Leland+ Content Library

No Ivy, No Problem: How My Startup Got into Y Combinator

Think you need an Ivy League degree to make it into Y Combinator? Think again. In this workshop, Chanhyung K.—a Georgia Tech graduate, McKinsey alum, and Y Combinator founder—shares how he built and pitched a successful startup without the traditional pedigree. Drawing from his experience landing offers at McKinsey, JPMorgan, and FAANG while coming from a non-target school, Chan will reveal how to craft your founder story, stand out in competitive application pools, and navigate the YC process with authenticity and confidence. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or already building your startup, this session will show you how to turn unconventional beginnings into startup success.

Chanhyung K.

Before You Blow Your Shot: What to Know About IB Recruiting

Investment banking recruiting is fast-paced, competitive, and full of nuances that can make or break your chances. In this session, Leland coach Ken I. (IB Career Fellow at the Wharton School) will walk you through what you need to know to navigate the process successfully and avoid common pitfalls. You’ll learn how to approach networking, position your experience, and prepare effectively for both technical and behavioral interviews. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to maximize your chances of landing interviews and standing out in the highly competitive IB recruiting process. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot. We’re excited to be on the IB journey with you!

Ken I.

MBA Recruiting Resume Guide

This resume guide is your strategic blueprint for standing out in the highly competitive MBA admissions process. Designed with input from top business schools and recruiters, it walks you through proven formatting, language, and content strategies that highlight your leadership, impact, and potential—ensuring your resume rises to the top of the pile. Whether you're just starting or refining a final draft, this guide will help you craft a one-page resume that speaks the language of top MBA programs.

Claudia C.

Getting into Stanford GSB

Are you aiming to secure a spot in a top MBA program? Join me, Sydney, for an insightful session on how to navigate the MBA application process and stand out among a competitive pool of applicants. As a recent MBA graduate from Stanford's Graduate School of Business and a former MBA Student Admissions Ambassador, I am passionate about guiding prospective students through this journey. During this event, we'll cover essential topics such as general exploration, essays, application strategy, recommendations, and networking strategy. Whether you're considering applying in round 2 or looking for an extra push for round 1, this session is tailored for you. Let's work together to present your authentic story and find your passion through business.

Sydney T.

Mastering this Skill Unlocked the 99th percentile LSAT for Me

The LSAT is one of the biggest hurdles on the law school path—but mastering the right skills can completely change your score trajectory. In this session, we’ll dive into the single most impactful skill that propelled Eshaan S. to a 99th percentile score. You’ll learn why this skill matters, how to practice it effectively, and how to apply it under timed conditions. We’ll also cover broader strategies for test-day preparation, common pitfalls that hold students back, and ways to approach the exam with confidence. Whether you’re just starting LSAT prep or aiming to push from good to great, you’ll leave with concrete techniques you can put into action right away.

Eshaan S.

Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.

Jennifer P.

Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation

Jennifer P.

Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays

The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.

Andy P.

Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays

Andy P.

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.

3 contributors

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.

Loubna B.

Free

Ben L. (GSB Alum) Podcast Feature

Ben’s career has been anything but linear, from working at McKinsey helping prisons improve rehabilitation outcomes, to diving into politics, to supporting chess startups, his experiences are as diverse as they are fascinating. After struggling through the MBA application process himself, Ben became driven to help candidates craft powerful, authentic applications that truly reflect who they are. In this episode, Ben shares: How his varied career shaped his perspective on business school and beyond Why storytelling is the key to a standout MBA application How he helps candidates align their applications with their unique strengths and passions If you’re navigating the MBA application process, Ben’s insights will help you focus on what truly matters and make your story shine.

Ben L.

Mastering Necessary and Sufficient Assumptions on the LSAT

Understanding necessary and sufficient assumptions is one of the biggest keys to unlocking higher Logical Reasoning scores on the LSAT. In this workshop, Elias S.—a 177 scorer (99.5th percentile) who has helped students improve their scores by an average of 15–20 points—will break down how to identify these question types, avoid common traps, and apply the right reasoning strategies every time. With experience helping students achieve jumps of up to 40 points and even reach perfect scores, Elias will guide you through a clear, structured approach to mastering these challenging logic concepts. Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier law school or trying to break into the 170s, this session will give you the tools to approach LSAT arguments with precision and confidence.

Elias S.

Military to MBA

Transitioning from the military to business school can feel like stepping into a completely new world—but with the right strategy, your service can become your strongest differentiator. In this workshop, Wyatt F.—a Wharton MBA, U.S. Army veteran, private equity operator, and cofounder of the 7-figure company Sitreps2Steercos—will walk you through how to turn your military experience into a compelling MBA application story. Having helped hundreds of veterans gain admission to top programs like Wharton, Chicago Booth, Duke, McCombs, and Yale SOM, Wyatt will share tactical advice on essay strategy, resume translation, and interview prep. Whether you’re just beginning your transition or finalizing your applications, this session will help you craft your narrative, highlight your leadership, and approach the MBA process with confidence.

Wyatt F.

M7 MBA Applications: How to Tell Your Story

Are you applying to an MBA program at a top business school? Then you already know your essays are the most important part of your application. In this session, we’ll break down why essays matter so much to admissions committees, what they reveal about you beyond your resume and transcript, and how to craft a narrative that sets you apart. From writing a compelling “Why MBA” essay to tackling the community essay with authenticity and confidence, this event will give you a clear, structured approach to presenting your best self. I’m Mihir, your guide for this event. As an admit to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth, I bring firsthand experience and insider knowledge to help you stand out in your applications. With a background in Biochemistry, English, Business, and Computer Science, and professional stints at Capital One and Moderna, I offer a well-rounded perspective on crafting compelling applications. I’m thrilled to co-host this session with Claire, a Knight-Hennessy Scholar and Stanford GSB alumna. Claire has mastered the case interview process and earned a full-time role at Bain & Company, later moving into private equity and venture capital, and most recently global brand strategy at Nike. Her story highlights how mentorship, grit, and openness to opportunity can completely transform a career trajectory. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies for structuring your essays, a framework for telling your unique story, and examples that highlight what works—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re drafting your first outline or polishing your final version, this workshop is designed to help you approach every essay with confidence and clarity.

2 contributors

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. Reference the slides from a past event that draws from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world.

2 contributors

AI & Your MBA Application: Dos and Don'ts for Written Content

Are you thinking about using AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your MBA application essays, but are unsure how to do it ethically and effectively? Join me, M, for a practical and candid session designed to equip MBA applicants with the necessary knowledge and strategies for using AI to assist them in crafting authentic and compelling written content while remaining policy compliant. This session will help you understand how to responsibly integrate AI support into the written components of your application while maintaining your personal voice and authenticity. Learn how to use AI as a supportive tool without violating school guidelines or compromising the integrity of your narrative. I’ll share examples that show the difference between a compelling story that captures your real voice and an AI-produced generic essay.

M G.

MBA Application Fundamentals for Non-Traditional Candidates

Are you applying to business school with a non-traditional or non-business background? Are you intimidated by the application process, unsure on where to start, or just a little stuck on ways to communicate your experience? If so, this session is for you! During this event, we'll discuss some of the commonly-held assumptions among MBA class profiles, cover the ways non-traditional candidates can manage the expectations of admissions committees, and describe how differentiated experience can help your application shine! This course is taught by Laura N., a former MBA admissions committee member, pro admissions coach, and accredited member of AIGAC (Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants). Laura has been an MBA admissions consultant for 16 years and has guided more than 500 clients towards admission to elite MBA programs, including HBS, Stanford, Wharton, and more.

Laura N.

How I Got Into GSB and HBS Deferred

Curious what it takes to get into the most competitive deferred MBA programs in the world? In this workshop, join Kristen H., who was admitted as a deferred applicant into both Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School, as she shares the real story behind her journey and how you can craft a winning application of your own. From building a compelling narrative to navigating the unique challenges of applying while still in undergrad, Kristen will teach you through what worked, what she wishes she’d done differently, and what top programs are really looking for in deferred applicants. She'll also walk you through the key elements of a strong application, showing real examples of successful M7 admit essays. Whether you're just starting your research or deep into your essays, this session will leave you inspired and informed.

Kristen H.

AI and Your MBA Application Do's and Don'ts for Interview Practice

Ready to leverage AI tools to elevate your MBA interview preparation but want to ensure you're doing it strategically and authentically? Join me, M, for a practical and actionable session designed to help MBA applicants use AI as a powerful practice partner while maintaining genuine responses and natural delivery. This session will show you how to integrate AI into your interview prep routine to simulate real interview scenarios, generate tailored questions, and receive instant, impactful feedback. Learn how to craft prompts that help you practice behavioral and school-specific questions, refine your storytelling, and analyze your responses. We’ll discuss how to use AI for mock interviews and avoid common pitfalls that can make your responses sound robotic or inauthentic. We’ll also cover ethical considerations, best practices, and how to blend AI support with real-world input for maximum value.

M G.

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