programs. Whether you need guidance on application strategy, essay crafting, or interview preparation, I'm here to help you achieve your MBA goals. Let's connect and chart your path to success!

MBA COACHING, WRITING EXPERTISE & CAREER • Stanford GSB Alum, Class of 2021 -- see relevant experience sets below: • Coaching | Advised 300+ admits into Stanford GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, MIT Sloan, INSEAD, Haas, and more (see ~100 Leland reviews), while teaching multiple courses through Leland • Professional Writing | Speechwriting in public policy & political environments, Lead Editor for Nondisclosure (Stanford GSB's magazine) and Managing Editor for the Stanford International Policy Review • GMAT / Test-Taking | Scored in the highest percentile of GMAT test-takers, but more importantly I've honed my ability to help others extrapolate top test-testing strategies in the areas they're weakest • Interview Training | I'm interview-trained for McKinsey, allowing me to give high-quality mock interviews for MBBs and any MBA program • Additional Writing | Crafting op-eds, ghostwriting for major publications, developing a fictional short story collection, policy deep dives, a book on chess applications to life, and application essays of all sorts CAREER • What I'm Doing Now | Based in NYC, building a publication 'Staying Human', working on a stealth, marketplace startup, playing chess profssionally, and advising while a slate of Seed to Series C startups through Elevate LLC • Public Policy | Prior to Stanford, worked on the Policy Team for the Chicago Mayor's Office under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, focusing on 5G infrastructure policy, criminal justice policy, and citywide corporate/economic development deals • McKinsey | Before policy, worked at McKinsey & Co , with casework focused on job training for the formerly incarcerated and workforce development for at-risk youth • PE / VC / Startup Advising | After Stanford, worked in Bain's Private Equity Group on various due diliegences, managed deals with several venture capital firms, and advised multiple startups on growth and go-to-market strategy

I know the joy and pain of applying to business school, because at Stanford, I was often the one to call admits with news of their acceptance, and later, read their names on stage during graduation. I also had to be the one on the other end of the email when an applicant was denied--including many I thought might be qualified to be at Stanford, but whose applications weren't convincing enough. I never took this responsibility lightly, because I saw how consequential and personal it was for applicants I liked and respected. What made the difference? I wanted every applicant to submit the best application they could (while keeping it honest), but far too many fell short of this standard. And because I've seen the elation and the heartbreak these outcomes create (and couldn't help but feel somehow responsible), I now value the opportunity to work closely and selectively with serious applicants--those I know have at least the basic qualifications to attend a top business school, but more important, have the maturity, commitment, and discipline required to put together an application that shows your favored school why they will be honored to see you graduate. For most, it's hard work, but here’s the good news... Crafting a great application is a valuable step to having an exceptional business school experience, and not just because it gets you admitted. Applying can and should be a process that prepares you for what comes after--clarifying your rationale, helping you build confidence to tell a compelling, personal story. It should help you articulate the values you hold deeply and the value proposition you offer. Getting into a great program should not be the end in itself, but a step in an broader process of growth and impact. If you work with me, this is part of the perspective I bring. If you are interested in Stanford, specifically, I bring a lot of inside experience at the GSB, where I spent eighteen years--first as an MBA student, later as Executive Director of the GSB's Center for Leadership Development and Research, and then Director of the Stanford MSx Program and Admissions. Over that time, I was involved in many initiatives: • Helped manage launch of MBA core leadership curriculum (Leadership Labs, Arbuckle Fellows, GSB Executive Challenge) • Helped recruit first MBA Arbuckle Leadership Fellows cohort and oversaw GSB Executive Challenge • Managed GSB's first in-house leadership coaching staff--senior facilitators for Interpersonal Dynamics (aka 'Touchy Feely') course • Selected MBA student leaders for the CEO speaker series (View From The Top) and represented Dean's office with host speakers • Co-founded the LOWkeynotes public speaking program for MBA and MSx students • Taught a GSB elective, 'Leading with Agility', and in multiple Exec Ed programs • Co-developed the Stanford LEAP 360 leadership assessment tool used for GSB Exec Ed As Director of the Stanford MSx program and Director of Admissions, I admitted eleven cohorts of Stanford Sloan Fellows, working in close coordination with MBA Admissions on operational and policy matters. My admissions work took me to more than two dozen countries, I reviewed thousands of GSB applications, conducted hundreds of interviews, and served as academic advisor to students. I learned a lot about what it takes to be admitted, and I learned even more about what it takes to get the most out of business school. After leaving Stanford, I've had some opportunities to work with boutique admissions consulting firms, but I value the transparency and range of options Leland provides to you, the client. I don't like to work with an client unless I believe I can deliver more value than what it costs. Working with a coach/consultant is like finding a therapist, where chemistry matters, and there may be others that are a better match for what you need (or at least for some of what you need). After an initial consultation, I offer packages that allow us to spend a few hours reviewing your application or plan in detail, where I will draw on my experience to help you identify opportunities to clarify and strengthen your pitch, and possibly challenge assumptions you have, resulting in a clear plan of action. From there, we can better determine if additional engagement would be useful, where we would both commit to deliverables and a timeline if we believe, that by working together, you can succeed in hitting your goals. This might involve targeted assistance with specific components of your application, a more comprehensive effort, or simply helping you identify resources that can best serve you. Good luck! If you've read this far, we should set up a time to chat.

I applied to six MBA programs and was accepted to all six, earning scholarships from every school for a total of roughly $750,000 in offers — an outcome that came from deeply understanding what each program values and how to position yourself compellingly. My own journey included raising my GMAT from a 670 to a 760 across multiple attempts, which gave me firsthand experience navigating setbacks and refining strategy under pressure. Beyond my own applications, I've spent two years as an official Ross interviewer and have partnered with Forté to lead multiple workshops on interview prep and maximizing your MBA experience. I've also worked one-on-one with 10+ applicants on everything from school selection and decision-making to essays, resumes, and mock interviews. Whether you are just starting to explore programs or putting the finishing touches on your application, I bring both the insider perspective and the track record to help you put your best foot forward. I've helped applicants gain admission to Kellogg, Wharton, Tuck, Yale SOM, Ross, Fuqua, and more - let's build the story that helps you get there. Cancellation Policy: Please cancel or reschedule at least 2 hours before our session. Late changes and no-shows will forfeit 50% of the scheduled session time.

I graduated from Wharton's MBA program and the Harvard Kennedy School's Masters of Public Administration program. I have expertise in dual-degree applicants, candidates with traditional backgrounds looking to differentiate their application, and candidates committed to mission-oriented careers. I have 5 prior years of formally coaching full-time and deferred-applicants with over 75 students accepted to M7 programs. I have deep experience with candidates from traditional backgrounds in finance (IBD + PE + Real Estate), consulting (healthcare + CPG), and social impact looking to advance within their industries & make pivots. I am particularly passionate about linking the seemingly unrelated pieces of candidate's backgrounds into a clear through line. I love meeting the Leland community, so please feel free to schedule an intro call!

Welcome to my profile! As an MBA application reader at a top 10 school and a graduate of UCLA Anderson, I have years of experience identifying what works with an MBA application. While academics and professional experiences are important, storytelling is key. I will be helping you perfect your application to bring out your unique story, highlight your competitive edge, and put together a compelling application package to get you to your dream school. Let's connect and discuss how I can help you reach your MBA aspirations!

🏆 RECIPIENT OF LELAND TOP COACH AWARD 2026 🏆 ✨FALL SPECIAL: I’m currently offering special limited time pricing for my MBA and Masters Application Packages (including unlimited hours)! Check out my packages or DM me for details. ✨WHY CHOOSE MELANIE? When you work with me, you're partnering with an insider who has firsthand knowledge of what top MBA programs like Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford are looking for. As a Columbia MBA alumna, former MBA Admissions Interviewer, former McKinsey consultant, and professional ICF-certified Executive Coach, I offer a holistic coaching approach that combines admissions expertise with expert storytelling, giving you an edge over the competition. Here’s why I’m the best choice for your MBA journey: • 🎓MBA, M7, & COLUMBIA EXPERT: I have proven results at every M7 school and many Top 25 programs. As a CBS MBA alumna and former MBA Admissions Interviewer, I have insider knowledge of what top-tier schools seek. My experience in admissions interviewing gives me the unique perspective of understanding how to effectively position applicants for success. • ✍️ESSAY CONCIERGE: I’m not just a coach - I’m a writer and editor with an eye for detail. With years of experience writing successful MBA essays, career coaching courses, and crafting works of fiction, I bring a keen sense of storytelling, language mastery, and technical precision to every essay I work on. Whether it’s structure, flow, or word choice, I’ll make sure your essay is perfectly polished and reflects your best self. Through powerful storytelling, I help them build a brand that truly stands out in the MBA admissions process. We fine tune every written piece of your application, including essay, resumes, short-answers, and even LinkedIn profiles! • 🚀PROVEN RESULTS: I’ve helped 200+ applicants secure spots at M7 schools (as well as top 25 programs), and I’m proud to be part of the top 4 ranked firm on Poets & Quants for 2025. My clients’ success stories are a testament to the tailored strategies and guidance I provide. • 🎯PROFESSIONAL COACH: With over 10 years of coaching experience, I’m not just an admissions consultant—I’m an ICF-certified Executive Coach & Life Coach. My approach goes beyond getting you into business school; I focus on your MBA branding, leadership development, and executive presence to prepare you for the journey ahead. ✨WHO I WORK WITH: • Traditional and Non-Traditional Candidates • Diverse Applicants including POC, Veterans, and LGBTQIA+ • Candidates with High and Low Test Scores • Full-Time, Part-Time, Columbia's J-Term, Deferred, and EMBA (Executive MBA) Candidates ✨PROVEN SUCCESS AT THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: • Columbia Business School (CBS) • Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) • Harvard Business School (HBS) • University of Pennsylvania Wharton • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management • Chicago Booth School of Business • MIT Sloan School of Management • NYU Stern School of Business • London Business School (LBS) • INSEAD • University of California, Berkeley (Haas) • Yale School of Management • Michigan's Ross School of Business • Darden School of Business (UVA) • Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth • Duke's Fuqua School of Business • Cornell University Johnson School of Management • Emory University Goizueta Business School • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice) • University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business • University of Texas, Austin, McCombs • University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson ✨LET'S GET YOU INTO YOUR DREAM MBA PROGRAM: Ready to transform your MBA aspirations into reality? Contact me for your free consultation today. With my insider knowledge, executive coaching expertise, and essay-writing mastery, I’ll help you craft a standout application that positions you for success—both in admissions and beyond.

Unlike other coaches, I personalize my strategy to you. I had the rare opportunity of being one of ~30 students per year to take the class by the former HBS/GSB Dean of Admissions, where we dove into the ins & outs of what a good MBA resume looks like, what a good interview looks like, and how they align with the values of our school. I myself applied and was accepted into four M7 programs, and have a network extending beyond that I can tap into for you. I help take your raw experiences and shape them into coherent, memorable narratives that admissions officers will champion in committee discussions. I know which details matter, which stories resonate. Whether you're struggling to articulate your "why MBA" or need to present a non-traditional background confidently, I'll help you tell your story with the authenticity and strategic insight that top programs demand.

Welcome to my profile! As an MBA candidate at MIT Sloan School of Management, I bring a unique perspective to the coaching process. With a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Military Academy at West Point, I have a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. As an Army officer, I've honed my leadership and teamwork skills. I have also been actively involved in tutoring and mentoring soldiers and military veterans, helping them prepare for college and excel in advanced STEM courses. With my diverse background and experience coaching 18 individuals, I am confident I can guide you toward success in your MBA journey. Let's connect and discuss how I can support you in achieving your goals!