Leland+ Content Library

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.

Inside Deferred Admissions: AMA with a Founder of the HBS 2+2 Program

Few people understand Deferred MBA admissions better than Kerry P., who helped launch the Harvard Business School 2+2 Program and has since guided countless candidates into top deferred programs. In this exclusive AMA, Kerry will pull back the curtain on how Deferred MBA programs really evaluate applicants — from what schools look for in undergraduates to how they assess potential and fit.

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.

Finding Your Authentic 'Why': Positioning for Top MBA & Master's Programmes [7/31/2026] (Recording)

(the "why underneath the why"), targeting the ambitious-but-blocked candidates targetting European programmes.

How to Create an Application That Gets You Admitted [9/14/2026] (Recording)

Getting admitted to a top master’s program takes more than meeting the basic requirements. The strongest applicants know how to turn their experiences, goals, and qualifications into a cohesive application that gives the admissions committee a clear reason to choose them. This session is for prospective master’s students who want to build a stronger, more strategic application from the ground up. You’ll learn how to position your background, communicate your goals, and strengthen the parts of your application that can make the biggest difference. Join live to hear from a master’s admissions expert with more than two decades of experience as a Graduate Degree Admissions Consultant, who has guided countless clients to top programs across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The speaker will share practical insights from years of helping applicants succeed, including how to approach your essays, resume, recommendations, and overall application strategy. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer understanding of how to create an application that earns attention.

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.

Deferred (2+2) MBA Application Week Kickoff

Thinking about applying to a Deferred MBA program? Join us for Leland’s Deferred MBA Week Kickoff, featuring top Leland coaches Andy P. (20+ years of MBA coaching), Allie K. (75+ M7 Admits), and Geri T. (Founder of Harvard's DMBA Program), who have helped countless candidates get into the most competitive programs at schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.

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.

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.

Your Path to HBS, Stanford, and Wharton: What Actually Matters Most [10/5/2026] (Recording)

Getting into HBS, Stanford, or Wharton takes more than impressive stats and a polished resume. The most competitive applicants understand what actually matters to admissions committees and how to build a compelling story around their experiences, goals, and potential. This session is for MBA applicants targeting the world’s most selective business schools who want to focus their efforts on what can make the biggest difference. You’ll learn what these programs look for, how successful applicants differentiate themselves, and which parts of your application deserve the most attention. Join live for a panel of MBA experts who have seen the admissions process from both sides of the table, from helping students earn admission to evaluating applicants themselves. They’ll share firsthand insights into what separates successful candidates, common mistakes that hold applicants back, and how to approach your application strategically. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer understanding of what actually matters on the path to HBS, Stanford, and Wharton.

The 5 Questions to Ask Before Applying to Any Finance Master's [4/9/2026] (Recording)

Most applicants start with rankings, pick three or four recognisable names, and write the same application for all of them. Then they wonder why the essays feel forced. The problem usually isn't the application. It's that they chose the wrong programme to begin with. Finance vs Financial Economics. Academic vs applied. London vs Paris vs St Gallen. Full-time vs part-time. These choices shape your career in ways a league table won't tell you. I applied to Oxford's MFE and HEC's MSc International Finance, got into both, and chose Oxford, and that decision came down to questions most applicants never think to ask. In 30 minutes I'll walk through five questions you should answer before you apply anywhere: what career this actually leads to, what it really costs, whether your profile fits, and how to tell which programme type matches what you need. I coach applicants through successful admits at Oxford, HEC, and peer programmes across Europe, and this is always where we start. Plenty of time for Q&A. Attendees get priority access to 1:1 coaching at a discounted rate. Best suited for 2026–27 and 2027–28 applicants.

The Top 10 Things That Matter in a Deferred Application

Applying to deferred MBA programs requires a unique strategy—strong academics and internships aren’t enough unless you know how to package them into a compelling story. In this session, Tim F., a Chicago Booth MBA graduate with high distinction and former admissions fellow who interviewed and evaluated nearly 100 applicants, will break down the ten elements that most influence AdCom decisions. Drawing on his experience helping candidates gain admission to top U.S. and European MBA programs, along with his professional background at Goldman Sachs and as a project leader at Boston Consulting Group, Tim will share how to communicate impact, craft a standout narrative, and position yourself competitively as an early-career applicant.

The GRE Is a Game You Can Win: Building Verbal Mastery Through Depth, Strategy, and Control

​Cracking the GRE Verbal section isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary—it’s about mastering the game. In this session, expert Leland GRE coach Ralph L. will break down how top scorers approach verbal questions with strategy, precision, and confidence. ​You’ll learn how to build true verbal depth through smarter study methods, approach Reading Comprehension and Text Completion questions strategically, and maintain control under timed conditions. By the end, you’ll have a practical framework to study efficiently, avoid common traps, and play the GRE verbal game to win.

How to Write the First Draft of Your Master’s Application SoP in 60 Minutes (or less)

Your Statement of Purpose (SoP) is one of the most important parts of your master’s application—but getting started can feel overwhelming. At the end of this session, you'll walk away with the first draft of your SoP in 60 mins or less. You’ll learn a step-by-step framework to draft a strong first version in under an hour. We’ll cover how to identify your key themes, structure your story, and highlight your academic and professional goals in a way that resonates with admissions committees. ​The session will be led by Kanishka E., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive graduate applications. You’ll leave with a clear process to take the guesswork out of writing, so you can move from blank page to a compelling SoP draft quickly and confidently. Mostly importantly, we'll get you through the hardest part of your Master's application: getting started.

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.

How I got into a dual program at Harvard and MIT [9/7/2026] (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.

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!