Leland+ Content Library

5 Tips for MBA Applicants from a Former Stanford Admissions Director

Insider advice on how to strengthen your MBA application—from storytelling and school fit to strategic positioning—straight from a former GSB gatekeeper.

How to Write a “Why Stanford” Essay That Stands Out

Actionable guidance on crafting a compelling Stanford GSB essay that clearly connects your goals, values, and motivations with what the school uniquely offers.

Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay

Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.

Crafting the 'Why UChicago' Law Essay

Read an accepted 'Why UChicago Law' optional essay. Learn how to explain your fit with a school and craft a compelling personal statement.

Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay

Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.

Tech to MBA Panel Pt 1

Are you working in the tech industry and thinking about applying to an elite business school? Join the Leland team for this FREE event specifically designed for tech professionals aspiring to get into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, The Wharton School, and more. ​During this event, our expert panelists will answer the most frequently asked questions related to the business school application process for tech professionals and discuss how to: ​⭐️ Transition from a tech career to an MBA program ​⭐️ Think about your application strategy ​⭐️ Get your MBA resume prepared ​⭐️ Write winning essays ​⭐️ Stand out throughout the interview process ​Meet our panelists: ​Maaz K., Ross MBA, former Google, Amazon, and Square, supply chain management professional with 10+ years across diverse industries including tech, CPG, and construction, experience aiding others regarding career advice, MBA and grad school admissions. ​Tory V., Harvard MBA, Google and TikTok, who's passionate about guiding people through their career and academic goals, including resume/LinkedIn reviews, application reviews, and mock interviews. ​Don't miss this unique opportunity to acquire top-tier knowledge and strategies for successfully applying to MBA programs as a tech professional.

Tech to MBA Panel Pt 2

​Are you working in the tech industry and thinking about applying to an elite business school? Join the Leland team for this FREE event specifically designed for tech professionals aspiring to get into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, The Wharton School, and more. ​During this event, our expert panelists will answer the most frequently asked questions related to the business school application process for tech professionals and discuss how to: ​⭐️ Transition from a tech career to an MBA program ​⭐️ Think about your application strategy ​⭐️ Get your MBA resume prepared ​⭐️ Write winning essays ​⭐️ Stand out throughout the interview process ​Meet our panelists: ​Maaz K., Ross MBA, former Google, Amazon, and Square, supply chain management professional with 10+ years across diverse industries including tech, CPG, and construction, experience aiding others regarding career advice, MBA and grad school admissions. ​Tory V., Harvard MBA, Google and TikTok, who's passionate about guiding people through their career and academic goals, including resume/LinkedIn reviews, application reviews, and mock interviews. ​Don't miss this unique opportunity to acquire top-tier knowledge and strategies for successfully applying to MBA programs as a tech professional.

Demystifying Master's Admissions: What You Need to Know

Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? In just 30 minutes, this fast-paced and informative session will walk you through the essentials of applying to a master’s program—from choosing the right school to submitting a strong application. Whether you're returning to school after a break, switching careers, or aiming to level up in your field, this webinar will equip you with clear next steps, practical tips, and confidence to begin your journey. ​​Join Amy G., Columbia & NYU Grad Enrollment Leader, to learn what admissions committees look for, how to stand out, and how to stay organized and focused throughout the process.

(Sept 2025) Demystifying Master's Admissions: What You Need to Know

​​Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? In just 30 minutes, this fast-paced and informative session will walk you through the essentials of applying to a master’s program—from choosing the right school to submitting a strong application. Whether you're returning to school after a break, switching careers, or aiming to level up in your field, this webinar will equip you with clear next steps, practical tips, and confidence to begin your journey. ​​Join Amy G., Columbia & NYU Grad Enrollment Leader, to learn what admissions committees look for, how to stand out, and how to stay organized and focused throughout the process.

Demystifying Master's Admissions: What You Need to Know 

Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? In just 30 minutes, this fast-paced and informative session will walk you through the essentials of applying to a master’s program—from choosing the right school to submitting a strong application. Whether you're returning to school after a break, switching careers, or aiming to level up in your field, this webinar will equip you with clear next steps, practical tips, and confidence to begin your journey. ​Join Amy G., Columbia & NYU Grad Enrollment Leader, to learn what admissions committees look for, how to stand out, and how to stay organized and focused throughout the process.

HBS Example Essays on Impact, Inclusion & Leadership

Discover how to craft compelling Harvard Business School essays that highlight your commitment to challenging the status quo, driving inclusion, and leading with authenticity.

Columbia MBA Essay Examples (Consultant / Corp Dev / ETA / LGBTQ)

Explore successful Columbia Business School essays that articulate career goals, demonstrate inclusive leadership, and highlight fit with the program's unique culture and NYC opportunities.

Sample Kellogg Personal Statement from an Admitted Deferred MBA Applicant

A breakdown of an actual personal statement that got a deferred candidate admitted to the Kellogg School of Management, addressing the values-based prompt.

Example Yale Law 250 Essay

A unique look at a successful Yale Law School essay and how to connect a complex topic to your personal story and legal aspirations.

What Do You Want to Accomplish with Your MBA Essays?

Move beyond the basics. Learn how to craft MBA application essays that tell your unique story and prove you belong at your dream school.

Example Standardized Test Addendum

A test score addendum example for law school applications. Learn how to explain a low LSAT/ACT score by highlighting a strong academic record.

Personal Statements: A Guide to Getting Started

In this quick guide, you'll find top tips and guidelines on how to get started writing your personal statements for your graduate school applications.

Master's Application Timeline & Checklist

Never miss a deadline again. Download the essential timeline and checklist used by successful applicants to manage all phases of their graduate school applications.

How Non-Target Candidates Are Breaking Into IB [10/15/2026] (Recording)

You don't need to come from a target school to break into investment banking, but you do need a strategy that gets you noticed. Non-target candidates face a different recruiting landscape, making it critical to know how to build credibility, access the right opportunities, and turn limited connections into real interviews. This session is for students from non-target schools who want to compete for investment banking roles and build a path into the industry. You’ll learn how to approach recruiting strategically, strengthen your profile, and overcome the barriers that can make breaking into IB more difficult. Join live to hear from an IB expert with nearly two decades of investment banking experience, including leadership roles at Wells Fargo and UBS. The speaker will share firsthand insights into what separates candidates who break through from non-target schools, along with practical strategies for networking, recruiting, and earning opportunities. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer playbook for breaking into IB from a non-target background.

LSAT Q & A: All Questions Welcome! [9/25/2026] (Recording)

When is the best time to take the LSAT? Should I read the question stem or the stimulus first? Go to a testing site or take the remote LSAT? What's the deal with accommodations? Do law schools care how many times I take the test? Is T-14 or bust worth it? Come ask whatever's on your mind regarding any phase of LSAT prep and law school admissions. Whether you have an obscure question about logical reasoning or just want to know what path is right for you, I am here to deliver thoughtful, honest answers based on my years of admissions and test prep knowledge!