Leland+ for MBA

Women in MBA Panel

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.

Columbia Business School Essay Examples– Fashion, Sustainability, and Inclusive Leadership

A set of CBS essays from an admitted applicant, weaving together a passion for heritage fashion, operational sustainability, and community building through DEI initiatives.

How to Get Into a Top 10 Deferred MBA Program: Insider Advice [10/13/2026] (Recording)

Getting into a top 10 deferred MBA program can give you a head start on your future, but standing out with limited professional experience requires a different application strategy. This session is for college students applying to deferred MBA programs who want to understand what top business schools look for and how to make the most of their undergraduate experiences. You’ll learn how to position your academics, leadership, internships, and goals, build a compelling application story, and avoid common mistakes that can weaken an otherwise strong candidacy. Join live for a panel of MBA experts who understand what it takes to build a competitive deferred MBA application. They’ll share practical strategies, firsthand insights, and lessons from the admissions process to help you approach your application with greater clarity. Bring your questions and leave with a stronger game plan for targeting top 10 deferred MBA programs.

MBA Round 1: Your 5 Week Roadmap [7/30/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to tackle your MBA Round 1 applications but feeling the pressure of the ticking clock? Join me, Melanie, for a detailed 5-week plan to craft a standout application for your dream MBA program. With my background as an MBA graduate from both Columbia Business School, MBA Admissions Interviewer, and Professional Coach, I'm here to guide you through every step of the process. In this session, we'll cover your plan to craft an excellent application in just 5 weeks before the September deadline. Whether you're aiming for a traditional full-time MBA or a specialized program like MBA-JD or MBA-MD, this event is designed to help you shine. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. Let's make your MBA aspirations a reality!

Nailing the CBS MBA Essays w/ New 2026 Tips! [7/8/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to tackle the Columbia Business School MBA essays with confidence? Join me, Melanie, for an exclusive session where we'll dive into the latest tips for the 2026 application cycle. With my background as an MBA Admissions Interviewer at CBS and an MBA alum from both Columbia Business School, I have the insights you need to craft compelling essays that stand out. In this session, we'll cover proven, actionable strategies specific to each of Columbia's essays. Whether you're applying for a traditional full-time MBA or a dual degree program, this event is designed to help you succeed. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. I look forward to helping you on your journey to CBS!

Acing the CBS Interview - from an Interviewer & Alumna [10/9/2026] (Recording)

Getting an interview at Columbia Business School is a major step, but the interview is your chance to turn a strong application into a compelling case for admission. Knowing what interviewers are evaluating and how to communicate your goals, experiences, and fit can make all the difference. This session is for MBA applicants preparing for a CBS interview who want to walk in prepared and confident. You’ll learn how to approach common CBS interview questions, tell your story effectively, and avoid the mistakes that can weaken an otherwise strong interview. Join live to hear from a Columbia Business School alumna and current admissions committee member who has interviewed CBS applicants. She’ll share firsthand insights into what interviewers look for, how to prepare your answers, and how to make a strong impression in the interview. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer strategy for acing your CBS interview.

Crafting an MBA Essay That Actually Stands Out [5/12/2026] (Recording)

FREE LELAND + FOR 1 MONTH FOR ALL LIVE ATTENDEES. Strong MBA essays aren’t just well-written, they clearly communicate who you are and why you belong at a program. This session is for applicants who want to move beyond generic advice and craft essays that genuinely stand out. You’ll learn how to develop a focused personal narrative, avoid common mistakes that dilute your story, and align your essays with what admissions readers are actually looking for. Join live to hear from MBA admissions experts and ask questions about your own essay ideas. The panelists regularly work with applicants on essay development and will share the patterns they see across successful submissions. Expect practical feedback and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 coaching conversations.

Your Guide to the Columbia MBA Interview [5/7/2026] (Recording)

Strong candidates still get tripped up in the Columbia MBA interview because they underestimate how much clarity and fit matter in a short conversation. This session is for applicants who want a clearer understanding of how to navigate Columbia’s interview process with confidence. You’ll learn how to structure your answers, communicate your goals and fit for the program, and handle the types of questions that commonly come up. Join live to ask questions about your own interview preparation and get guidance tailored to your background. The speaker is an expert in the Columbia MBA interview process and regularly works with candidates preparing for this stage. They’ll share the patterns they see across successful applicants and the kinds of feedback typically given in 1:1 interview prep.

Final Tips Before You Submit Your Deferred MBA Application

In this session, you will leave knowing how to tighten your essays in the final hours, what admissions committees at top deferred programs actually look for in the "future vision" prompts, and how to self-evaluate your recommender package before you hit submit. These are the specific pressure points that separate competitive deferred applications from strong ones.

MBA Essays That Get You Admitted: Do’s and Don’ts from an M7 Expert

MBA essays are where strong candidates separate themselves, but many applicants struggle to turn their experiences into a clear and compelling story. This session is for MBA applicants who want to approach their essays with more strategy and confidence. You’ll learn what makes an essay memorable to admissions readers, common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong profiles, and how to structure your story so it aligns with what top programs are looking for.

Columbia Business School Interview Series

Columbia Business School interviews are a critical step in the admissions process—and strong preparation can set you apart. This interview series is designed to help you approach CBS interviews with confidence, clarity, and a compelling story. In these sessions, you’ll learn how to structure your responses, communicate your career goals effectively, and handle common behavioral and fit questions. We’ll also cover what CBS interviewers look for and how to highlight your strengths in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies and greater confidence.

Wrap Up Your MBA Prep Before R2 Deadlines

Get ready to submit your strongest Round 2 MBA application with guidance from top Leland coaches. This session will cover final essay tweaks, resume polish, recommendation strategies, and interview prep to ensure every component of your application is aligned and compelling. You’ll leave with a clear plan and actionable next steps to approach Round 2 deadlines with confidence.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Columbia

Applying to Columbia Business School’s deferred MBA program is a unique opportunity—and a uniquely competitive one. In this session, Melanie E.—a multi-disciplinary coach featured in Forbes, NBC, ABC, CBS, Business Insider, and TEDx—will break down exactly what CBS is looking for and how to position yourself as a standout candidate. With deep experience coaching applicants into top MBA programs and a coaching style tailored to each individual’s strengths, Melanie will walk you through how to craft a compelling narrative, highlight leadership potential, and approach Columbia’s essays and recommendations with clarity and strategy. Whether you’re early in your MBA exploration or preparing to hit submit, this session will give you actionable insights to strengthen your CBS deferred application.

Writing Standout DMBA Essays

Your Deferred MBA essays are your chance to show top programs who you are — but with limited experience, it can be hard to know what stories to tell and how to make them stand out. In this session, Leland Coaches Ben L., Melanie E., and Olivia P. — who have helped dozens of early-career applicants get into programs like HBS, GSB, and Wharton — will break down what makes a winning essay. They’ll share proven strategies for identifying your strongest themes, crafting a clear and authentic narrative, and avoiding the common pitfalls that hold candidates back. You’ll leave with a sharper sense of how to approach each prompt, connect your story to your goals, and position yourself as a must-admit candidate in this year’s Deferred MBA cycle.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

CBS MBA Example Essays

CBS MBA successful example essays. Asian Male - Consulting.

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7 - Asian Male - Consulting.