Leland+ Content Library

What should I be doing NOW before Round 1 Applications Open?

Applying to MBA and Master's degree programs can be VERY stressful. But they don't have to be. There are many actions you can take now to reduce stress later on, and ensure that you reach your school deadlines as prepared as possible, with applications that you feel truly proud to submit. Join me to review the steps you should be taking now, to have the best possible application process.

From Orders to Offers: The 6-Month Plan to Apply with Confidence

Transitioning from the Military to an MBA can feel overwhelming, but with a clear six-month plan, it becomes manageable and strategic. This session breaks down exactly what to focus on each month, from clarifying goals and school selection to test strategy, resume positioning, essays, recommendations, and interview prep. You’ll learn how to sequence your efforts, avoid last-minute stress, and build momentum so you submit polished, confident applications for R1.

AMA: Prepare NOW for Admissions This Fall - MFE & STEM Master's [6/5/2026] (Recording)

Thinking about an MFE, MSCS, Data Science, Analytics, or other STEM master’s program? Join this AMA for honest advice on admissions, competitiveness, recruiting, career outcomes, and whether a program is actually worth it. We’ll cover: - School selection - Resume & profile positioning - Career changer applications - Essays & materials - Networking as part of your strategy Bring your questions — especially if you’re targeting Financial Engineering, quant finance, AI/ML, or technical career pivots.

MBA Application Master Checklist

Staying organized is half the battle in MBA admissions. This master checklist walks you through every step of the process, from locking your school list and preparing your recommenders to final essay polish and interview prep, so nothing falls through the cracks. Designed for applicants targeting top programs who want a proven structure to keep their application on track and their momentum going all the way through decision day.

Start Now: Creating a Strong MBA Application Early

Starting your MBA application early gives you a major advantage. In this session, we’ll break down what strong applicants do months ahead of deadlines, from shaping a clear career narrative and school strategy to building relationships, test plans, and experience gaps. You’ll leave with a practical roadmap for how to use the early months intentionally, avoid last-minute stress, and position yourself as a compelling, well-prepared candidate when applications open.

Standing Out as an International Applicant

​This session will be focused on helping international applicants develop a high-level understanding of all the components of the MBA application process, learn how to differentiate themselves from the crowd, and start to create a standout profile to get them into a top business school. With more non-US candidates applying every year, it’s more important than ever to show what makes you unique. ​Learn from a panel of experts who will share their expertise and experiences through an interactive discussion, practical tips, and real-life examples. We invite potential applicants from all corners of the globe to join us for this amazing event! ​Meet our panelists: ​Vica G., Stanford GSB MBA, former Silicon Valley tech executive and startup founder, double émigrée and storytelling expert passionate for helping international or underdog clients craft competitive applications. ​Jesse L., has coached 100% of full-service clients to top 30 MBAs, 95% to top 20, expert in international applicants and crafting compelling narratives. ​Cathy M, INSEAD MBA, has successfully coached candidates to gain admissions into top schools, including INSEAD, LBS, Booth, Wharton, HEC Paris, IESE, Cambridge Judge, Oxford Said & NYU Stern.

Industry Placement & Recruiting Landscape

Identify where Kellogg grads go - from consulting and PE/VC to CPG, tech, and sustainability - and what this reveals about the school’s career DNA.

How To Write a Winning M7 Resume [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Crafting a standout resume is crucial when applying to M7 business schools, and I'm here to help you do just that! Join me, Sabrina, a Wharton MBA alum and experienced product manager, for an insightful session on how to write a winning M7 resume. During my time at Wharton, I served on the student admission committee, was co-president of the largest club on campus, and co-hosted the Wharton Fintech Podcast, giving me firsthand insight into what top business schools are looking for in applicants. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to make your resume shine and increase your chances of getting into your dream MBA program. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

From Strong to Unforgettable: Crafting Essays That Break Into the Ivies

Applying to college can feel overwhelming—but with the right strategy, your application can truly stand out. In this workshop, Abigail L.—a Harvard-educated admissions consultant who has guided 600+ students to top schools including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT—will share what sets successful applicants apart.

Intro to Logical Reasoning: Breaking Down the Task and the Stimulus

Are you new to studying for the LSAT? Or has a commercial test prep course left you confused with their complicated jargon and unintuitive hacks? This is the first presentation in a series that will break down logical reasoning in a simple, practical way. Many LSAT prep approaches were crafted by people who performed really well on the LSAT but may not have ever practiced law, or possibly never even went to law school. What those courses miss are the every day applications of LSAT skills to real-world law school scenarios and legal practice. I am a graduate of Georgetown Law who scored in the 97th percentile on the LSAT with several years' experience practicing at one of the most prominent law firms in the country, as well as a mid-sized boutique. My work in legal research, case strategy, briefing, discovery, and client relationships have informed my perspective on the LSAT. I know the LSAT is not just a test to be hacked, but rather a sensible evaluation of the skills required to succeed in law school and legal practice. My innovative curriculum has helped hundreds of students in my classes at Indiana University and Portland State University, as well as the private tutoring students I have been working with over the past 13+ years. In this session of the series, we will cover the following topics: - Why logical reasoning? - What is the "task"? - What is the "stimulus"? - How to approach logical reasoning questions - The types of logical reasoning questions, and - Beneficial study resources and strategies

How to Nail the Columbia Essays with Clarity and Confidence

Whether you're just getting started or deep into drafts, join former Columbia Business School Officer and MBA Coach Kelsey K to dissect what the J-term application is looking for and how to deliver it. We'll break down each prompt, clarity what's really being asked, and walk through real strategies (and mistakes to avoid) for clear, personal, and powerful essays. You'll leave with tangible ideas, stronger structures, and the confidence to move forward with clarity.

Ask Me Anything | Applying to STEM Grad Programs [9/16/2026] (Recording)

Applying to a STEM graduate program this cycle? Planning to apply to STEM graduate programs in the future? Want to learn what makes a strong application? Join me for an AMA and get actionable insights, regardless of where you are in your graduate school journey. Bring your questions about finding the right programs, strengthening your application, writing compelling statements, navigating admissions, preparing for interviews, or anything else on your mind. All questions are welcome!

Why MBA & Why Here: How to Answer the Most Important Interview Questions [9/10/2026] (Recording)

Nearly every MBA interview starts the same way. "Tell me about yourself." "Why do you want an MBA?" "Why this school?" Three questions every candidate knows are coming — and yet these are the answers interviewers remember most, because they reveal whether you actually know your own story. As a Ross admissions interviewer, I've heard every version of these answers. The ones that work aren't the most polished. They're the most specific, the most connected, and the clearest about what the candidate actually wants. This session breaks down how to answer each one in a way that holds up under follow-up. Tell Me About Yourself: This isn't an invitation to recite your resume. It's the first signal of whether you can communicate with clarity under pressure. -What interviewers are actually listening for in your self-introduction — and it's not a timeline of your career -How to build a two-minute answer that orients the interviewer, sets up your story, and makes them want to ask more -The most common version of this answer and why it doesn't work Why MBA: The oral version of this answer is different from the written one — and most candidates don't adjust. -Why reading your goals essay out loud is not an answer to this question -How to make your Why MBA feel like a natural conclusion rather than a rehearsed pitch -How to explain Why Now? in a compelling way -What interviewers are listening for that your essay already addressed (and what they're listening for that it didn't) Why This School: Most answers to this question sound like the school's own brochure. Here's how to not be that candidate. -What "Why This School" is really asking — it's a fit and preparation question as much as an enthusiasm question -How to build a specific answer that can't be copy-pasted to a different program -What interviewers think when they hear a generic "Why" answer and what it signals about your application overall Holding Up Under Follow-Up: The three-question opener is just the beginning. Here's how to prepare for what comes next. -How interviewers probe the answers you just gave and how to stay consistent -What it looks like when a candidate's story doesn't hold together — and how to make sure yours does -How to practice these answers so they sound natural rather than rehearsed

Forest Floor to Canopy: Adult Development Stages in Career Pivots

Adult development happens in stages, as we face more complexity. People often feel the discomforts of adult development in career pivots or new ventures. What stage are you in now - and what limits you from growing further? This resource uses a forest metaphor to explore Constructive Developmental Theory, developed by adult development researcher and psychologist of Harvard Graduate School of Education, Robert Kegan. This is for anyone seeking new perspectives on their growing arc or resistance to change.

Build Your Master’s Application Narrative

Many strong applicants struggle to clearly explain why their experiences, goals, and chosen program fit together into a compelling master’s application. This session is designed for candidates preparing graduate school applications who want to turn scattered achievements into a focused, persuasive narrative. You’ll learn how to connect your academic background to future goals, identify the experiences that matter most to admissions committees, and structure essays that present a clear story about who you are and where you’re headed.

Start With Why: How to Build an MBA Strategy That Will Work

A strong MBA application starts long before you write your essays, it begins with clarity on your “why.” In this session, you’ll learn how to define your career goals, connect them to the right programs, and build a cohesive strategy that guides every part of your application, from school selection to storytelling. Whether you’re early in the process or refining your plan, you’ll leave with a structured approach to crafting an MBA strategy that feels authentic, focused, and compelling.

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 Ace the HBS MBA Interview [10/11/2026] (Recording)

Are you preparing for the Harvard Business School MBA interview and want to make a lasting impression? Join me, Rifat (HBS MBA), for an insightful session on acing the HBS MBA interview. As an Admissions Fellow at HBS, I learned the ins and outs of MBA admissions. Join me to learn more about how you can prepare and stand out during your interview! Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!