Leland+ Content Library

Ask Me Anything with a Former Stanford Admissions Officer

Join me for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to get answers to your college admissions questions. I'm Isamar, a former Stanford Admissions Officer, a Harvard grad, proud first-generation college graduate, and an experienced college admissions coach. With years working with students from all backgrounds, including US-based, international, and first-generation applicants, I'm here to help you navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and strategic guidance. Whether you're a high school student or parent, don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned professional. Note: Feel free to ask about any college admissions topic, regardless of your target school. This AMA is not exclusively focused on Stanford admissions.

Military-to-MBA Panel

Thinking about transitioning from the military to business school? Join us for the Military-to-MBA Panel, where both MBA experts and veterans who have successfully made the leap will share their journeys, advice, and lessons learned. You’ll hear how they navigated the admissions process, translated their military experience into strong applications, and chose the right programs for their goals. ​This session is a great opportunity to get tactical tips on everything from selecting schools and writing your essays to building your MBA network as a veteran. Come with questions—our panelists are here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. ​Meet our panelists: ​Matt K. - Nuclear Submarine Officer for U.S. Navy, MIT MBA ​Angela C. - Expert MBA Coach, 8,545 Minutes Spent Coaching ​Austin W. - Aviation Officer for U.S. Army, Stanford GSB MBA

Stanford Law Optional Essay Example — Music

An example of an optional essay response in a successful Stanford Law School application. This essay was written in response to the prompt: "Music has a way of setting tone and mood for any occasion. With this in mind, pick three songs or musical works to be playing in the background as the Admissions Committee reviews your materials."

Covering the Three GMAT Principles of Exponents

Struggling with exponent questions on the GMAT? This session will break down the three core principles of exponents that form the foundation for many Quant problems. In this interactive workshop, Leland coach Hadi H. will guide you through each rule, show you how they appear on the test, and teach you how to apply them with confidence under time pressure. You’ll also leave with targeted practice strategies to strengthen your understanding and boost your accuracy outside of the session. ​Hadi H. is a top-ranked GMAT Focus tutor with a 770 GMAT score and over 200 successful students worldwide. A London Business School MBA alum and cofounder of A1 MBA Consulting, Hadi brings 3,700+ minutes of GMAT coaching experience, an exceptional track record of client score improvement, and deep expertise in helping applicants earn admission to top business schools including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, and LBS.

You've Started Your MBA App ... But Now What?

You've started your MBA application, but now what? You need to create a compelling application while navigating a landscape that has undergone a shift from last year. In this session, using real examples from past clients, you will learn how to craft a compelling elevator pitch that will drive ALL your application content. With over 15 years of experience in MBA coaching and a background as a former admissions committee member at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, I have helped over 100 applicants secure their spots at top business schools and will share what separates good applications from the bad. Whether you're applying for a traditional full-time, executive, or part-time MBA, this session will provide you with the tools and insights needed to craft a compelling application. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge in your MBA application process!

How to Create a Winning MBA Application

​Getting into a top MBA program is more than strong test scores and a polished résumé—it’s about telling your story in a way that resonates. In this session, you’ll learn from Rifat M. (HBS), Ben L. (GSB) and Rob R. (GSB, admitted to all M7 schools) about what schools are really looking for and how to approach each part of the application, from essays to recommendations to interviews. ​Whether you’re early in the process or gearing up to submit, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to showcase your experiences authentically and put together an application that stands out.

Tips for Success: Navigating MBA Letters of Recommendation

MBA letters of recommendation! Who do I ask for a letter of recommendation? How do I make a successful recommender packet? When is the right time to ask recommenders? How do I ask? How do I ensure my recommender writes a winning recommendation? ​If any of these questions have crossed your mind and you're applying to top MBA programs like Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, and Wharton, join this event to learn what it takes to obtain the best letters from your recommenders. Your host for this session is Angela C.! With extensive experience coaching applicants into top MBA and dual-degree MBA/MPP programs (including Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, Wharton, and MIT Sloan), Angela understands what it takes to stand out. Her clients have successfully pivoted careers, secured scholarships, and been admitted to highly competitive programs.

International Applicants & the MBA Admissions Process: Keys to Success

This session is designed to support international candidates applying to top MBA programs in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond. It will also provide valuable insights for Americans targeting programs overseas. Jesse, a leading MBA admissions coach with deep experience guiding international applicants, will cover the unique challenges global candidates face, share strategies for differentiation, debunk common myths, and offer practical advice to strengthen your candidacy. ​Jesse has 8+ years of experience running a boutique MBA consultancy with his wife, specializing in coaching international applicants and guiding 100+ admits to Global Top 20 programs, such as all M7, London Business School, INSEAD, IESE, IE Business School, and HEC Paris. His insights are also shaped by 15+ years of living and working abroad in 12 countries and his strong track record of success with candidates from diverse backgrounds.

From Strong to Unforgettable: Crafting Essays That Break Into the Ivies

Applying to college can feel overwhelming—but with the right strategy, your application can truly stand out. In this workshop, Abigail L.—a Harvard-educated admissions consultant who has guided 600+ students to top schools including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT—will share what sets successful applicants apart.

What’s Next? Your MBA Journey, Powered by Leland

​Whether you're planning to apply to business school this cycle or considering a future application, this final MBA Week session will help you get clear on your timeline, required materials, and next steps. ​We’ll break down the two key types of applicants—those targeting Round 1 deadlines this fall, and those planning ahead for next year—and what each group should be doing now to stay on track. From building your school list to prepping for the GMAT/GRE, writing your essays, or securing letters of recommendation, we’ll map out your path to success. ​You’ll also hear from the Leland team about the best resources available to support you, whether you’re ready to dive in or just starting to explore. We’ll share how our 1:1 coaching, bootcamps, essay reviews, and course content libraries align with where you are in your journey. ​Let’s wrap up MBA Week by setting you up for what’s next with confidence and a clear plan.

DDS Admissions: We're In It Together! Ask Me Anything

Join me for an engaging "Ask Me Anything" session on DDS Admissions, where we're truly in it together! You are, and always will be, more than any number, score, or vote by complete strangers. Let's unpack your questions and the mysteries surrounding the selection process. With nearly a decade of experience as the Director of Dental Student Admissions, I've orchestrated the selection process for over 1,000 applicants annually and have been deeply involved with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). My passion lies in helping you navigate the dental school admissions process with personalized strategies and insights. Whether you're curious about application strategy, interviews, or crafting a standout personal statement, this is your chance to get answers to your most pressing questions. Having coached thousands of individuals, I'm here to support you in achieving your dreams. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and let's work together to make your dental school application shine!

How to Nail the Columbia Essays with Clarity and Confidence

Whether you're just getting started or deep into drafts, join former Columbia Business School Officer and MBA Coach Kelsey K to dissect what the J-term application is looking for and how to deliver it. We'll break down each prompt, clarity what's really being asked, and walk through real strategies (and mistakes to avoid) for clear, personal, and powerful essays. You'll leave with tangible ideas, stronger structures, and the confidence to move forward with clarity.

Intro to Logical Reasoning: Breaking Down the Task and the Stimulus

Are you new to studying for the LSAT? Or has a commercial test prep course left you confused with their complicated jargon and unintuitive hacks? This is the first presentation in a series that will break down logical reasoning in a simple, practical way. Many LSAT prep approaches were crafted by people who performed really well on the LSAT but may not have ever practiced law, or possibly never even went to law school. What those courses miss are the every day applications of LSAT skills to real-world law school scenarios and legal practice. I am a graduate of Georgetown Law who scored in the 97th percentile on the LSAT with several years' experience practicing at one of the most prominent law firms in the country, as well as a mid-sized boutique. My work in legal research, case strategy, briefing, discovery, and client relationships have informed my perspective on the LSAT. I know the LSAT is not just a test to be hacked, but rather a sensible evaluation of the skills required to succeed in law school and legal practice. My innovative curriculum has helped hundreds of students in my classes at Indiana University and Portland State University, as well as the private tutoring students I have been working with over the past 13+ years. In this session of the series, we will cover the following topics: - Why logical reasoning? - What is the "task"? - What is the "stimulus"? - How to approach logical reasoning questions - The types of logical reasoning questions, and - Beneficial study resources and strategies

One Month to Deadlines AMA: What do Admissions Officers Recommend?

You've been working hard for months now and the finish line is almost in sight. There is a lot of information out there, but you have burning questions that you want to ask Admissions Officers who have experience admitting applicants to every top business school around the world. Join Faisal and Christine! During this session, we'll cover all your questions in a live AMA ("Ask Me Anything") format. Everything from essays and application strategy to interviews and recommendations.

2 Real HBS Interview Question Sets (Start-to-Finish Examples)

A detailed look at the questions asked during two real Harvard Business School interviews from beginning to end (anonymized for broad use). The first reflects a professional, experience-driven conversation with questions covering consulting, investing, leadership, and community work. The second is a deferred MBA interview focused on college, early initiatives, startup involvement, AI, goals, and personal interests. Hopefully they help you get a sense for the pacing, depth, tone, and question style you'll experience during an HBS interview.

Deferred (2+2) MBA Application Week Kickoff

Thinking about applying to a Deferred MBA program? Join us for Leland’s Deferred MBA Week Kickoff, featuring top Leland coaches Andy P. (20+ years of MBA coaching), Allie K. (75+ M7 Admits), and Geri T. (Founder of Harvard's DMBA Program), who have helped countless candidates get into the most competitive programs at schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.

Find Your MBA Fit

Considering an MBA but not quite sure which programs are the right fit? All these MBA options sound the same? Not even sure why you want an MBA yet? Should you apply to 2 schools, or 7? Been there. As a Stanford GSB Alum who's helped over 300 applicants land a coveted spot at top programs like GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg and more, I'm throwing together this free 45-minute event to cover some criteria you can use to narrow your search. You'll come away with a clearer idea of how to pick the right schools for you so you can focus your time and energy. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take the first step not just towards applying, but applying to the right places.