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.

Financing Your MBA

In this 1-hour webinar, Juno co-founder and HBS alum, Nikhil Agarwal, shares several tips and tricks for mastering personal finances during your MBA school matriculation, including your options regarding federal and private student loans, how to compare your options the smart way, tax strategies, investment tips, and more.

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

AI in MBA Admissions: Opportunity, Risk, and Strategy [3/26/2026] (Recording)

AI is quickly changing how applicants research schools, refine essays, and prepare for interviews—but most candidates aren’t sure how to use it strategically without weakening their application. This session is for MBA applicants who want to understand where AI can genuinely strengthen their process and where it can quietly undermine authenticity. You’ll learn practical ways to use AI for brainstorming and feedback, how admissions readers may detect overly AI-generated materials, and how to maintain a strong personal voice while leveraging new tools. Join live to ask your questions about essays, school research, and interview prep in an AI-enabled world. The speaker is a Stanford instructor with experience in both MBA admissions and AI research, and regularly advises applicants navigating these decisions. They’ll share the kinds of frameworks and examples that typically come up in 1:1 strategy conversations with candidates.

ADEA AADSAS - COVID Essay Example

I have attached an example of my COVID Essay which can be found on the Personal Information section of the ADEA AADSAS Application for Dental Schools. The prompt and character count are also showcased!

How to Ace your MBA Interview

The MBA interview isn’t about perfect answers. It’s about having clear career goals, a compelling “Why MBA / Why this school,” deep self-awareness, and confident leadership presence. If you're preparing for an MBA interview and want to approach it strategically - not just memorize answers - this masterclass gives you a practical framework to stand out.

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!

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.

How to Read Food Labels with Confidence

Are you ready to take control of your health by understanding food labels with confidence? Join me, Rachel, a Board Certified Health Coach and Behavioral Sciences Researcher, for an enlightening session on how to navigate food labels effectively. With a Master's in Public Health from NYU and extensive experience in holistic nutrition, I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their wellness goals through personalized strategies. In this event, we'll explore how reading food labels can be a powerful tool for personal growth, mindfulness, stress management, and anxiety reduction. My background includes creating holistic health programs for medical students and leading health education initiatives at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve your health, or develop a sustainable wellness routine, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Spaces are limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and start your journey towards a healthier, more informed lifestyle!

Kellogg’s Core Identity

Explore what “high impact, low ego” really means and how this principle shapes the school’s culture, from classrooms to recruiting.

Why Stanford GSB? The "Why MBA" Essay That Got Me In

Deconstruct a successful "Why Stanford" essay. Learn to articulate your career vision and connect it directly to a school's unique offerings!

5 Mistakes That Tank Deferred MBA Applications

Deferred MBA applications are evaluated with a different lens, and small missteps can have an outsized impact on outcomes. This session breaks down the most common mistakes that weaken deferred MBA candidacies, from unclear career narratives to misaligned school fit and timing errors. You’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and strengthen your application by presenting a clear, credible, and forward-looking story.

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.

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.

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.

Industry Placement & Recruiting Landscape

Identify where Kellogg grads go - from consulting and PE/VC to CPG, tech, and sustainability - and what this reveals about the school’s career DNA.

What Wharton is REALLY testing in the TBD

Most candidates misunderstand the Wharton School Team-Based Discussion (TBD). Learn how to stand out! They think it’s about being the loudest voice in the room. Or about presenting the “best” idea. It’s not. In this masterclass, I break down what Wharton is actually evaluating in the TBD - from leadership signals to collaboration dynamics - and how you can position yourself strategically without dominating or disappearing.

Personal Statement Jumpstart

Get a strong start on one of the most important parts of your dental school application. In this session, you’ll learn how to choose the right story, structure your personal statement, and clearly communicate your motivation for dentistry in a way that resonates with admissions committees. You’ll leave with proven frameworks, common pitfalls to avoid, and concrete next steps to begin drafting a compelling, authentic personal statement.

The Military-to-MBA Timeline: What to Do and When

After this session, you will know exactly how to sequence your MBA application efforts as a military candidate, from when to start building your school list to how to time your GMAT prep around separation or transition milestones. You will also leave with a clear picture of how to frame your service record for civilian admissions committees and which application components military candidates most often underinvest in.

Breaking into MBB as an Underdog

Breaking into MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) is challenging even if you're at an Ivy League School with a top GPA and you start preparing for interviews six months in advance. But imagine trying to break in from a non-target school with a sub-3.5 GPA, having never heard of a case interview until two months before the application deadline. In this event, you'll hear Matt's story overcoming those exact circumstances to land a Bain Associate Consultant Internship. And you'll hear from Jeremy, his Leland coach, who helped him navigate the entire application process and put in place a strategy to overcome obstacles that most candidates see as insurmountable. If you feel like an underdog, or don't know how to you could possibly land an MBB offer, come to this event to revitalize your belief and learn the exact steps you need to take to get there.