Leland+ Content Library
Deferred MBA Admissions Event Sprint 2026
How to Create A Competitive College Application
College admissions are more competitive than ever, and standing out requires more than just good grades and test scores. In this session, Kirsten S. (Admissions Committee @ Princeton), William F. (Director of Graduate Admissions @ UPenn), and Skyler A. (Assistant Director of Admissions @ Northwestern) will break down how to craft a cohesive, authentic application that highlights your unique strengths and story. You’ll learn how to approach your essays, choose the right recommenders, showcase your extracurriculars, and tie everything together into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. Whether you’re just getting started or finalizing your materials, this event will give you practical strategies and insider insights to put forward your strongest possible college application.
Inside MBA Admissions Decisions: Roundtable Discussion with M7 Admissions Officers
MBA admissions at top programs are highly selective, and small strategic decisions can make a big difference in how your application is evaluated. In this exclusive roundtable, you’ll get an inside look at how admissions decisions are actually made at M7 business schools—and what separates successful candidates from the rest. This session is designed to help you better understand how your profile is read, discussed, and ultimately decided on behind closed doors. The discussion will feature former admissions officers from multiple M7 programs who have collectively reviewed thousands of MBA applications. Drawing on their firsthand experience, they’ll share how admissions committees evaluate academics, work experience, leadership, and personal narratives, as well as common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. You’ll also gain insight into how schools compare candidates, handle borderline cases, and think about fit across different rounds. Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or preparing to apply in an upcoming cycle, this roundtable will give you rare clarity and a sharper strategic lens for approaching the process.
Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel
The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Whether you’re just getting started or putting finishing touches on your application, this panel will help you avoid common pitfalls, craft a standout narrative, and submit with confidence. Meet Your Panelists Amanda W. – Former Director of Admissions and Regional Enrollment Director, with 5+ years of coaching experience helping students gain admission to top universities including UCLA, Cornell, UPenn, Duke, and BYU. Alex L. – Stanford MBA and Northwestern alum, former Stanford admissions interviewer, and marketing executive with 20+ years of experience helping candidates differentiate themselves and gain admission to competitive programs. Skyler A. – Former Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Booth and Assistant Director at Northwestern, with 10+ years of experience reading applications and helping hundreds of students gain admission to Yale, MIT, Berkeley, USC, Northwestern, and more.
