Leland+ Content Library
Consulting-to-MBA: Stand out as a "Traditional" Candidate
Consultants make up one of the largest applicant pools to top MBA programs—which means standing out is more important than ever. In this panel, Leland coaches Andy P. (Top MBA coach for 20 years), Karla M. (150+ M7 Admits, prior consultant, Harvard/Booth dual degree grad), and Ben L. (300+ M7 Admits, prior consultant, GSB grad) will share how to craft an authentic, differentiated story that sets you apart from thousands of other applicants with similar backgrounds. You’ll learn how to translate your consulting experience into powerful application essays, recommendations, and interviews that highlight your leadership, impact, and future goals. Whether you’re a current analyst, associate, or engagement manager preparing for a future cycle, this session will give you actionable strategies to turn a “traditional” background into a standout advantage.
Deferred MBA M7 Series: Stanford
Get an inside look at what Stanford GSB seeks in Deferred MBA candidates and how to bring your unique story to life. Expert Leland coach and GSB alum Ben L. will break down the qualities Stanford cares about most—impact, curiosity, and personal growth. You’ll leave with concrete strategies to articulate your values, achievements, and ambitions in a way that resonates with the GSB admissions committee.
What Deferred MBA Essays Need to Accomplish, and How to Get There
Deferred MBA essays are less about polished resumes and more about potential, clarity of goals, and long-term impact, and getting them right requires a very specific approach. In this session, you’ll learn what top programs actually expect deferred candidates to demonstrate, how admissions committees read these essays differently from traditional MBA applications, and how to structure your responses to show maturity, self-awareness, and trajectory. We’ll break down common pitfalls, winning themes, and practical steps to move from a blank page to a compelling final draft with confidence.
Deferred MBA Admissions Event Sprint Kickoff
Kick off Deferred MBA Week with an overview of everything you need to know to build a winning application strategy from start to finish. In this session, we’ll break down what makes deferred programs unique, what top schools are really looking for in early-career candidates, and how to use the rest of the sprint—panels, workshops, and AMAs—to your advantage. You’ll walk away with a clear game plan for essays, recommendations, testing, and timelines, plus guidance on how to prioritize your time based on where you are in the process.
Wharton Essay Guide with Examples
See a simplified framework for Wharton's essays and multiple examples of essays from standout admits. This guide was used in the "Writing a Holistic Set of Wharton Essays" event on August 22, 2025.
Wharton 2025 Admit - Essay Set - Finance
Read a set of essays from a Wharton admit and see how you can apply these example essays to the new Wharton essay prompts.
Top Leland Coach Reviews MBA Coaching Process with New Oxford Admit
In this session, Leland coach Ben L. sits down with his former client, Greg R., to unpack how Greg built a standout MBA application and navigated the admissions process with confidence. You’ll hear firsthand what worked, what didn’t, and how strategic coaching helped transform his story into an acceptance at a top program. Through their conversation, you’ll gain actionable insights on crafting a compelling narrative, approaching essays and interviews, and avoiding the common mistakes that trip up even the strongest candidates. Whether you’re just starting your MBA journey or putting finishing touches on your applications, this event will give you the tools and inspiration to nail the process yourself.
The 2025 Video Interview Guide Yale & Kellogg
This comprehensive guide covers the essentials for your video interview components for Yale School of Management (SOM) and Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. It includes format, timing, evaluation criteria, common questions, and expert strategies for preparation and delivery.
MBA Admissions Panel: How to Get into your Dream School
Breaking into a top MBA program takes more than strong grades and work experience — it requires a compelling application strategy that sets you apart. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from Kelsey K. (Admissions at Columbia), Ben L. (Stanford MBA), and Allie K. (Wharton MBA) who have successfully navigated the admissions process at leading business schools. Our panelists will share their best advice on crafting standout essays, building a competitive profile, securing strong recommendations, and preparing for interviews. They’ll also dive into common mistakes to avoid and the strategies that helped them get admitted to their dream schools. Whether you’re just starting to think about an MBA or are in the thick of applications, this session will give you the insider guidance you need to stand out.
HBS Admit | New 2025 Set of 3 Essay Examples | Redacted
Check out a strong HBS essay from a successful applicant who will be matriculating in 2025.
