Leland+ Content Library

Stand Out: R3 MBA Admissions

Are you gearing up for Round 3 MBA applications and wondering how to make your application stand out? Join me for an insightful session - we'll focus on 5 key insights to help you stand out in the most competitive round of MBA admissions! With extensive experience helping applicants gain admission to top MBA programs like Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, and Wharton, I specialize in guiding you through every step of the application process. Whether you're looking to pivot careers, secure scholarships, or simply present your best self, this session will provide you with the strategies and insights you need.

AADSAS is Open--Lets Talk Strategy! [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up to submit your AADSAS application but feeling unsure about the final touches? Join me for an insightful session focused on perfecting your dental school application. With over two decades of experience in prehealth advising and admissions at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and Fordham University, I've guided countless applicants to success. During this event, I'll share key strategies to enhance your application and ensure it stands out. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and boost your confidence before hitting submit. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

MBA Reapplicant Guide

While it is disappointing to have put so much effort into applications and not get into the school you wanted, there is still hope! Admissions committees tend to look favorably upon reapplicants, provided you can show that you’ve improved your candidacy. During this session, we will discuss how to navigate the MBA admissions process as a reapplicant. We will discuss common reasons people are rejected, how to show growth and MBA readiness, and other ways to improve your chances this time around. We will have tips for those who have applied recently, as well as those who are reapplying again after a break.

The 5 Toughest Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Some interview questions trip up even the strongest candidates—not because they’re impossible, but because they’re designed to test judgment, self-awareness, and communication under pressure. In this session, you’ll break down the five hardest interview questions candidates consistently struggle with and learn proven frameworks to answer them clearly, confidently, and authentically. We’ll cover what interviewers are actually listening for, how to structure strong responses, and how to avoid common pitfalls that weaken otherwise solid answers. Whether you’re interviewing for consulting, finance, tech, or grad school, this workshop will give you practical tools to handle high-stakes questions with ease.

Successful Admits Panel

Curious what it really takes to get into a top deferred MBA program? In this panel, you’ll hear directly from successful admits who used Leland to gain acceptance to programs like Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, Wharton, Booth, and more. They’ll share their candid experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and how they leveraged coaching, strategy, and storytelling to stand out in an ultra-competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re just starting to explore deferred programs or gearing up to apply this cycle, this session will give you actionable insights, real-world advice, and inspiration from students who’ve been exactly where you are now.

2 Must-Haves for Round 2 And What To Do Right Now!

​Round 2 deadlines are right around the corner - is your application ready? Bruce H. and Betsy M. have over 30 years of MBA admissions experience and they will share the 2 essential things you MUST have in your application. ​Deadlines are coming up fast and Betsy and Bruce will give you their best advice on what you should be doing RIGHT NOW to produce your strongest application by January. They will also talk about whether it is better to apply this year or if waiting until next year will give you a better chance of attending your dream school.

MBA Interview Series: Columbia

​The Columbia Business School interview is your chance to move beyond the application and show who you are as a candidate. In this event, Melanie E. (a former CBS Adcomm and interviewer) will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and strategies to stand out in the CBS interview process. You’ll gain insight into the types of questions asked, how to tell your story with confidence, and what Columbia admissions committees value most in applicants. ​Whether you’re applying this round or preparing for the future, this session will give you the tools to approach your interview with clarity, poise, and authenticity.

Navigating MBA Admissions Panel

The MBA admissions process can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make your application truly shine. Join top MBA coaches Faisal K. (Chicago Booth), Bill C. (Paul Merage) and Sue C. (Harvard Business School) as they break down key components of the process—from crafting compelling essays and securing strong recommendations to preparing for interviews. ​Gain practical advice and insider perspectives to help you tell your story effectively and stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your application, this session will equip you with the tools to navigate admissions with confidence.

From Idea to MVP: The Early Stage Startup Journey

Turning a great idea into a viable product is no small feat. In this panel, hear from Audrey C. (Moringa School, LendHer Capital) and Brice D. (Zaymo) - founders and startup veterans who’ve successfully navigated the early-stage journey—from validating an idea and building a first version to gathering feedback and iterating fast. ​Our speakers will share hard-earned lessons, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice for moving from concept to launch. Whether you’re a first-time founder or just curious about the process, you’ll walk away with a clearer roadmap for bringing your vision to life.

Crafting the Perfect MBA Resume

​Join Leland coach Betsy M. (Former Resume Coach for Stanford GSB Career Management Center) for a hands-on workshop on Crafting the Perfect MBA Resume—a crucial step in standing out during the business school admissions process. In this session, Betsy will break down exactly what top MBA programs are looking for, how to translate your work experience into impact-driven bullet points, and how to tailor your resume specifically for admissions (not just job hunting). ​Whether you're starting from scratch or revising a draft, you'll leave with clear takeaways and expert guidance to elevate your MBA resume to the next level.

Finance Recruiting in the Age of AI [8/3/2026] (Recording)

Investment banking and private equity are changing in the age of AI adoption. Landing the job is changing, too. How should you present your skills, experience, and capabilities to be competitive in such an ever-evolving landscape? We tackle that question and more in this livestream. We'll walk through what matters now for technicals and how to modify your behavioral answers to be competitive in interviews. I have experience in investment banking, private equity, an AI startup, and Harvard Business School. I also worked heavily on our junior recruiting efforts in investment banking and private equity.

Non-US Elite MBA Pathways: IMD, SDA Bocconi & HEC Paris

This session moves beyond school rankings to give you the strategic framework for building a powerful European career. Join cross-cultural career coach Caolan Hunter (ex-On, Ogilvy) to learn how to integrate your career, education, and long-term life goals into a coherent international strategy. We will explore the specific pathways offered by three of Europe's most influential business schools: IMD, SDA Bocconi, and HEC Paris. By the end of this session, you will understand the unique strengths of these European powerhouses and leave with a strategic shortlist of MBA targets aligned with visa reality, your career goals, and your personal leadership style. Learning Objectives: What You Will Learn 1. The European MBA Power Centers: Discover how IMD, SDA Bocconi, and HEC Paris function as distinct hubs of influence and talent, each with a unique philosophy and network. 2. Decoding European Work & Visa Realities: Get a clear-eyed view of the post-MBA landscape in Switzerland, Italy, and France. We'll analyze post-study work rights, the practicalities of corporate hiring for non-EU nationals, and pathways to long-term residency in each country. 3. Strategic Career Positioning for Europe: Understand how hiring logic for top roles in Europe differs from the US. We'll explore how IMD's focus on executive leadership, Bocconi's dominance in luxury and finance, and HEC's pipeline into continental consulting and strategy can shape your career. Key Outcomes: What You Will Walk Away With 1. A New European Map: You'll see IMD, SDA Bocconi, and HEC Paris not just as top schools, but as distinct platforms for launching specific and ambitious European career trajectories. 2. Visa & Employability Clarity: You'll be able to confidently navigate the nuances of the Swiss, Italian, and French post-MBA work environments, aligning your choice with your passport and life goals. 3. A Personal Viable Pathway Map: You will leave with the tools to build a personal map connecting your background and ambitions to the right program, industry, and country. 4. Unmatched Access Insights: You'll understand why the intimate, senior cohort at IMD, the industry-specific ecosystem at Bocconi, and the elite Grande École network of HEC can provide unparalleled access that larger programs cannot replicate.

Crafting a Winning Narrative: Harvard and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions

Elite college admissions are driven by how clearly and authentically you tell your story, not just by grades and test scores. In this session, graduates of Harvard and Stanford will explain how top schools evaluate applications and what makes a narrative resonate with admissions committees. You’ll learn how to connect your experiences, values, and goals into a cohesive story across essays, activities, and recommendations, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong profiles.

Secrets of the Admissions Office: A Former Admissions Officer and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions

Elite college admissions hinge on how applications are read behind closed doors, not just on grades and test scores. In this session, a former admissions officer and Stanford graduate will reveal how files are evaluated, what makes an applicant memorable, and how admissions committees interpret essays, activities, recommendations, and context together. You’ll learn how to avoid common missteps, highlight authentic impact, and build a cohesive narrative that resonates with highly selective schools.

Beyond the Checklist – Shadowing, Volunteering & Experiences That Actually Matter

Dental schools look for far more than hours logged on a checklist. In this session, expert Leland coach and former Dean at Columbia Ellen W. will break down which shadowing, volunteering, and hands-on experiences actually move the needle in admissions—and how to approach them with intention. You’ll learn how to choose opportunities that align with your story, reflect on them effectively, and avoid common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications.

Master in Management vs MBA Dissected

What the Master in Management (MiM) degree is for, how it differs from an MBA and from a specialised master's, and the five reasons people actually do it. Includes the eligibility window most applicants discover too late, and how to read a school's employment report.

Your MBA Edge: Turning a Non-Traditional Path into a Winning App

Join this live conversation with a Korean INSEAD admit from a niche industry (gaming) and their admissions coach, Caolan. We’ll unpack how to build an authentic, coherent MBA story without over‑fixating on scores, even as a reapplicant or non‑traditional candidate. You’ll see how they framed transferable skills, targeted schools with different cultures, and prepared for interviews. - Learn how to craft a compelling and authentic application story that stands out, even with diverse career paths or perceived weaknesses like a lower GPA. - Understand why storytelling, strategic discussions, and a holistic approach can be more critical than perfect quantitative metrics (GMAT/GPA) for top MBA admissions. - Discover strategies to reframe your niche industry experience as a competitive advantage, turning perceived disadvantages into strengths. - Gain insights into researching and articulating school-specific fit, moving beyond generic website information to truly customize your application. - Be inspired by a reapplicant's journey to INSEAD, demonstrating that with the right approach and guidance, success is achievable for a wide range of profiles. - Learn what to look for in a consultant, including the importance of genuine care, industry understanding, and time investment. An engaging, interview-style conversation between Caolan Hunter and Gitak Kwak, followed by an open Q&A session, designed to empower aspiring MBA candidates, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds or facing unique application challenges, by offering practical insights and an inspiring success story. Who it’s for: - Korean and international MBA hopefuls - Reapplicants or candidates from niche / non‑traditional industries - Applicants worried about stats (GPA/GMAT) or “imperfect” profiles

MBA Submit & Speak Part 1: The Final Ten Days [8/27/2026] (Recording)

Ten days out from your Round 1 deadline, everything feels urgent, and much of it truly is. What you may not have is time to do it all. This session opens a new three-part series, MBA Submit & Speak. We start where you are right now, in the last stretch before Round 1 closes, and we make the decisions that are still genuinely open to you. Not another round of line edits, but the calls that change what an admissions committee receives. Across the three sessions, we move from the last days before you submit to the interviews that follow. Attend all three to go from deadline to interview with one continuous plan, or drop into the single session you need most. In this session, you will learn how to spend your final ten days: • Decide school by school which programs belong in Round 1, and which one you should move to Round 2 on purpose rather than by accident. • See why the online application form itself, the biographical, employment, education, and activities sections that feel like paperwork, is read as closely as anything you write. • Learn when an optional essay or addendum helps you, and when saying nothing is the stronger answer. • Handle a recommender who has gone quiet with days left, without damaging the relationship or the recommendation. • Rank what is worth fixing in the last seventy-two hours and give yourself permission to leave the rest alone. The hardest part of the final ten days is not effort, it is order. A dozen legitimate tasks compete for the same few evenings, and from where you are sitting they all look equally important. This session puts them in sequence, so you know what to do first, what can wait until the night before, and what to let go of entirely, and you submit an application you chose rather than one the clock chose for you. I have guided more than 100 applicants into every M7 program, across the top 20 in the U.S., and into leading international programs, including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Spend your last ten days on what actually changes the outcome. Register now to claim your spot.