Leland+ Content Library

Deferred MBA Admissions Event Sprint Kickoff

Kick off Deferred MBA Week with an overview of everything you need to know to build a winning application strategy from start to finish. In this session, we’ll break down what makes deferred programs unique, what top schools are really looking for in early-career candidates, and how to use the rest of the sprint—panels, workshops, and AMAs—to your advantage. You’ll walk away with a clear game plan for essays, recommendations, testing, and timelines, plus guidance on how to prioritize your time based on where you are in the process.

What Deferred MBA Essays Need to Accomplish, and How to Get There

Deferred MBA essays are less about polished resumes and more about potential, clarity of goals, and long-term impact, and getting them right requires a very specific approach. In this session, you’ll learn what top programs actually expect deferred candidates to demonstrate, how admissions committees read these essays differently from traditional MBA applications, and how to structure your responses to show maturity, self-awareness, and trajectory. We’ll break down common pitfalls, winning themes, and practical steps to move from a blank page to a compelling final draft with confidence.

Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?

​Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. ​Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.

Top 5 Tips for Succeeding on the GMAT

Want to boost your GMAT score with advice that actually moves the needle? Join Leland coach Bruce H., a seasoned GMAT expert who has helped candidates earn elite scores and gain admission to top MBA programs. Bruce will break down his top five most impactful strategies-from mastering data sufficiency to managing timing and building a high-yield study plan-so you can approach test day with confidence. Whether you're just starting or looking for a final score jump, you'll walk away with practical techniques you can implement immediately.

From College to Stanford GSB: The Deferred MBA Strategy Session (Feb 5)

Getting into Stanford GSB’s Deferred MBA program is not about checking boxes: it’s about building a strategy years before most candidates even think about business school. In this exclusive session, Dr. Loubna Bouamane, former MBA Admissions Director and founder of Admission Concierge, will walk you through exactly how top students position themselves for Stanford straight from college. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling early-career narrative, select the right internships and leadership experiences, stand out academically, and avoid the most common mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or recent graduate, this session will give you a clear roadmap to Stanford’s deferred MBA pathway with real-world insights from inside the admissions process.

From College to Stanford GSB: The Deferred MBA Strategy Session (Dec 11)

Getting into Stanford GSB’s Deferred MBA program is not about checking boxes: it’s about building a strategy years before most candidates even think about business school. In this exclusive session, Dr. Loubna Bouamane, former MBA Admissions Director and founder of Admission Concierge, will walk you through exactly how top students position themselves for Stanford straight from college. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling early-career narrative, select the right internships and leadership experiences, stand out academically, and avoid the most common mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or recent graduate, this session will give you a clear roadmap to Stanford’s deferred MBA pathway with real-world insights from inside the admissions process.

Nailing the Schwarzman Scholars Finalist Interview

Have you been selected as a Finalist for the Schwarzman Scholars program? If you've made it this far, a huge congratulations is in order, as you already overcame substantial odds - invitations to the in-person interview are extended to just 5-6% of the total applicant pool. However, the hardest part is yet to come! I'm here to offer advice and tips to help you navigate what will most definitely be one of the most unforgettable days of your life. This free event will cover what to expect in the Finalist round, alongside strategies to prepare for both the behavioral/application-based portion of the interview and the notoriously challenging 'Global Affairs' question.

Getting into Stanford GSB

Are you aiming to secure a spot in a top MBA program? Join me, Sydney, for an insightful session on how to navigate the MBA application process and stand out among a competitive pool of applicants. As a recent MBA graduate from Stanford's Graduate School of Business and a former MBA Student Admissions Ambassador, I am passionate about guiding prospective students through this journey. During this event, we'll cover essential topics such as general exploration, essays, application strategy, recommendations, and networking strategy. Whether you're considering applying in round 2 or looking for an extra push for round 1, this session is tailored for you. Let's work together to present your authentic story and find your passion through business.

Future-Proof Your Business with AI

AI is transforming how businesses operate—from automating workflows to driving strategic decision-making and unlocking new growth opportunities. But how can organizations practically adopt AI in ways that are impactful, ethical, and sustainable? ​In this session, Tara C. (Co-founder of Gravi AI), Logan K. (AI Program Director @ Fabletics), and Michael A. (AI & Product Strategy Mentor at a16z and ex-Microsoft) will explore the real-world applications of AI across different sectors, sharing frameworks for identifying high-value use cases, building data-ready teams, and managing change effectively. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate AI tools, integrate them into existing systems, and lead teams through digital transformation with confidence.

How to Nail Your Virtual Medical School Interviews

You’ve completed steps 1 and 2 of the medical school application process by submitting your primary and many secondary essays. Now, you are in the long-awaited stage of preparing for interviews (and perhaps you’ve already received an interview invite). Interviews are opportunities to showcase who you are much beyond your application materials. They are a chance to become familiarized with a program, get to know the faculty and students, and envision yourself at the medical school. During this event, you will learn how to prepare for interviews, what to expect on interview day, how to answer the most commonly asked questions, the difference between traditional and MMI interviews, tips for a smooth-running virtual Zoom experience, and more.

Acing the Sales & Trading Internship

The Internship Playbook: 5 Principles That Separate Great Interns from Good Ones — A concise, no-fluff guide covering the habits that actually matter during your internship: reliability over brilliance, sharing real insight (not just headlines), thinking like a principal, building genuine relationships with fellow interns, and remembering to evaluate the firm while they evaluate you. Written for anyone heading into a finance internship who wants to stand out for the right reasons.

Start Now: Building an Excellent Law School Application

If you’re planning to apply to law school, the strongest applications start taking shape months before the deadline. This session is designed for future applicants who want to use the early timeline strategically—before essays, recommendations, and school lists become a last-minute scramble. You’ll learn how to start building a compelling application foundation, clarify the story your materials should tell, and prioritize the steps that matter most in the months leading up to submissions.

Career Pathways in Trust and AI Safety

Trust and AI safety roles are growing quickly, but the paths into them are often unclear and highly interdisciplinary. This session is for students and professionals who want to understand how to break into this space and what backgrounds actually translate. You’ll learn how to map your current experience to relevant roles, identify the core skills and knowledge areas that matter, and position your interest in AI safety in a credible, differentiated way.

Resume Revolution: The ATS-Proof Blueprint

Is your resume disappearing into the application black hole? Up to 75% of resumes are filtered out by software before a human ever sees them. Join this free resource to gain the insider strategies you need to beat the system. Leveraging my background as a recruiter and sourcer, I'll show you how to stop listing duties and start showcasing metrics-based achievements that grab a hiring manager's attention. This resource is for you if you want to: - Master keywords to score highly with the ATS. - Pass the recruiter's 6-second review test. - Transform your experience into quantifiable impact. Stop submitting resumes and start submitting applications that convert to interviews!

Fix Your GMAT Mistakes: Study Smarter, Score Higher

If you’re stuck at a plateau, constantly making the same mistakes, or unsure how to study more strategically, this workshop will show you how to turn things around. Jennifer P. D.—a leading GMAT expert in Europe with 11 years of teaching experience and a 770 personal score—will break down how to diagnose your errors, rethink your study habits, and apply targeted techniques to boost your performance. With a perfect 51 Verbal score, deep knowledge of GMAC’s adaptive scoring logic, and years of experience preparing candidates worldwide, Jennifer brings a uniquely expert, personalized approach to GMAT mastery. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, create a smarter prep plan, and walk into test day with clarity and confidence.

Mastering this Skill Unlocked the 99th percentile LSAT for Me

The LSAT is one of the biggest hurdles on the law school path—but mastering the right skills can completely change your score trajectory. In this session, we’ll dive into the single most impactful skill that propelled Eshaan S. to a 99th percentile score. You’ll learn why this skill matters, how to practice it effectively, and how to apply it under timed conditions. ​We’ll also cover broader strategies for test-day preparation, common pitfalls that hold students back, and ways to approach the exam with confidence. Whether you’re just starting LSAT prep or aiming to push from good to great, you’ll leave with concrete techniques you can put into action right away.

Build Your Test Prep Study Plan: GMAT & GRE

Your target score is not a dream. It is a strategy. The GMAT and GRE are beatable, but only if you stop winging it and start training with intention. In this session, you will build a personalized, high-performance study plan designed around your strengths, weaknesses, and timeline. You will learn how to diagnose your baseline, prioritize the sections that move the needle fastest, structure practice for maximum retention, and time your prep so you peak exactly when it matters. No more scattered studying. No more second guessing. Just a clear roadmap to a score that changes your trajectory. If you are ready to take control of your prep and unlock your full potential, this is your starting line.

Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation

​Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. ​You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.

October Series - Managing a Job Search (Session 4)

Stop moving in the wrong direction! It’s easy to confuse being busy with making progress. Not all activity is created equal. Many job seekers spend hours applying blindly or scrolling through job boards. But this kind of busywork often leads to burnout and disappointment. The real trap is measuring effort instead of results. (Read that again). What matters is focusing on high-impact activities and tracking meaningful metrics. If you don’t, you risk throwing darts in the wrong direction and wondering why you’re not hitting the board. While you might get lucky with sheer volume and the law of averages, it’s ultimately the quality and direction of your activity that truly counts.