Leland+ Content Library

2023-2024 Essay Prompts for the Top 10 MBA Programs

Get into your dream MBA program! We break down the example essay prompts for the top 10 schools.

How to Break Into APM Programs [6/23/2026] (Recording)

**GIVEAWAY FOR LIVE ATTENDEES: ONE FREE YEAR OF LELAND+ ($120 value)** APM programs are highly competitive, and many candidates struggle to understand what actually makes applicants stand out beyond strong academics or internships. This session is for students and early-career professionals who want to break into Associate Product Manager roles and better understand how hiring teams evaluate potential. You’ll learn how successful candidates position their experience, demonstrate product thinking, and prepare for the interview and recruiting process strategically. Join live to hear perspectives from a panel of experienced PM coaches and operators who have helped candidates land APM offers at top companies. The discussion will follow a curated set of high-impact questions, offering structured insights and practical examples drawn from real recruiting and coaching experience.

The Right MBA, Not the Same MBA: Uncovering Program Nuance [6/3/2026] (Recording)

Not all MBA programs are created equal, and treating them interchangeably is one of the most common mistakes applicants make. This session will examine the subtle but important differences across top business schools, from culture and academic philosophy to recruiting strengths and leadership development models. Attendees will learn how to assess fit more thoughtfully and how to leverage program-specific nuance to build stronger school lists and more tailored applications.

Looking to apply to a MBA program? Join the Live Q+A! [8/5/2026] (Recording)

Choosing between MBA programs can be tough! Is the part time for you? Full time? Executive? Join this live Q+A, where I'll share more about my journey choosing the UCLA MBA Executive program, and how I landed a spot in the Class of 2025. Leave with tips, strategies and insight to make the best decision for yourself. This session is applicable to all looking to choose between MBA programs. Come join! Spots are limited.

Looking to apply to a MBA program? Join the Live Q+A! [8/12/2026] (Recording)

Choosing between MBA programs can be tough! Is the part time for you? Full time? Executive? Join this live Q+A, where I'll share more about my journey choosing the UCLA MBA Executive program, and how I landed a spot in the Class of 2025. Leave with tips, strategies and insight to make the best decision for yourself. This session is applicable to all looking to choose between MBA programs. Come join! Spots are limited.

From ROI to Fit: Making the Right MBA/Grad School Decision

MBA program and/or other Grad school on your mind? Before investing $100K+ and years of your life, make sure it’s the right move. Join us for a free 1-hour workshop where three experienced admissions + career coaches break down: - Why grad school (and why now)? - MBA vs. specialized master’s—which fits your goals (business oriented grad programs, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Finance, MS in Marketing, etc.)? - Full-time vs. part-time vs. hybrid—what’s best for your career path? - How debt, recruiting, and location factor into the decision. 35–40 minutes of actionable insights + plenty of time for your questions. Walk away with clarity and confidence about your next step. If you're wondering about IF business related grad school is right for you - and/or which program to attend, this is the session for you! Session will feature advice and experience from 3 of Leland's Top Coaches: Kira D. - https://www.joinleland.com/coach/kira-d Christine B. - https://www.joinleland.com/coach/christine-b Adam B. - https://www.joinleland.com/coach/a-b

How I got into a dual program at Harvard and MIT [8/17/2026] (Recording)

How did I manage to be admitted into two of the best schools in the country - and into a dual degree program where I am attending both? Join me before MBA week kickoff for a session where I break down exactly what I did to be admitted to Harvard, MIT, and other M7 / top schools.

Why You Didn’t Get Into a PhD Program (And How to Fix It Before December)

Not getting into a PhD program can be frustrating—especially when it’s unclear what held your application back. This session is designed for reapplicants and first-time applicants who want to understand how admissions committees actually evaluate candidates and where strong profiles fall short. You’ll learn how to diagnose weaknesses in your application, strengthen your research narrative, and make targeted improvements before the next round of deadlines.

Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15-18) Kickoff

Join us for Leland's Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15–18) Kickoff! Come hear from top admissions experts coaches Tom N., Krysta F., and Amy G. who have helped candidates gain acceptance to their dream master's programs. ​You’re invited to a week of actionable insights and preparation strategies designed to help you craft a standout application and position yourself for success in the admissions process.

Crushing Your Deferred MBA Applications

Applying to deferred MBA programs or curious about the process? Leland is excited to provide this FREE event to cover tips to help you get accepted into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and more. ​​This workshop is hosted by John K, CEO and Founder of Leland. He was accepted to Stanford GSB and HBS though their deferred enrollment programs and will share key tips and tactical strategies to help you submit an application you are proud of. ​​​If you are interested in applying to a top 10 MBA program, have questions about the process, or just want to receive valuable insight, join us. It's completely free!

Why MBA, Why Now, Why [X] Program: Answers that Define Your App [6/11/2026] (Recording)

Few questions matter more in MBA admissions than why you want an MBA, why this is the right moment, and why a particular program is the right fit. Yet many applicants answer them superficially. This session will explore how to develop thoughtful, credible, and differentiated responses to these foundational questions, and why the quality of those answers often determines the strength of the entire application. Attendees will leave with a framework for articulating a sharper and more persuasive admissions narrative.

Path to MBA Information Deck

A comprehensive 59-slide deck covering the full path to an MBA: whether an MBA is right for you, what you'll learn, career and salary outcomes, program costs, how to select the right school, the application process and timeline, application tips, and financial aid options. Ideal for anyone considering or preparing to apply to top MBA programs.

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.

Claude Cowork 101: Supercharge your work with AI [7/2/2026] (Recording)

Learn how to work alongside Claude to move faster, think sharper, and get more done from one of Leland's top AI instructors. This hands-on session covers practical ways to integrate AI into your everyday workflow. No technical background required. Kristen will also be sharing an exclusive discount code for Leland's AI Builder Program in celebration of America's 250th birthday!

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.

Product Management Week Kickoff

Product managers sit at the center of some of the world’s most impactful products, shaping what gets built, why it matters, and how millions of people experience technology. This kickoff session is for anyone exploring a future in product management and looking for a clearer roadmap into the field. You’ll learn what PMs do day to day, the skills that matter most, and how successful candidates position themselves for opportunities in an increasingly competitive market.

The Fit Formula: How to Choose Your Target Schools

Are you an MBA applicant wondering how to choose the right schools for your unique profile and aspirations? Join me, Ellin L., for this session, where we'll dive into the art of school selection and application strategy. Choosing where to apply isn’t just about rankings. It’s about finding the right match for you. In this session, we’ll walk through a simple, diagnostic framework (The Fit Formula) that helps you evaluate programs based on what actually matters: alignment with your goals, competitiveness of your profile, and long-term career potential. With over a decade of experience and a 98.9% success rate, I've guided hundreds of applicants to top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. As the founder of Ellin Lolis Consulting, I specialize in helping you stand out by crafting a powerful personal brand and connecting your story to each program. In this session, I'll share my proven methodology to simplify the process and maximize your results. Whether you're considering a traditional full-time MBA, deferred, executive, part-time, or online MBA, this event is designed to help you make informed decisions and build a compelling application.

Your Law School Applications: Why Starting Now Can Make a Difference [3/18/2026] (Recording)

Applying to law school is more competitive than ever—and timing can be a major advantage. In this session, you’ll learn directly from Indrani S., former Associate Director of Admissions at Stanford Law School, who has reviewed thousands of applications and knows exactly how top programs evaluate candidates. She’ll break down why early preparation matters, how to craft a compelling narrative, and what steps you should take now to strengthen your essays, recommender strategy, school list, and overall positioning. Whether you're aiming for T14 programs or navigating the process with less-than-perfect numbers, this session will help you build a clear, strategic plan.

Your Law School Applications: Why Starting Now Can Make a Difference

Applying to law school is more competitive than ever—and timing can be a major advantage. In this session, you’ll learn directly from Indrani S., former Associate Director of Admissions at Stanford Law School, who has reviewed thousands of applications and knows exactly how top programs evaluate candidates. She’ll break down why early preparation matters, how to craft a compelling narrative beyond your GPA and LSAT, and what steps you should take now to strengthen your essays, recommender strategy, school list, and overall positioning. Whether you're aiming for T14 programs or navigating the process with less-than-perfect numbers, this workshop will help you build a clear, strategic plan.