Leland+ Content Library

2 Real HBS Interview Question Sets (Start-to-Finish Examples)

A detailed look at the questions asked during two real Harvard Business School interviews from beginning to end (anonymized for broad use). The first reflects a professional, experience-driven conversation with questions covering consulting, investing, leadership, and community work. The second is a deferred MBA interview focused on college, early initiatives, startup involvement, AI, goals, and personal interests. Hopefully they help you get a sense for the pacing, depth, tone, and question style you'll experience during an HBS interview.

One Month to Deadlines AMA: What do Admissions Officers Recommend?

You've been working hard for months now and the finish line is almost in sight. There is a lot of information out there, but you have burning questions that you want to ask Admissions Officers who have experience admitting applicants to every top business school around the world. Join Faisal and Christine! During this session, we'll cover all your questions in a live AMA ("Ask Me Anything") format. Everything from essays and application strategy to interviews and recommendations.

How to Write an MBA Goals Essay

A complete framework for writing the goals essay that nearly every MBA program requires. Learn the winning formula, then use fillable tables to map your goals, select supporting past experiences, and connect to opportunities at up to four target schools. At the end, you'll have everything you need to draft a focused goals essay.

How-To Industry Deep Dive

Get the inside scoop on your target industry! Learn how to conduct expert-level research for job applications, career changes, and more.

Deferred (2+2) MBA Application Week Kickoff

Thinking about applying to a Deferred MBA program? Join us for Leland’s Deferred MBA Week Kickoff, featuring top Leland coaches Andy P. (20+ years of MBA coaching), Allie K. (75+ M7 Admits), and Geri T. (Founder of Harvard's DMBA Program), who have helped countless candidates get into the most competitive programs at schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.

Gain Competitive Advantage as a Non-Traditional Applicant

Standing out as a non-traditional dental school applicant requires more than explaining your path—it requires positioning it as an advantage. In this session, you’ll learn how to frame career changes, academic gaps, or time in the workforce as strengths, address common admissions concerns, and build a cohesive narrative across your application and interviews. Whether you’re pivoting careers or applying later than your peers, you’ll leave with a clear strategy to turn your unique background into a competitive edge.

Application Power Hour: Standout Resume, Essay, & Recommendation Tips

Applying to college or graduate school can feel overwhelming - but with the right approach, you can make every part of your application shine. In this power-packed hour, you’ll learn how to: - Build a resume that shows who you are and what you’ve accomplished. - Write an essay that’s authentic and memorable. - Secure letters of recommendation that strengthen your story. Whether you’re just getting started or polishing your final draft, this session will give you the tools and confidence to submit your strongest application.

Decoding the GMAT FE: What You Need to Know Before You Register

Thinking about business school? The new GMAT Focus Edition is here—shorter, smarter, and designed to highlight the skills that matter most in today's data-driven business world. Whether you're transitioning from the classic GMAT or comparing it to the GRE, this session breaks down everything you need to know: from exam structure and section strategies to scoring and test-day logistics. Join us to get insider tips, practice problems, and the confidence to plan your prep—and your future—effectively.

Find Your MBA Fit

Considering an MBA but not quite sure which programs are the right fit? All these MBA options sound the same? Not even sure why you want an MBA yet? Should you apply to 2 schools, or 7? Been there. As a Stanford GSB Alum who's helped over 300 applicants land a coveted spot at top programs like GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg and more, I'm throwing together this free 45-minute event to cover some criteria you can use to narrow your search. You'll come away with a clearer idea of how to pick the right schools for you so you can focus your time and energy. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take the first step not just towards applying, but applying to the right places.

Ten things you can do today to launch your MBA application journey. [6/10/2026] (Recording)

The MBA application journey can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to start that way. The secret isn't finding a shortcut; it's knowing exactly where to begin. Whether you're 6 months out or just starting to explore your options, there are concrete, high-impact actions you can take right now to build momentum and set yourself up for success. This workshop breaks down ten practical steps you can take today to launch your MBA application journey with clarity and confidence. From strengthening your academic and test profile to crafting your narrative, identifying the right schools, and preparing the people in your corner, you'll leave with a clear action plan—not just inspiration. By the end of this session, you will be able to: * Identify the immediate steps that will have the greatest impact on your candidacy, no matter where you are in the process. * Strengthen your academic and test profile by addressing gaps proactively and positioning yourself for success. * Showcase career progression and leadership through an accomplishment-based resume and targeted professional achievements. * Begin crafting your story by clarifying your motivations, values, and post-MBA goals. * Secure powerful recommendations by selecting and preparing the right advocates early. * Demonstrate authentic school fit through research-driven insights that align your goals with each program's unique offerings.

8 Steps to an MBA app: 1) Life Story, Timeline, & MBA Resume

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the starting point of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will build your foundational Life Timeline of all your key stories and begin transforming your resume into MBA format. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. Event 1 identifies your significant experiences and reshapes your resume into MBA format: • Understand the full trajectory of the 8-phase MBA Identity Mapping process and how each piece connects. • Build a comprehensive Life Timeline that captures the raw material of your life. • Begin transforming your professional resume into MBA format. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to stop juggling tasks and start building an organized, cohesive MBA application, this is where you begin. (Please message me if you would like a copy of the super helpful free resource mentioned in the video: MBA Resume Transformation Guide.)

What AI Can’t Do in MBA Admissions [5/18/2026] (Recording)

Artificial intelligence has transformed how applicants brainstorm, draft, and prepare for business school applications, but the strongest MBA applications still require far more than polished prose. This session will break down where AI can help, where it often hurts, and the critical aspects of strategy, reflection, and storytelling that technology cannot replicate. Attendees will learn why top admissions committees continue to reward authenticity, judgment, and narrative depth, and how to use AI as a tool without allowing it to dilute what makes an application compelling.

How to Get Started with the LSAT

Starting your LSAT prep can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. In this session, you’ll learn how the exam is structured, what skills it truly tests, and how to build a smart study plan that fits your timeline and goals. We’ll cover foundational strategies for Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, how to track progress effectively, and common mistakes to avoid early on. Whether you’re months away from test day or just exploring law school, you’ll leave with a clear, confident starting point.

How to Land a Consulting Offer from your MBA

Breaking into consulting from business school is one of the most competitive recruiting paths—but with the right preparation, it’s completely achievable. In this session, expert Leland coach who received offers from both McKinsey and BCG Rifat M. will walk you through the full MBA consulting recruiting process, from networking and resume prep to case and behavioral interview mastery. You’ll learn how to position your background, build relationships with firms, and stand out in a crowded field to land your consulting offer with confidence.

Nailing the MBA Interview

​In this panel, MBA admissions experts will share strategies to help you prepare for one of the most critical parts of the application process: the interview. From common question types and school-specific approaches to storytelling techniques and pitfalls to avoid, you’ll get insider perspectives from Oren M., Emily L., and Temi O. ​Whether you’re gearing up for Round 1 interviews or looking ahead to Round 2, this session will give you practical tips, proven frameworks, and the confidence to walk into your MBA interviews fully prepared.

Complete MBA Step-by-Step Application Plan, Timeline & Checklist

Applying to business school can feel like juggling too many balls at once: endless information, countless to-dos, and constant second-guessing about what really matters. In this session, MBA admissions coach M will share the structured system she uses to help applicants cut through the noise, stay motivated, and make steady progress toward their goals. Bonus: You’ll also hear directly from Vandit, an Indian applicant currently in the middle of his own journey, who will share an international perspective and what it feels like to apply these tools in real-time. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international options like INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, and HEC Paris. Clients consistently say it’s transformative, not only does it uncover the deeper patterns, values, and defining experiences that set you apart, it also organizes your journey into manageable steps that reduce stress and build confidence. By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with a clear action plan, a realistic timeline/schedule, and a practical checklist to keep you organized and on track from start to finish.

Mastering the DAT: Strategies for Success

The DAT is a major milestone on the path to dental school—and with the right strategy, it’s one you can conquer. This session is designed to help you approach the DAT with confidence, focus, and a clear game plan. In this event, you’ll learn how to build a smart study strategy, prioritize high-impact topics, and avoid the common traps that hold test-takers back. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or looking to level up your performance, you’ll leave with practical tools and renewed momentum for test day.

The STEM Master’s Application Timeline: What to Do and When

Applying to STEM master’s programs is as much about timing as it is about qualifications, and knowing what to do when can give you a major advantage. This session breaks down the full application timeline, from early preparation and test planning to essays, recommendations, school selection, and final submission. You’ll learn how to prioritize tasks, avoid last-minute stress, and align your experiences and materials with competitive STEM programs. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already mid-cycle, this workshop will help you stay organized, proactive, and on track.

Top 5 MBA Application Tips From a Former HBS AdCom

MBA admissions are highly competitive—and small strategic choices can make a big difference. This session shares insider insights from a former Harvard Business School admissions committee member on what truly matters in MBA applications. In this event, you’ll learn the top five factors that strengthen your candidacy, from positioning your story and selecting recommenders to crafting standout essays and avoiding common application mistakes. We’ll also cover how admissions committees evaluate applicants and what sets successful candidates apart. Whether you’re early in the process or polishing final submissions, you’ll leave with clear, actionable guidance.