Leland+ Content Library

Stanford GSB Essay: ‘What Matters Most to You, and Why’ (Admitted)

The essay that got me into Stanford GSB. A clear, introspective response to “What matters most to you, and why,” centered on reflection about leadership under pressure, initiative, and building trust in uncertain environments.

DDS Admissions: Ask Me Anything with Admissions Directors

Join us for an exclusive "Ask Me Anything" session with Ellen W. & Rachael K, seasoned experts in dental school admissions! With decades of DDS admissions experience between them, they can't wait to field the basic inquiries to most strategic interview & selection tactics. Let them empower you! This is your chance to get personalized advice on acing your interviews and crafting a standout application. Ellen & Rachael are passionate about helping you achieve your dreams and they are ready to share their joint expertise with you. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and gain invaluable insights into the dental school admissions process!

Red Flags on Law School Applications

​Even strong law school applicants can unintentionally raise red flags that hurt their chances of admission. In this workshop, Conor A.—a Harvard Law graduate with seven years of admissions coaching experience—will break down the most common mistakes applicants make and how to address them effectively. ​Having helped students gain admission to every T14 law school, Conor will share strategies for handling GPA dips, LSAT retakes, character and fitness disclosures, and other sensitive application issues with professionalism and confidence. Whether you’re just starting your application or polishing your materials, this session will help you anticipate potential concerns and turn weaknesses into strengths.

So You've Been Waitlisted... Now What?

Being waitlisted by a dental school can feel uncertain—but it’s not the end of the road. This workshop is designed to help you respond strategically and maximize your chances of turning a waitlist decision into an acceptance. In this session, you’ll learn how dental school waitlists work, when and how to communicate with admissions offices, and how to craft effective letters of intent or update letters. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and how to stay proactive while managing timelines and expectations. Whether you’ve just received a waitlist decision or are navigating multiple outcomes, you’ll leave with clear next steps and a confident plan forward.

Crafting a Winning Narrative: A Former Admissions Officer and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions

Elite college admissions are driven by story, not just stats, and knowing how admissions officers read applications can transform how you present yourself. In this session, a former admissions officer and Stanford graduate will break down how top schools evaluate candidates, what makes a narrative feel authentic and compelling, and how to connect your experiences, values, and goals into a cohesive story across essays, activities, and recommendations. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, highlight impact and growth, and position yourself in a way that resonates with highly selective admissions committees.

Break into Investment Banking + Private Equity

Join this discussion moderated by @YourAverageFinanceBro, a leading finance comedy creator on Instagram and LinkedIn! A panel of expert Leland coaches who help candidates land roles in investment banking and private equity will break down these industries' complex recruiting processes into clear, actionable advice. This session will cover what it really takes to break into highly competitive finance careers through practical guidance on recruiting strategy, preparation, and common pitfalls, providing insights you can apply immediately to stand out and secure interviews at the top firms.

The High-Impact Verbal Strategy for GMAT & GRE

Struggling to push your GMAT or GRE verbal score higher even after plenty of practice? This session is designed for test-takers who want a smarter approach to Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Text Completion rather than simply doing more questions. You’ll learn how top scorers break down passages efficiently, recognize common trap answers, and apply a repeatable framework to improve accuracy and timing across the verbal section. Join live to see how an experienced test prep coach approaches these questions in real time and to ask about the specific challenges you’re encountering in your own prep. The session will draw on patterns the coach sees when working 1:1 with candidates aiming for competitive scores, and how small shifts in strategy often lead to meaningful gains. If you want a clearer, more structured way to tackle verbal questions, this is a useful place to start.

AdCom Insider Tip #1

Why International Applicants Get Misread in the U.S. MBA Process

Deferred MBA Red Flags & How to Reframe Them

Deferred MBA applications are scrutinized closely—and small missteps can raise big questions. In this workshop, top Leland coach and former AdComs at USC Avi L. will break down the most common red flags admissions committees see in deferred MBA candidates, from experience gaps to unclear goals. You’ll learn how to reframe weaknesses with honesty and strategy, strengthen your overall narrative, and present a compelling case for your long-term potential.

Duke Fuqua Post-MBA Career Goals Essay

Plans to pursue senior leadership in tech or consulting, with a long-term vision of transforming Korean companies.

Why You’re Still Doing Too Much: Rethinking Delegation as a Leader

​Even the most effective leaders struggle with letting go—but true leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself. In this workshop, Stefanie M.—a certified leadership and strengths-based coach with 17+ years of experience as a market executive and team leader in global finance—will help you rethink your approach to delegation and team empowerment. ​Drawing on her background in corporate banking, private equity, and venture capital, Stefanie will share actionable strategies for identifying what to delegate, developing trust, and building systems that elevate both performance and well-being. Whether you manage a team or lead at the executive level, this session will help you create more space for strategic thinking, growth, and balance—without sacrificing results.

Competency Questions

Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics

Technical Interviews & Core Finance Concepts

Technical interviews are where candidates rise or fall, and mastering the fundamentals is essential to getting an offer. In this session, you'll learn how to approach the most commonly tested finance concepts—from valuation and accounting, to financial statement analysis and market drivers—in a clear, structured, and interview-ready way. We’ll cover typical technical questions, what interviewers listen for in strong answers, and how to avoid the common mistakes that signal inexperience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or sharpening your edge before first-rounds, you’ll walk away with frameworks, study priorities, and practice tactics to approach technicals with confidence and communicate like a future banker.

AI Monthly News Update - January 2026 (Slides)

These slides are from the first of a series of monthly news updates related to advancements in AI. This update covers AI tools and LLMs, global AI and infrastructure, robotics and gadgets, and the impact of these advancements on daily life and business. Check out the event here: https://www.joinleland.com/content/item/urn:contentEntry:69839327a1f4968d5ca1feb5?fromName=all

AI at Work: 5 Ways to Save an Hour a Day

Feeling overwhelmed by AI but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop shows you exactly how to use AI for real work—today. This session is for professionals who want to work smarter, not harder, using free AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude. Outcomes: You’ll leave with a clear framework for prompting AI effectively, five ready-to-use examples for real work, and customized prompts to fit your own role. Learning Objectives: *Understand how AI fits into everyday workflows *Identify 3+ tasks AI can do faster and better *Practice a repeatable method for effective prompting

Finance to MBA: Showing Impact and Proving Passion

Breaking into an MBA program from a finance background takes more than strong credentials—it's about showing real impact and authentic passion. In this session, Leland coaches John N. (Kellogg MBA), Faisal K. (Booth adcom), and Kelsey K. (CBS adcom) will share how to differentiate yourself, connect your experience to your goals, and stand out in essays and interviews. Perfect for finance professionals aiming to make a powerful impression in Round 2.

Navigating the MBA Waitlist Process

We will discuss how to navigate the waitlist process for MBA programs. While it is quite frustrating to not have closure after your decision, there is still hope! I will walk through my proven strategies for maximizing your chances of converting a waitlist into an acceptance! This will include: - General process and timelines - Common reasons people are waitlisted - How to plan structure your updates - What else you can do to improve your chances - Q&A

Landing an MBB / Consulting Offer - From A to Z

Breaking into top consulting firms requires more than strong academics and case prep - it requires avoiding countless pitfalls, common misconceptions, and time-wasting work. In this session, Leland coach Ian G will walk you through the entire consulting recruiting and interviewing process end-to-end, providing you with the tools and tips to optimize your chances of success and minimize time wasted. As an ex-BCG consultant Ian brings a proven track record, having aced all 8 of his consulting interviews, with a 95% success rate helping candidates land consulting offers over the past 5 years. After this session you’ll leave with a clear, structured playbook for what to focus on at each stage of the journey - from building the right profile and networking effectively to get offers all the way to mastering case and behavioral interviews to convert interviews into offers.

S&T Interview Prep: Bond Market Fundamentals

A review of bond market fundamentals, covering key concepts and resources to build a strong fixed income foundation.

How to Plan an Effective Medical School Application Process

A successful medical school application is built on thoughtful planning, clear strategy, and strong execution. In this session, you’ll learn how to map out the entire application process, from timelines and school selection to essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. We’ll cover how to prioritize experiences, avoid common pitfalls, and stay organized and confident throughout a demanding cycle. Whether you’re early in your pre-med journey or preparing to apply soon, this workshop will help you approach the process with clarity and purpose.