Leland+ Content Library

How to Succeed as a Joint MBA-MPP Applicant

Are you considering applying for a joint MBA-MPP program and wondering how to stand out in the competitive admissions process? Join me for an insightful session on how to succeed as a joint MBA-MPP applicant. With firsthand experience as an admit to both Harvard Kennedy School and MIT Sloan, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities of these programs. Throughout my career, I've helped applicants craft compelling narratives that connect their experiences to a clear direction, focusing on school and networking strategy, essays, resumes, and interviews. In this session, we'll cover the common storytelling mishaps of joint degree candidates, and exactly what admissions committees are looking for. We'll also do a live exercise so you can walk away with a better sense of your own application story.

The PhD Interview Playbook: Strategy, Preparation, Confidence

PhD interviews can be intense, but the right preparation makes all the difference. This session is designed to help you approach PhD interviews with a clear strategy, strong preparation, and confidence in your research narrative. In this event, you’ll learn how to prepare for common interview formats, articulate your research interests and experiences effectively, and handle challenging academic questions with poise. We’ll also cover how to communicate fit with a program and faculty, and how to stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re interviewing for your first PhD program or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical frameworks and greater confidence.

GMAT Reading List and Vocab Tips

Does vocabulary matter for the GMAT? What should you be reading besides practice questions? Top tips from a leading GMAT coach.

The U-Substitution Strategy for the GMAT and GRE

Simplify complex equations for the GMAT and GRE. Learn the powerful U-substitution technique to solve problems faster and more accurately.

M7 MBA Interview Bank: 150+ Questions by School (2024–25)

A comprehensive reference guide to documented M7 MBA interview questions — organized by school. Covers all seven programs (HBS, Stanford GSB, Wharton, Kellogg, Booth, MIT Sloan, and Columbia) with school-specific format breakdowns, 150+ questions categorized by theme, insider tips on what each school’s interviewers are actually evaluating, and a universal question bank that applies across all programs. Questions compiled from self-reported applicant accounts across the 2024 and 2025 admissions cycles.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Start Early, Apply Strong: Successful PhD Timelines

Applying to PhD programs is a long process—and starting early can make all the difference. This session will help you build a strategic timeline to strengthen your application. You’ll learn how to plan each stage, from researching programs and preparing materials to securing recommendations and managing deadlines, while avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting or refining your plan, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap for success.

GSB Example Essay: Why Stanford?

This essay outlines an admit's goals in health & wellness venture capital and how Stanford's entrepreneurship programs, leadership training, and Silicon Valley network will help him achieve them.

MBA Recommendation Memo Example for Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB

This memo provides context to the recommenders for the applicant's MBA applications to Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), outlining her aspirations, important program components (social impact, global perspective, academic rigor), and key qualities sought by the schools.

5 Month Countdown to AMCAS Submission

With less than 6 months to go until AMCAS opening dates, come hear from a seasoned coach on how to maximize the next few months. We'll cover application strategy, timeline, and tips from someone with multiple school acceptances and 10+ program interviews.

Are You Thriving or Surviving as a Leader?

Are You Thriving or Surviving as a Leader? A 3-Minute Leadership Check-In Why This Matters High-performing leaders are often the last to notice when they’ve shifted from thriving to simply surviving. This brief reflection is designed to help you pause, assess, and realign.

Applying as a Non-traditional Applicant

Are you a non-traditional applicant? We break down how to stand out and get into dental school, no matter your background.

Get Your MBA Questions Answered: Ask Admissions Experts [6/4/2026] (Recording)

GIVEAWAY DURING THE EVENT: Join live for the chance to win a free coaching session! MBA admissions can feel confusing when every applicant seems to be getting different advice about what actually matters. This session is for candidates who want direct answers to the most common and important questions about the MBA application process. You’ll learn how admissions teams evaluate applicants, what successful candidates tend to do differently, and how to approach key parts of the process like school selection, essays, and interviews. Join live to ask your own questions and hear directly from admissions experts with M7 admissions experience. The panelists have worked closely with applicants across top MBA programs and will share the patterns they see across strong applications and common mistakes. Expect candid, practical insights similar to what’s discussed in 1:1 admissions coaching conversations.

Wharton Personal Statement — International Healthcare

This essay outlines the admit's goal to build a private hospital in China to address elder care, leveraging Wharton's Healthcare Management, Customer Analytics, Leadership Ventures, and other programs.

Sample Resume Metrics

Adding metrics and quantifiable data to your résumé demonstrates your tangible impact and value to potential MBA programs. Use this original list of metrics to clearly highlight your accomplishments.

Ask Me Anything About Round 3 MBA Applications

Are you considering applying for an MBA in Round 3 and have questions about how to make your application stand out? Join me, Joy, for an "Ask Me Anything" session where I'll provide insights and answer your burning questions about the MBA application process. With over 20 years of experience as an MBA Admissions Consultant, I've helped over 500 clients gain admission to top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. My background in marketing and creative writing allows me to help you craft compelling narratives that highlight your unique qualities. Whether you're applying to a full-time, executive, or any other MBA program, this session is your chance to get expert advice on editing, recommendations, interviews, networking strategy, school selection, and more. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take a step closer to achieving your MBA dreams!

Leveraging AI for Job Applications

Learn how to use AI to improve your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for interviews so you can land your dream job faster.

Beyond the MBA: Building a Career Story Schools Want to Invest In

Top MBA programs do not admit candidates solely on ambition, strong credentials, or polished essays. They admit individuals whose career direction is clear, compelling, and rooted in authentic personal motivation. Your career story is the lens through which every element of your application is evaluated—and when developed correctly, it becomes the most differentiating part of your candidacy. In this session, two MBA admissions consultants with more than 25 years of combined experience will walk you through the framework used by the most successful applicants to define career goals that resonate with top programs. You will learn how admissions committees assess career vision, what signals readiness and conviction, and why thoughtful goal-setting must come before selecting target schools. What You Will Learn • How to articulate a career direction grounded in personal meaning, not buzzwords or manufactured narratives • The specific traits admissions committees look for when evaluating career goals • How to demonstrate feasibility and alignment with program strengths • Ways to incorporate future-focused thinking—including but not limited to AI and industry evolution • How to connect your past experiences, present capabilities, and long-term aspirations into a coherent, differentiated narrative • Why a strong career story increases your likelihood of admission and makes you a more compelling future alum

Career Breakthrough Masterclass [6/17/2026] (Recording)

🔓 Corporate Hiring Secrets Uncovered Do you want the unvarnished truth? The most qualified candidate rarely gets the corporate job. The candidate who knows how to package their value does. To dismantle these systemic roadblocks, I am partnering with international executive resume writer and career strategist Andrew Stoner for the Career Breakthrough Masterclass on June 17 on the following: 1. Resume & LinkedIn Architecture: Build a bulletproof profile and high-impact narrative that instantly captures global decision-makers. 2. Elite Personal Branding: Master the executive presence and strategic positioning needed to command top-tier rooms. 3. The Interview Process: Learn the exact storytelling frameworks to confidently navigate and dominate high-stakes conversations. Meet Your Hosts Sarika Puri is a Career Strategist with nearly two decades of global HR leadership and executive hiring experience at top firms like Spencer Stuart, Lenskart, and BYJU’S. She uses her deep insider knowledge of the hiring table to help ambitious professionals conquer imposter syndrome, master executive presence, and land top-tier roles. Andrew Stoner is an International Executive Career Coach with over 20 years of experience shaping personal brands and crafting over 500 elite resumes for corporate leaders. He specializes in transforming complex career histories into powerful storytelling frameworks and bulletproof LinkedIn profiles that instantly hook global decision-makers. Together, we are exposing the friction points between elite document architecture and the cold realities of the executive hiring room. Join us live on June 17 at 8:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM EDT for this high-value, 90-minute intensive session, complete with a live Q&A and a full recording provided afterwards. Register immediately by clicking on the link in this event and follow this space for more.