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Checklist: PhD School List Development and Prospective Faculty Search
Stop wasting time: Use this actionable framework to build your PhD school list and find the right faculty mentors. Learn how to target programs that match your research and maximize your admissions odds.
FAFSA 101
Leland is excited to partner with CareerVillage to host this free event on navigating FAFSA! Paying for college or graduate school starts with understanding financial aid—and that means knowing how to navigate the FAFSA. In this session, Leland coach Loubna B., who has years of experience guiding students through competitive admissions and funding opportunities, will walk you through the FAFSA process step by step. You’ll learn how to complete the application accurately, avoid common mistakes, and maximize your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your FAFSA, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take control of your financial aid journey.
Waitlist 101 Guide
• Mindset shift: from “waiting” to “strategic repositioning” • Common emotional pitfalls (panic, over-updating, disengagement) • How to maintain professionalism and perspective • Setting intentions for the next 4–8 weeks • Quick self-checklist: “Am I reacting or responding?”
Waitlist Self-Audit Worksheet
• Section 1: Application summary (GMAT/GRE, GPA, goals, recommenders) • Section 2: Strengths (what resonated or differentiates you) • Section 3: Gaps (academic, professional, narrative, or fit-related) • Section 4: Actionable improvements — list 2–3 moves in next 4–6 weeks • Section 5: Reflection prompt — “What new evidence can I show to close these gaps?”
Waitlist Update Letter Builder
• Section 1: Greeting and opening tone • Section 2: New accomplishments or progress since submission • Section 3: Refined clarity on short- and long-term goals • Section 4: Reaffirmed school fit (specific to program culture and resources) • Section 5: Closing statement (gratitude + enthusiasm without pressure) • Example language snippets for each section
Waitlist Action Planner Template
• Weekly layout (Weeks 1–6) • Sections for: school engagement, updates, achievements, outreach, mindset goals • Columns for tracking actions, deadlines, and communications sent • Example of a completed plan for inspiration • Summary section for final reflection
Landing a Job in Private Equity: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market
Breaking into private equity is one of the toughest transitions in finance—and standing out requires more than just strong technical skills. In this session, you’ll learn what top firms really look for in candidates and how to set yourself apart at every stage of the recruiting process. In this session, Max A, Isha A., and Kenny J. will cover how to highlight the right experiences on your resume, sharpen your technical and investing skill set, and prepare for the types of interviews PE firms use to identify top talent. Whether you’re currently in investment banking, exploring a career switch, or just starting to learn about the industry, this session will give you actionable strategies to position yourself for success in a highly competitive market.
Consulting Sprint (October 14-16) Kickoff
Join us for Leland’s Consulting Sprint Kickoff! Come hear from top consulting experts Erik Z. (Bain), Yash G. (BCG), and Emily H. (McKinsey) who have helped candidates land offers at firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain—and thrive once they’re in the role. You’re invited to several days of focused career and recruiting prep designed to help you break into consulting with confidence. Throughout the sprint, we’ll host a series of virtual sessions led by Leland coaches and experienced consultants. You’ll gain tactical guidance on networking, case interview prep, resume building, and strategies for standing out in a competitive recruiting process—all condensed into a power-packed sprint to get you ready.
15 Challenging GMAT Questions
An overview of 15 challenging GMAT questions and walkthroughs.
S&T Self Assessment
Use this checklist to gauge your strengths and weaknesses against the traits of top-performing Sales & Trading professionals.
Breaking Into Private Equity Panel
Curious about what it takes to succeed in private equity? Join this session for an insightful panel where we’ll break down what the job really entails and how to position yourself for success. Our expert coaches Kenny J., Landon F., and Sereena T. will answer your burning questions and share key tips and strategies to help you break into PE and thrive. Whether you're an investment banker, consultant, or looking to break into private equity from another background, this session will provide a candid look at the day-to-day life of a PE Associate —and what sets successful Associates apart.
How to Prepare for MBA Interviews with Former M7 Admissions Officers
In this session, former M7 admissions officers Kelsey K. (Columbia), Mike H. (Stanford), and Christine B. (Booth) will share insider strategies on how to prepare for one of the most critical parts of the MBA application process: the interview. From traditional behavioral questions to school-specific formats, you’ll learn what top programs are really evaluating and how to showcase your strengths with confidence. You’ll also gain practical tips on structuring your answers, communicating your story clearly, and avoiding the common mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or gearing up for final rounds, this session will equip you with the tools and insights you need to stand out in MBA interviews.
Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application
A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.
MBA Interviews Series: Stanford GSB
Jumpstart your Stanford GSB MBA interview prep with up-to-date insights and stage-specific strategies. As application deadlines approach, join expert coach and GSB Grad Claire R. who will help you understand what’s expected, how to prepare, and how to stand out. You’ll learn about the format of the GSB interview (alumni-led, behavioral, highly structured), the key evaluation criteria, and how to craft strong stories using frameworks while balancing polish and authenticity. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear action plan for your interviews—what to practice, how to outline your answers, and how to present your best self when your invitation arrives.
How to Launch your SWE Career: Tips and Tricks for Landing Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
Breaking into software engineering can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re competing for internships and entry-level roles at top tech companies. In this session, Leland coach Abhi V.—a software engineer at Amazon with experience mentoring aspiring developers—will share practical strategies to help you stand out in the recruiting process. You’ll learn how to strengthen your resume, build projects that showcase your skills, and prepare for technical interviews with confidence. Abhi will also cover tips for networking effectively, leveraging career fairs, and avoiding common mistakes that hold candidates back. Whether you’re a student applying to your first internships or a new grad targeting full-time SWE roles, this session will give you the insights and tools to kickstart your career in tech.
STEM to Strategy: Landing an Ops & Strategy Role From Any Background
Transitioning into operations and strategy roles can feel daunting—especially if you’re coming from a technical or non-business background. In this session, you’ll hear from expert coach Olivia M., who successfully made the leap into strategy and operations and will share the insights, frameworks, and strategies that helped them get there. Whether you’re an engineer, researcher, consultant, or from any other background, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to break into operations and strategy roles and thrive once you’re there.
Military to MBA Panel Oct 2025
In this panel, Alex S., Alec E., and Zack D., veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service to top MBA programs will share their experiences and advice on making the leap. You’ll hear how they translated their leadership and operational skills into compelling applications, built strong narratives, and navigated the unique challenges of the transition. Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or actively preparing your applications, this session will give you practical insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you take the next step in your career with confidence.
MBA Interview Series: HBS
The HBS interview is one of the most challenging—and distinctive—parts of the MBA admissions process. In this workshop, Leland coach Geri T., a former HBS Admissions Board member with years of experience evaluating candidates, will break down what makes the HBS interview unique and how you can prepare with confidence. Drawing on her time at HBS and her track record coaching applicants into top MBA programs, Geri will share what the admissions team is really looking for, the kinds of questions you should expect, and strategies to present your experiences authentically while staying structured under pressure. With Round 1 interviews approaching, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to stand out when it matters most.
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Yale, NYU, and Duke
What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 1 of this session, admissions directors from Yale SOM, NYU Stern, and Duke Fuqua will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Bruce DelMonico (Assistant Dean for Admissions @ Yale), Matthew Moll (Director of MBA Admissions @ Stern), and Allison Jamison (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ Duke). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Booth, Ross, and SMU
What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 2 this session, admissions directors from Chicago Booth, SMU Cox, and Michigan Ross will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Nicole Chen (Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions @ Booth), Lindsay DiAngelo (Associate Director of MBA Admissions @ Ross), and Shelly Heinrich (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ SMU). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
