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.

Example: Admitted Wharton Essay from a Deferred Candidate

A breakdown of an MBA essay that got a deferred candidate admitted to Wharton, focusing on how they addressed the prompt, "How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals?"

Successful Bain Resume – Economics, Research, and Global Leadership

A standout undergraduate resume combining academic excellence in economics and global health with leadership in model government, public policy research, and international education programs.

Resume from a HBS + GSB Deferred Admit - Entrepreneurship/Tech

View the resume from somebody who worked across consulting, entrepreneurship, and tech in their undergrad and was accepted into Harvard and Stanford's deferred programs.

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.

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.

Networking Strategy for Startups and Tech: Forwardable Emails

Learn how to write the perfect email that gets forwarded to key decision-makers and lands you the job at top startups and tech companies.

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.

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.

Wharton Essay 2 — Contribution (First-Gen Background)

A 400-word contribution essay that turns a first-generation background into specific, executable contributions — from M&A case workshops to a 1Gen mentorship program. Annotated with the test every contribution should pass: could someone with a different resume make the same promise?

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.

Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Vanderbilt, and Emory

​In Part 3 of this series, admissions directors from Kellogg, Vanderbilt, and Emory 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 Steve Thompson (Senior Director of MBA Admissions @ Kellogg), Katherine Farrar (Associate Director of Admissions @ MIT Sloan), Bailey McChesney (Director of MBA Admissions @ Vanderbilt), and Melissa Rapp (Associate Dean of MBA Admissions @ Emory). ​​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.

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!

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.

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

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.