Deferred MBA - Wharton TBD Prep
The Wharton TBD is a highly distinct, collaborative evaluation that simulates the school's high-intensity team environment. To mirror this dynamic, my preparation strategy depends entirely on our cohort numbers for the round: Group Mock Simulation: If we secure a full cohort of applicants, we will conduct a live, timed mock TBD in a group setting. This provides the most authentic practice possible, allowing you to navigate team dynamics, pitch your idea, and practice collaborative consensus-building in real time. 1:1 Strategy Simulation: If we do not gather the numbers for a full group session, we will pivot to a dedicated 1:1 simulation. In this targeted session, we will run through your individual TBD pitch, master the strategy behind the prompt, and thoroughly prep for Wharton's standard 1:1 behavioral interview and other common application interview scenarios. Either way, you will leave with a clear strategy on how to stand out constructively without overpowering the room.
What's included
- Participants will gain practical experience in navigating team dynamics, pitching ideas, and building collaborative consensus in real-time.
- The plan includes both group mock simulations and 1:1 strategy sessions, ensuring personalized preparation regardless of cohort size.
Meet your expert
Karla M.
150+ M7 Admits | Former Harvard AdCom | Leland Top Coach ('23, '24, & '25)
I’m a seasoned career coach with 10 years of experience helping candidates break into top MBA, MPP, and master’s programs across the U.S. and Europe. I also have extensive experience coaching candidates through the sometimes opaque interview processes in investment banking and consulting. I’ve supported applicants from all backgrounds—traditional and nontraditional—in landing spots at schools like Stanford GSB, HBS, LBS, and INSEAD, often with significant scholarship support. My coaching draws on formal Admissions Committee experience at Harvard Kennedy School, where I also collaborated with top M7 business schools (MBAs) to exchange best practices and deepen my understanding of how elite programs evaluate applicants. Clients I’ve worked with have gone on to secure roles in investment banking, consulting, and social impact—at firms such as Morgan Stanley, McKinsey, and leading global NGOs. I’m known for clear, honest advice, fast turnarounds, and a strategy-first approach that delivers real results. Outside of coaching, I bring a decade of experience across consulting, investment banking (J.P. Morgan Technology coverage group), and private markets investing, where I've advised on complex, client-facing projects that demanded both rigor and adaptability. Those roles taught me that every client is different, and success comes from understanding individual needs and tailoring solutions accordingly. At Leland, I apply the same meticulous approach—being detail-oriented, responsive, and willing to do whatever it takes to deliver immaculate materials to optimize client outcomes. I hold an MBA/MPP from Chicago Booth and Harvard Kennedy School, respectively, and continue to stay close to the work by serving on investment committees and mentoring through programs such as Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO). My work has been recognized by organizations such as: Leland (Top Coach - 2023 & 2024), Negocios Now (40 Under 40), ALPFA (Most Powerful Latinas Rising Star), and Toigo Foundation (Top 35 Rising Leaders).
