Leland+ Content Library

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.

PE 101 for Interviewees and Professionals: Deal Dynamics, Diligence, & Value Creation

Private equity can feel complex from the outside, but understanding deal flow, diligence, and value creation is essential—whether you're preparing for interviews or entering the industry. In this session, Saleem H., an early graduate from a non-target school who has built a career in private equity after consulting, will break down the fundamentals in a way that’s approachable and practical. Having mentored dozens of candidates into top MBA programs, MBB and Tier-2 consultancies, boutique firms, and competitive PE roles, Saleem brings hands-on experience and a passion for supporting nontraditional, first-gen, and early-career professionals. He’ll walk you through how firms evaluate deals, where analysts and associates drive the most impact, and what interviewers expect you to know about value creation from day one.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Tips for Success: Navigating the Deferred MBA recommendation Process

Applying to deferred MBA programs is a unique challenge—especially when it comes to securing strong recommendation letters. Your recommenders can make or break your application, but knowing who to ask, how to prepare them, and what schools are really looking for can be tricky to navigate. Join Claire R., a former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford GSB and MBA graduate of Yale SOM, for an insider’s guide to navigating the deferred MBA recommendation process. Drawing on her experience evaluating applications at one of the world’s top programs, Claire will share how to select the right recommenders, guide them to highlight your strengths effectively, and ensure their letters complement—not duplicate—your essays and resume.

Before You Hit Submit: Tips to Make Your College App Shine

As deadlines approach, this workshop will walk you through the final steps that take a college application from good to unforgettable. Our expert panel will cover how to polish your essays, strengthen your storytelling, and make strategic last-minute tweaks that help you stand out in competitive pools. Meet Your Coaches: Jessica F. — Harvard alum with 30 years of experience helping students get into top schools through expert essay and application guidance. Liz C. — Duke MBA and storytelling specialist with an almost 100% BYU admit rate, known for elevating nontraditional and healthcare-focused applicants. Luzy G. — Harvard graduate with 4+ years of consulting experience whose students have been admitted to top universities—and who earned full-ride scholarships herself.

Do Your Deferred MBA in Spain: Interview with IESE Admissions Director

Join Jesse L., a Leland Top 10 MBA coach for international applicants, for a live interview with Patrik Wallén, MBA Admissions Director at IESE Business School (ranked #3 in the world by the Financial Times), followed by an open audience Q&A. This will be the first interview focused primarily on IESE’s Young Talent Path (YTP), IESE’s early-career, deferred-style pathway that ultimately leads into the full-time MBA. While the main focus is on YTP, this session will also be highly valuable for any applicant considering IESE, as it offers direct insight into IESE’s admissions philosophy, values, career development, and case-method-based MBA program. ✨ What makes IESE’s YTP unique Unlike most U.S.-based deferred MBA (DMBA) programs that require candidates to apply during their final undergraduate year or while completing a graduate degree, IESE allows applicants to apply both during their senior year and after graduation, with up to two years of full-time work experience. This makes YTP accessible to a broader group of early-career professionals who may not have been ready to apply as seniors. In this conversation, Jesse will interview Patrik on how YTP works in practice, how candidates are evaluated, and how YTP admits transition into the regular IESE MBA. We will also cover the support IESE provides to YTP admits during the deferral period, including engagement with the school, career guidance, and preparation for joining the MBA cohort. 📌 Topics will include: • What the Young Talent Path (YTP) is and how it compares to other deferred MBA-style programs • Who YTP is designed for and how candidates are assessed • Applying to YTP after graduation with less than two years of experience • What admission through YTP means in practice • How IESE supports YTP admits during the deferral period • How and when YTP participants join the full-time IESE MBA • What the IESE MBA experience looks like • Live audience Q&A 🎯 Who should attend This session is designed to give applicants real clarity on YTP and the IESE MBA, directly from the source.

Advanced IB Technicals

​Are you ready to tackle the toughest technical questions in investment banking and private equity interviews? Join expert Leland coach, Max A., for an Advanced IB Technicals session. Whether you're a student, in the industry, or just trying to sharpen your technicals, come ready to discuss LBOs, NOLs, bond yields, and more. ​​With over five years of experience mentoring 250+ aspiring finance professionals, Max has honed a deep understanding of what top banks and PE firms are looking for. His background includes roles at elite firms like Lazard, Qatalyst Partners, and Vector Capital Management, and he's currently pursuing an MBA at Stanford GSB and an MPA at Harvard Kennedy School. ​​In this session, you'll dive into technical interview prep, mergers and acquisitions, and essential skill-building to ensure you're ready for anything. Whether you've stumbled on a technical question before or just want to sharpen your edge, this event is for you.

Writing a Holistic Set of Kellogg Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)

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. This event will draw from example essays written by successful Northwestern Kellogg admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Kellogg 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. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Kellogg's top-flight MBA program.

Writing a Holistic Set of Kellogg Essays (Deck)

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. This event will draw from example essays written by successful Northwestern Kellogg admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Kellogg 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. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Kellogg's top-flight MBA program.

How to Land a Place at Oxford or Cambridge Panel

​Securing a Master's offer from Oxford or Cambridge is one of the most competitive admissions challenges in the world. With rigorous academic standards, unique interview formats, and a highly selective admissions process, standing out requires more than just strong grades. ​In this panel, Adam B. and Zuwena V. with Matthew M. as a moderator will share proven strategies for excelling at every stage of the Master's admissions process for these elite schools. You’ll gain insights into building a strong academic profile, writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for subject-specific assessments, and navigating the interview. Whether you’re just beginning your application or fine-tuning your final materials, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to maximize your chances of success at these world-class institutions.

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: MIT Sloan

​Get ready to shine in your MIT Sloan MBA interview with insider insights from current Sloan MBA and former BCG consultant Justin K. Join Justin for a deep dive into what makes Sloan’s behavioral interview unique—and how to stand out with confidence and authenticity. ​You’ll learn about the Sloan interview format, what qualities interviewers are looking for, and how to strategically prepare your stories using proven frameworks. Justin will share real-world advice drawn from his own experience at BCG, his acceptance into both MIT and Darden’s deferred MBA programs, and his success coaching candidates into MBB and top business schools. ​By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear game plan for your interviews—from structuring your answers to demonstrating leadership, curiosity, and analytical rigor—the qualities Sloan values most. ​

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)

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. This event will draw 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. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Booth's top-flight MBA program.

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (Deck)

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. This event will draw 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. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Booth's top-flight MBA program.

Conquering Parallel Reasoning on the LSAT

​Struggling to keep up when LSAT Logical Reasoning seems to throw identical arguments with different labels at you? Parallel reasoning is one of the most common stumbling blocks—and yet, the difference between a high score and a great score often comes down to mastery of this one skill. ​In this session, you'll learn from Adam T., a full-time LSAT instructor since 2016 and curriculum developer at PowerScore with over 15 years of teaching experience. He has helped students hit scores in the 170s and gain admission to top law schools. ​Adam will guide you through his proven framework to identify parallel argument structures, eliminate distractors that look right but aren’t, and apply the same logic under timed conditions. ​Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot. We’re excited to be on the law journey with you!

Veterans MBA Admissions Fireside Chat + Panel Discussion

This exclusive event is designed specifically for veterans or those currently in the military interested in pursuing MBA programs. Led by a distinguished panel of veterans who have successfully navigated their own MBA application journeys, this fireside chat offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, learn proven strategies, and gain insider knowledge on how to showcase your military background and skills effectively. ​From translating your military service into a compelling story to leveraging your leadership experience, paying for your MBA, and more, the panelists will share actionable advice to help you stand out amongst fellow applicants. ​​Leland is cohosting this event with Sitreps2Steercos, an incredible organization that was founded to help those in the military transition into top graduate programs and competitive career paths. ​Meet our panelists: ​Wyatt F, United States Military Academy, Warton MBA, US Army, helps clients write their "hero's journey" story for admissions committees, craft their resumes to make sure civilians understand their roles and impact, and nail the GMAT. ​Kelsey K, former M7 Admissions Director, partners with applicants to help them clarify who they are, what they want, and why they belong at the world’s best business schools. ​Alex S., Marine Academy, Ross MBA, US Army, alumni interviewer for Ross, expert MBA admissions coach for veterans and non-traditional backgrounds, has coached and prepped over 100+ people on MBA applications with a high rate of success.

Great First MBA Interview Answer. Ready for Follow-Ups? Learn to be!

▶ Your first answer went well. Then the follow-ups started. And they didn’t stop. In many MBA interviews, interviewers drill far beyond your initial response. If you are prepared, this is where you shine. If you are not, this is often where an otherwise strong application quietly slips away. I have helped applicants succeed in even the most demanding interview formats. In this 30-minute live session, I will introduce and demonstrate one of the core techniques I use with clients, the Dual Lens Interview Prep method, a practical approach designed to help you prepare not just answers, but real interview conversations. 🚩Do not miss this event - you will not learn this technique anywhere else!🚩 ▶You will learn how to: ◆ Prepare for follow-up questions that dig beneath your initial response ◆ Step into the interviewer’s mindset to anticipate deeper probing ◆ Build a flexible story bank that adapts across questions and schools ◆ Practice effectively on your own using recorded responses and structured reflection ◆ Go multiple layers deep on a single story without sounding rehearsed or scripted ▶ What we’ll do live I will walk through an example of the Dual Lens method in action, showing how one core story can generate multiple rounds of natural, high-quality follow-ups. I will also show how to organize this practice using simple tools, how to evaluate your own responses, and how this method fits into the broader interview prep system I use with MBA admits each year. ✔ What you’ll leave with A clear, repeatable framework you can start using immediately, whether you are preparing solo, with friends, or alongside a coach. ▶ Register now to learn how to handle MBA interview follow-ups with confidence.