Leland+ Content Library

MBA Application Checklist: A Step-by-Step Strategy Guide

A practical, easy-to-follow MBA application guide designed to help applicants move from uncertainty to a clear admissions strategy. This resource walks through the key decisions behind a strong MBA application, including when to apply, how to choose the right MBA format, how to build a balanced school list, what admissions committees look for, and how to craft a compelling application narrative. Inside, you’ll find a structured MBA application checklist covering standardized tests, school research, essays, recommendation letters, interview preparation, offer evaluation, and key strategic considerations. It is especially useful for career pivoters, international candidates, and applicants who want more clarity before investing time and money into applications. Created by Fabio Rodriguez, IESE MBA, Coach & Professor, this guide is based on the MBA strategy framework shown in the uploaded session deck, including school fit, career outcomes, application process, and admissions positioning.

Mastering Logical Reasoning: Recognizing Flaws

Flaw questions are one of the most common types of logical reasoning questions, and they test a critical skill used in law school and your legal career. Get a jump start on preparing for the LSAT by joining this presentation to become a master at identifying flaws. Megan works for Portland State University and designed an innovative LSAT Prep course that focuses on the real-world applications of the skills tested on the LSAT. Instead of sharing "tips and tricks," Megan teaches her students the "why" behind what the LSAT is testing using examples from legal practice, law school class discussions, and every day life. This approach helps students relate to the material and integrate LSAT skills into everyday practice. Law school teaches you how to think, and with Megan's help you can get a head start!

Cool, Calm, and Laser-Focused: Tame GMAT Test Anxiety

Join Leland coach Jennifer P. D. for a session packed with actionable tips and strategies for developing the calm, confident, laser-focused mindset that powers your best performance. ​If you've ever been frustrated at the way you lose your cool when the clock starts ticking, you're not alone! In Jennifer's 12 years of GMAT, GRE, and SAT coaching experience, she's encountered dozens of smart, utterly competent individuals who struggled to demonstrate their capabilities during these high-stakes exams. This fueled her drive to read research in neuroscience and performance psychology, to train in mindfulness meditation techniques, and to speak with candidates directly about what's playing out in their minds. Now she incorporates these concepts into all of her group classes and coaching - and it makes a difference! ​What's going on in your mind? Why is that normal? How can you shape it to work for you? Let's discuss. ​One of Jennifer's recent students wrote, "Working with Jennifer has been nothing but amazing and did wonders not only for my GMAT Focus score but also my general 'mindset' when it comes to high-pressure situations (as you experience during the exam). My GMAT Focus score jumped 110 points."

GRE Quant Workshop: Exponents & Roots - Foundational Theory

Exponent and root questions on the GRE Quant section can feel simple at first glance but often test whether you truly understand the underlying rules. This session is designed for students who want to build a strong foundation before tackling harder problems or timed practice. You’ll learn the core exponent and radical rules, how to simplify expressions step by step, and how to avoid the common conceptual mistakes that lead to lost points.

ClearAdmit x Leland: Nail Your MBA Interviews

​The MBA interview is one of the most important steps in the admissions process—your chance to move beyond the application and show schools who you really are. In this session, expert coaches Faisal K. (Admissions @ Chicago Booth), Charlotte W. (Stanford GSB), and Abdi S. (Harvard Business School) explain what top programs are evaluating, how to approach common interview formats, and strategies to highlight your unique story with confidence and clarity. ​We’ll also cover proven techniques to structure your answers, demonstrate leadership and impact, and avoid the common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re preparing for your very first interview or fine-tuning your final rounds, this session will give you the insights and preparation tools you need to stand out.

10 Must Haves to Land Multiple M7 Admission Calls

​Maximize your chances of M7 acceptance! In this powerful session, expert coach Timothy F., a Chicago Booth alum who has guided over 100 MBA applicants into every M7 school, will use his years of MBA admissions experience to unveil the 10 key ingredients for a standout application. Timothy's expertise includes extensive admissions committee experience and a unique ability to coach applicants from non-traditional backgrounds. Increase your odds of landing multiple acceptance letters and securing your future at a top business school like HBS, GSB, Booth, or CBS.

Letter of Recommendation Deadlines Tracker – MBA Applications

A spreadsheet to help applicants organize recommender deadlines across schools, ensuring timely submissions and clear communication throughout the application cycle.

UVA Admit Sample Resume [no legal work experience]

This applicant was admitted to several top law schools, including their Michigan, Duke, and UVA. Untraditional background/no legal experience.

Example of a Winning Kellogg Personal Statement - Leadership Amidst Uncertainty

A breakdown of an actual personal statement that got a deferred candidate admitted to the Kellogg School of Management, focusing on how they addressed the prompt to "educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value."

Unlock Your MBA Application Story

Use this comprehensive MBA questionnaire to articulate your unique story, define career goals, and strengthen your application for top business schools.

Template: How to Guide your Recommenders

A comprehensive guide for recommenders to craft impactful MBA letters, focusing on key attributes and application requirements for top business schools.

Example Resume - Climate Infrastructure & Renewable Energy

This resume highlights the author's experience in climate infrastructure investment at BlackRock, clean energy ventures, and project management in renewable energy at NextEra Energy Resources, alongside their education from Harvard Business School and the University of North Carolina.

Harvard/Yale/Stanford Admit with STEM Background — Resume

The resume of a law school applicant who was accepted to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Chicago. The applicant had no post-graduation work experience, so the resume highlights legal and STEM internships as well as volunteer and extracurricular involvement.

How Two M7 Admits Nailed Deferred MBA Apps

Are you a college senior aiming for a Deferred MBA program at a top business school? Join us for an insightful session on how two M7 admits successfully navigated the deferred MBA application process. I'm Mihir, your guide for this event. As an admit to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth Scholars, 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 Kristen, an outstanding admit to both Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB through their deferred MBA programs. Kristen studied Business Administration and Management and has worked as an Associate Consultant Intern at Bain & Company, a Strategy & Operations Coach at Leland, and is the Co-Founder of Ignite Digital Wellness. She brings deep insight into building a powerful application from a non-traditional background and balancing startup, nonprofit, and consulting experiences. During this session, we'll cover everything from school selection and application strategy to essays and testing. Whether you're just starting or refining your final application, this event is designed to help you present your most authentic self.

How to Ace Your MBA Interview (2026 Intake)

This playbook is designed for candidates targeting M7 and Top 15 schools who want to turn an interview invite into an acceptance.

Your 3 Month Application Prep Plan with ex-GSB Admissions Director

With three months remaining to the first application deadlines in the 2026 cycle, there are several steps and approaches you can take to strengthen your application. Understanding what you can adapt (the content of your application) and what you can't (where you have worked, where you went to school, your GPA, etc.) needs to be evaluated strategically. Having worked in admissions at Stanford for more than a decade, I will offer tips to help you begin your business school learning journey now, using what you incorporate in your essays, recommendations and resume to tie together other aspects of your application and story.

Creating a College List: Strategies & Tips

Learn how to create a strategic college list with a balanced mix of safety, target, and reach schools to maximize your chances of success.

Overview of the Waitlist Process

• Visual timeline from decision release → movement → final outcomes • Key decision points: R2 admit shifts, summer yield management • Typical volume of waitlisted candidates and admit conversion rates • School-specific examples (generalized, not data-heavy) • Summary: What you can and can’t control at each stage

Recommender Prep Doc: M7

Craft a winning LOR for top business schools. This guide helps you prepare recommenders to write compelling letters that get you noticed by M7 admissions.