Leland+ Content Library

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.

Writing a Holistic Set of Kellogg Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful Northwestern Kellogg admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Kellogg AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of 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 Kellogg's top-flight MBA program.

Advanced IB Technicals

​Are you ready to tackle the toughest technical questions in investment banking and private equity interviews? Join expert Leland coach, Max A., for an Advanced IB Technicals session. Whether you're a student, in the industry, or just trying to sharpen your technicals, come ready to discuss LBOs, NOLs, bond yields, and more. ​​With over five years of experience mentoring 250+ aspiring finance professionals, Max has honed a deep understanding of what top banks and PE firms are looking for. His background includes roles at elite firms like Lazard, Qatalyst Partners, and Vector Capital Management, and he's currently pursuing an MBA at Stanford GSB and an MPA at Harvard Kennedy School. ​​In this session, you'll dive into technical interview prep, mergers and acquisitions, and essential skill-building to ensure you're ready for anything. Whether you've stumbled on a technical question before or just want to sharpen your edge, this event is for you.

MBA Interviews Series: MIT Sloan

​Get ready to shine in your MIT Sloan MBA interview with insider insights from current Sloan MBA and former BCG consultant Justin K. Join Justin for a deep dive into what makes Sloan’s behavioral interview unique—and how to stand out with confidence and authenticity. ​You’ll learn about the Sloan interview format, what qualities interviewers are looking for, and how to strategically prepare your stories using proven frameworks. Justin will share real-world advice drawn from his own experience at BCG, his acceptance into both MIT and Darden’s deferred MBA programs, and his success coaching candidates into MBB and top business schools. ​By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear game plan for your interviews—from structuring your answers to demonstrating leadership, curiosity, and analytical rigor—the qualities Sloan values most. ​

Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application

​A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. ​You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.

How to Land a Place at Oxford or Cambridge Panel

​Securing a Master's offer from Oxford or Cambridge is one of the most competitive admissions challenges in the world. With rigorous academic standards, unique interview formats, and a highly selective admissions process, standing out requires more than just strong grades. ​In this panel, Adam B. and Zuwena V. with Matthew M. as a moderator will share proven strategies for excelling at every stage of the Master's admissions process for these elite schools. You’ll gain insights into building a strong academic profile, writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for subject-specific assessments, and navigating the interview. Whether you’re just beginning your application or fine-tuning your final materials, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to maximize your chances of success at these world-class institutions.

Path to PhD | How to Make the Most of Your Summer Research Program

How can you make the most of your summer research program as you build your profile for your PhD journey? No matter where you are on your path — whether you have extensive research experience and a clear direction, are just starting out, or are returning to school after time away — this session is for you. While this event is geared toward students in STEM fields, participants from all backgrounds are welcome. In this session, I’ll discuss strategies and concrete steps you can take to maximize your summer research experience as you build a standout PhD application. You’ll Learn: - How to approach your summer program strategically and identify the goals that matter most - Best practices before, during, and after your summer program - How to turn any experience into a competitive advantage With a background in higher education leadership and extensive experience guiding students through the PhD application process, I’ll be drawing from nearly a decade of experience directing the Stanford Summer Research Program, along with my current work as an educational consultant and coach.

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of 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 Booth's top-flight MBA program.

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (Deck)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of 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 Booth's top-flight MBA program.

Conquering Parallel Reasoning on the LSAT

​Struggling to keep up when LSAT Logical Reasoning seems to throw identical arguments with different labels at you? Parallel reasoning is one of the most common stumbling blocks—and yet, the difference between a high score and a great score often comes down to mastery of this one skill. ​In this session, you'll learn from Adam T., a full-time LSAT instructor since 2016 and curriculum developer at PowerScore with over 15 years of teaching experience. He has helped students hit scores in the 170s and gain admission to top law schools. ​Adam will guide you through his proven framework to identify parallel argument structures, eliminate distractors that look right but aren’t, and apply the same logic under timed conditions. ​Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot. We’re excited to be on the law journey with you!

Core Values: Your College Essay Superpower [6/19/2026] (Recording)

What makes a college essay truly unforgettable? More often than not, it comes down to one thing: a clear sense of the applicant's core values. As someone who has coached 150+ college applicants—with clients admitted to all 8 Ivy League schools, Stanford, UChicago, and more—I know that students who understand their core values write stronger essays, build more cohesive applications, and approach the process with greater confidence. In this webinar, I'll show you what core values actually are (and what they're not). We'll explore why they matter across your entire application (not just your personal statement), and how to identify and use yours to write college essays that only you could have written. Whether you're working on your personal statement, UC PIQs, or supplemental essays, this webinar will give you the tools to make every essay feel unmistakably yours.

Global Admissions: What Korean MBA Applicants Get Wrong

Are you a Korean MBA applicant looking to navigate the global admissions landscape? Join me, Caolan, for an insightful session on the common pitfalls and unique challenges faced by Korean candidates in the MBA application process. With over 150 successful MBA and Master's admits to top programs like INSEAD, MIT Sloan, and London Business School, I specialize in cross-cultural applications and have a deep understanding of what it takes to stand out. Having worked with clients from leading companies such as Netflix and Deloitte, I bring a wealth of experience in crafting compelling applications that truly reflect your potential. My approach is precise, practical, and tailored to help you succeed in highly competitive admissions environments. You’ll learn to reinterpret your strengths through a global lens, connect your story to what elite programs truly value, and position yourself as a culturally fluent leader ready to thrive in international environments. Whether you’re applying to an Ivy League MBA or a European Master’s, this session will help you go beyond credentials to craft an application that feels both strategic and unmistakably human. Don't miss this opportunity to gain strategic insights and boost your confidence.

The Family Business MBA Blueprint [6/29/2026] (Recording)

Joining a family business can be both an extraordinary opportunity and a unique challenge. Future leaders are often expected to preserve what previous generations have built while simultaneously navigating changing markets, new technologies, evolving customer expectations, and increased competition. Whether you currently work in your family business or plan to join after business school, this workshop will explore how to position your family business background effectively throughout the MBA admissions process and maximize the value of an MBA experience. We’ll discuss how admissions committees evaluate applicants from family businesses, how to demonstrate impact and leadership beyond family affiliation, and how to build a compelling narrative around your long-term vision for the business. By the end of this session, you will be able to: * Understand how top MBA programs evaluate candidates from family business backgrounds. * Develop a compelling narrative that demonstrates leadership, ownership, and impact—not simply family affiliation. * Articulate a clear “Why MBA?” and “Why now?” rationale as a future family business leader. * Position your family business experience effectively in resumes, essays, interviews, and recommendations. * Leave with practical next steps for strengthening both your MBA candidacy and your long-term leadership potential.

Global Mobility for Real People: Careers, Visas & Passports in 2026

Borders are tightening, digital‑nomad visas are mostly marketing, and “just get an MBA abroad” is no longer a complete mobility plan. In this session we look at global mobility as part of your life and career portfolio: how degrees, skills, employers, visas and, in some cases, second citizenships fit together over the next 10 to 20 years. Drawing on current data and real cases from Europe and Asia, we will cover what is realistically available to professionals who are not billionaires, how to read countries’ migration postures, and how to choose programmes, roles and locations that keep your options open. You will leave with: - A clear framework for thinking about mobility as risk management and opportunity, not fantasy - A map of the main routes that actually move the needle for early and mid‑career professionals - Concrete questions to ask when choosing schools, employers and countries if you want real global options, not just a nicer passport stamp

What Top Candidates do Well in the Booth MBA Interview [5/5/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know how to structure your responses to stand out in the Booth MBA deferred enrollment interview. We will cover the behavioral frameworks that successful candidates use to demonstrate self-awareness, how to articulate long-term goals convincingly at an early career stage, and the specific signals Booth interviewers look for when evaluating fit with the school's entrepreneurial culture. Attending live means you can ask how to handle the parts of your background that feel like liabilities, and hear real-time guidance shaped around your actual situation rather than a generic script. The coach works with deferred MBA candidates regularly and is sharing the patterns that consistently show up in strong Booth interview performances.

Land Your Job or Study in ... Denmark

Denmark does not make much noise. It does not need to. Novo Nordisk alone accounts for roughly 4% of the entire Danish GDP. Vestas leads the world in wind energy. Danfoss sets the standard in industrial automation. These are not household names to most non-EU professionals, and that is precisely the point: the competition for roles here is lower than the quality of the companies would suggest. The labour market is tight and the skills shortage is real, which works in your favour. English is the default language in most professional environments. The workforce is genuinely multicultural, and Danish workplace culture is notably flat: titles matter less than contribution. This session covers both paths in: studying at world-class institutions like Copenhagen Business School and the Technical University of Denmark, and entering the job market directly. We go through visa options, the Danish approach to work-life integration, living costs, and what international candidates consistently get wrong in their applications. Two real cases show what a successful move to Denmark actually looks like. Denmark is smaller than its neighbours and more selective. This Thursday, we show you exactly how to qualify. New episodes in this series cover a different European country every Thursday.