Leland+ Content Library

Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Booth, Ross, and SMU

What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 2 this session, admissions directors from Chicago Booth, SMU Cox, and Michigan Ross will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Nicole Chen (Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions @ Booth), Lindsay DiAngelo (Associate Director of MBA Admissions @ Ross), and Shelly Heinrich (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ SMU). ​You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.

Round 2 MBA: What You Need to Do Between Now and the Deadlines

Round 2 MBA deadlines are just around the corner—and what you do in the next few months can make or break your application. In this session, you will learn how to prioritize your time, strengthen your materials, and fill any remaining gaps in your candidacy. ​Faisal K. brings admissions experience from Chicago Booth, Oren M. previously served in Wharton’s admissions office, and Jenny R. is a former Stanford GSB Admissions Officer—together, they’ve helped hundreds of applicants gain admission to top programs. ​You’ll learn exactly where to focus your energy—from refining your essays and securing powerful recommendations to polishing your resume and prepping for potential interviews. Whether you’re just starting your Round 2 applications or putting on the finishing touches, this session will help you create a clear, actionable plan to submit your strongest possible application.

Driver or Passenger? Taking Control of the College Admissions Process 

The college admissions process can be daunting, but adopting a driver's mindset can make the difference between your dreams and disappointment. In this session, Harvard educated college admissions advisor Jessica F. discusses how to cultivate the essential qualities of leadership, curiosity, character and impact by moving from the passenger seat into the driver's seat. Did you join the debate club or start a debate program for middle-schoolers in underserved areas? Are you choosing colleges because they're prestigious or because you've found your matches? Are you taking classes you should or love? Do your essays use passive or active language? From a high level to specific details, this session will give you valuable tools to help you successfully navigate the college application process to achieve your dreams. Jessica F. has been holistically guiding students through the college application process for thirty years. She's helped students earn perfect scores, write brilliant essays, craft winning narratives and gain admission to the likes of Harvard, Stanford, Brown, Dartmouth, Yale and many more top colleges. She'd love to support you too!

Differentiate your MBA Application: School Research & Networking Part 1 of 2

⚡School research and networking are the secret weapons that separate good MBA applicants from the ones admissions committees can’t forget. They shape every part of your application, from essays and interviews to your ability to turn a waitlist into an admit. Yet most applicants never learn how to do them at the level that truly changes the game. This is Part 1 of a two-part workshop series. In this session, you will learn the research and networking strategy and methods. You will then have two weeks to complete your own school research and networking as guided homework. In Part 2, I will demonstrate how to put this work into action through a live walkthrough, including discussion of participant progress and real questions that arise during the process. ⚠️Register for Part 2 in the event calendar on March 13th Part 1 has been my most popular event, run multiple times each year, and consistently rated by attendees as one of the most helpful and actionable MBA preparation sessions they’ve experienced. This is the first time I am introducing the Part 2 execution workshop. In this session, you’ll discover how to: 🔷 Conduct deep-dive school research that goes far beyond websites and brochures 🔷 Strategically network with the right people, turning what may be the greatest networking opportunity of your life into a clear advantage for admission and beyond 🔷 Create an MBA Journey document that becomes your central reference for aligning fit, goals, and contributions across the application 🔷 Integrate your findings seamlessly into essays, interviews, networking conversations, and campus interactions You’ll learn how to pinpoint the exact courses, professors, centers, career services, experiential programs, internships, clubs, culture elements, current students, and alumni connections that will help you achieve your goals, and how to clearly show the value you will bring in return. By the end of this session, you will know how to demonstrate, with clarity and credibility, that you and your target MBA program are the right fit for each other. Bonus Offer ✅1 attendee will receive a free 1-hour coaching session. ✅All attendees may request a free copy of the MBA Research & Networking Template. ⚡Spots are limited. Register now to gain the advantage that can set your MBA application apart.

Your Next Moves: How to Improve Your Odds Late in the Med School Cycle

If you’re applying late in the medical school cycle—or wondering how to strengthen your chances as the season unfolds—this workshop will show you how to make every move count. Led by Jessica A., a recent matriculant at UPenn’s Perelman School of Medicine who earned interviews from 18+ top programs and acceptances from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Penn, this session breaks down how late-cycle decisions actually work and what applicants can still do to stand out. Drawing on her experience as both an admissions interviewer and mentor to students who’ve landed interviews at top-tier institutions, Jessica will cover high-impact improvements you can make now across secondaries, updates, letters, school lists, and communication strategy. Whether you're a strong candidate fine-tuning your odds or a reapplicant navigating gaps in your profile, you’ll leave with a focused plan for elevating your application.

Tips for succeeding in a very competitive law school admissions cycle

Law school admissions are more competitive than ever—but with the right strategy, you can stand out from even the strongest applicant pools. In this workshop, Hillary M.—a law school admissions expert with nearly 20 years of experience advising hundreds of applicants—will share the key insights, strategies, and mindsets needed to gain an edge in today’s application cycle. A graduate of Brown University and Boston College Law School, Hillary has helped students earn acceptances and scholarships at top programs nationwide. She’ll walk you through how to tailor your personal statement, highlight your unique strengths, and navigate the evolving admissions landscape with confidence. Whether you’re applying this year or planning ahead, this session will help you maximize your chances of success. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot. We’re excited to be on the law school journey with you! And don’t forget to sign up for a free Leland account to stay in the loop for more free events, discounts, and law school resources.

Take‑Home Assignment Playbook for APM & New‑Grad PMs

A comprehensive, step‑by‑step playbook to help you crush take‑home product assignments for APM, PM internships, and new‑grad PM roles. Inside, you’ll get a universal template you can reuse for any prompt, four fully‑fleshed practice assignments (consumer app, B2B execution, AI‑driven feature, and FAANG‑style product strategy), plus self‑evaluation rubrics and fill‑in‑the‑blank scaffolds to structure your answers like a real PM. This resource is designed to take you from “no idea where to start” to confident, clear, and interview‑ready. Who it’s for Aspiring product managers recruiting for APM programs. Candidates applying for PM internships and entry‑level PM roles. Career switchers who understand basic product concepts but need a concrete system for tackling take‑home assignments. Anyone who has ever stared at a PM take‑home prompt and thought, “I don’t even know how to start,” and wants a repeatable, high‑signal approach.

Applying for an MBA in 2026? 6 Things You Could be Doing Now to Get Ahead

Planning to apply for an MBA in 2026? Join me, Meghna (HBS '28), for a high-impact session to help you get ahead in your MBA application journey. With acceptances and scholarship offers from multiple M7 and T15 programs, I’m excited to share the strategies, lessons learned, and insider insights that helped me navigate the process successfully, and that can help you do the same. In this session, we’ll cover practical, actionable strategies you can start implementing now - from refining your target school list and clarifying your “Why MBA,” to a structured framework for brainstorming essays and building a personalized application timeline. I’ll also share candid advice on where to invest (and where not to invest) your time and money when it comes to test prep, networking, and other application resources. Space is limited, so RSVP today to secure your spot and take the first step toward a standout application. Attendees will also receive an exclusive discount code for 1:1 coaching for the 2026 cycle.

Raising the Bar (Chart): Mastering Graphs in Case Interviews

Struggling to interpret charts quickly and confidently in case interviews? You're not alone, and the good news is, this skill is highly learnable. As a former Bain Manager and Recruiter, I've helped hundreds of candidates master "clearing the chart" in case interviews, and I'll be sharing these tactics with you in this free webinar. In this webinar, we’ll demystify the graphs, exhibits, and data visualizations that consulting firms love to throw at candidates. You’ll learn how to: - Break down bar charts, line graphs, waterfalls, and tables in seconds - Spot the real insights interviewers want you to surface - Structure your interpretation clearly and avoid common traps - Turn messy data into crisp takeaways that move your case forward - Use a simple, universal framework for analyzing any exhibit under pressure Whether you’re prepping for MBB, Big 4, or boutique firms, this session will help you raise your data game and show interviewers you can think like a consultant. Expect practical examples, live breakdowns, and tips you can use immediately in your next case. Join us to turn charts from intimidating to intuitive, and start cracking cases with clarity.

Interview Insider: Decode the Hiring Manager

You landed the interview—now, how do you secure the offer? Most candidates focus on what to say, but successful professionals focus on how to think like the person doing the hiring. Join this free, dynamic workshop to gain the ultimate edge in any interview setting. Leveraging my experience as a former Finance Recruiter and Sourcer, I'll reveal the simple, repeatable strategies you need to master behavioral questions and confidently approach the final salary negotiation. This workshop is essential for you if: - You struggle to talk about your weaknesses or past failures. - You freeze up when asked tough, unpredictable behavioral questions. - You don't know your market value and feel anxious about negotiating salary. What you'll get out of this event: - The STAR Method Masterclass: Learn the clear, reliable framework for telling compelling stories that answer any behavioral question with precision. - Recruiter Mindset: Gain insider perspective on the real goal behind tricky questions (and how to deliver the answer the hiring manager is actually looking for). - Negotiation Foundations: Get practical, step-by-step guidance on researching your worth and approaching the salary discussion with confidence. Stop guessing what they want to hear and start interviewing like an insider!

Things You Need to Know Before Submitting Your Law School Application

​As deadlines approach, it’s essential to make sure every piece of your law school application tells a cohesive and compelling story. In this panel, expert Leland law school coaches will share insider tips on how to polish your materials, avoid last-minute mistakes, and approach submission day with confidence. From personal statements and addenda to letters of recommendation and timing strategy, you’ll learn what admissions committees are really looking for in the final stretch. ​Whether you’re putting finishing touches on your application or preparing for future cycles, this session will give you the clarity and tactical guidance to submit with confidence. ​Meet Your Panelists ​Yaseen E. – Law school admissions coach with a track record of helping students gain admission to top programs through strategic storytelling and strong LSAT preparation. ​Margo K. – Former admissions professional with years of experience guiding applicants in crafting standout essays and identifying best-fit law schools. ​Ruthie S. – Law school coach specializing in personal statement development, application strategy, and helping students find their authentic voice in the admissions process.

Analyzing Example Essays from Chicago Booth Admits [3/13/2026] (Recording)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those who really maximize the essay-writing process develop clear narrative through-lines that connect the dots of their life, and articulate how they'll contributions to their target brand. Their two-dimensional writing brings out a three-dimensional personality. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful admits who I've personally coached, and helped land a spot at one or more top MBA programs. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a holistic applicant who admissions committees could envision on campus. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make a specific, meaningful 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 Chicago Booth.

How to Ace Your Ivy League Interview

How to Ace Your Ivy League Interview is a premium, visual guide that walks applicants through every stage of the Ivy League interview process, from research and preparation to presence, delivery, and follow-through. This guide goes school by school across all eight Ivy League institutions, surfacing the niche programs, cultural touchstones, and academic traditions that signal genuine fit to alumni interviewers. It then builds outward into the full arc of a successful interview: how to construct and own your personal narrative, how to decode and answer the questions that appear most consistently, how to carry yourself in the room, how to close strong, and how to follow up in a way that keeps you top of mind. The guide is structured around seven actionable sections and packed with frameworks, do/don't tables, answer scaffolds, and a week-by-week prep timeline. Best for: High school juniors and seniors preparing for Ivy League or highly selective college interviews who want a rigorous, specific, and beautifully designed resource to guide their preparation from first research to final thank-you note.

The MBA Narrative Lab: Where Story Meets Strategy

Most MBA applicants have strong resumes. Far fewer know how to turn their experiences into a cohesive, compelling narrative that actually drives admissions decisions. In The MBA Narrative Lab: Where Story Meets Strategy, you’ll learn how to connect your career moves, leadership moments, and future goals into a clear story that resonates. The speaker regularly works 1:1 with MBA candidates, and this session offers rare access to the same narrative frameworks used in coaching sessions to shape standout applications. Who This Is For - Applicants planning to apply in the next 1–2 cycles - Reapplicants who need a stronger, clearer positioning - Candidates struggling to connect “why MBA” to long-term goals - High achievers whose story feels scattered on paper What You’ll Walk Away With - A practical framework to define your core narrative arc - How to align past experience with future goals convincingly - The patterns I see across successful candidates at top programs - The kinds of story gaps and positioning mistakes I fix in 1:1 sessions - A simple exercise to pressure-test your narrative before writing essays

Analyzing Example Essays from Wharton Admits [3/20/2026] (Recording)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those who really maximize the essay-writing process develop clear narrative through-lines that connect the dots of their life, and articulate how they'll contributions to their target brand. Their two-dimensional writing brings out a three-dimensional personality. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful admits who I've personally coached, and helped land a spot at one or more top MBA programs. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a holistic applicant who admissions committees could envision on campus. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make a specific, meaningful 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 Wharton.

Ace MBA Interviews & Essays: Strategies for Why an MBA/Now/This School

Are you struggling to clearly answer “Why an MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why this school?” in both interviews and written applications? These three questions are the backbone of every strong MBA candidacy. In this focused 60-minute session, you’ll learn exactly how to approach them with clarity, specificity, and confidence. We’ll break down what admissions committees are really looking for, why these questions matter, and the most common mistakes applicants make. You’ll see detailed examples drawn directly from successful applicant materials, along with in-depth analysis of what makes each example strong or weak. We’ll cover how to link your background, needs, and goals to the right program features, how to avoid generic phrasing, and how to bring authenticity and structure into your responses. Throughout the session, I’ll highlight specific dos and don’ts and walk you through the progression from vague answers to compelling, school-ready responses. You’ll also see how your approach should differ between essays and interviews so your answers feel natural and appropriate in each format. We will close with a Q&A where you can ask about these three questions, your approach, or anything that wasn’t fully clear in the presentation. By the end, you’ll have a sharper understanding of what makes a strong response, how to integrate school-specific research, and how to communicate your story in a way that resonates in both interviews and written applications.

AMA: Insider Tips from 20+ yrs of MBA Admissions & Coaching

Unlock the secrets of MBA admissions with Christine, a seasoned one-of-a-kind expert with 20+ years of admissions experience across three elite MBA programs. This "Ask Me Anything" session is your chance to gain invaluable insights into the application process. Christine's impressive background includes admissions roles at Chicago Booth, London Business School, and Yale School of Management, where she has helped craft MBA classes and understands the nuances of what makes a successful applicant. With a track record of over 400 M7 admits and more than $5 million in scholarship awards secured for her clients, Christine is a one-of-a-kind consultant equipped to guide you through every step of your MBA journey. Join us to explore application strategies, discuss how to make a stand out MBA resume, learn what makes a candidate stand out, and gain insight into how applications are reviewed and admissions decisions are made. Christine's no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach will help you craft an authentic story that highlights your unique strengths and differences. Whether you're just starting your MBA application journey or you're already on your way, join me and leave equipped with insights into the M7 (and beyond) application process.

M7 MBA Applications: How to Tell Your Story

Are you applying to an MBA program at a top business school? Then you already know your essays are the most important part of your application. In this session, we’ll break down why essays matter so much to admissions committees, what they reveal about you beyond your resume and transcript, and how to craft a narrative that sets you apart. From writing a compelling “Why MBA” essay to tackling the community essay with authenticity and confidence, this event will give you a clear, structured approach to presenting your best self. I’m Mihir, your guide for this event. As an admit to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth, 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 Claire, a Knight-Hennessy Scholar and Stanford GSB alumna. Claire has mastered the case interview process and earned a full-time role at Bain & Company, later moving into private equity and venture capital, and most recently global brand strategy at Nike. Her story highlights how mentorship, grit, and openness to opportunity can completely transform a career trajectory. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies for structuring your essays, a framework for telling your unique story, and examples that highlight what works—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re drafting your first outline or polishing your final version, this workshop is designed to help you approach every essay with confidence and clarity.