Leland+ Content Library

A Peek Behind the Curtain: How Your Application is Really Evaluated at Top Business Schools

Have you ever wondered what happens once you hit submit? Join this one-of-a-kind event to learn what really goes on behind the scenes from two coaches who have seen it all. ​Christine B.'s 25+ year admissions career has included as an Admissions Director for The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, London Business School and Yale School of Management. ​Faisal K. has been an MBA coach for 15+ years, and worked with Christine as an admissions committee member at the Chicago Booth. ​This fireside chat between Faisal and Christine will explore how an application is assessed, decisions are made to interview and admit, and offer tips on how to put your best foot forward at the world’s most selective business schools.

The Resume That Lands You at M7 Business Schools

A deep dive into a successful resume that got accepted into top business schools. Learn how to craft a powerful resume that showcases your experience and leadership.

MBA Admissions Panel: How to Get into your Dream School

​Breaking into a top MBA program takes more than strong grades and work experience — it requires a compelling application strategy that sets you apart. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from Kelsey K. (Admissions at Columbia), Ben L. (Stanford MBA), and Allie K. (Wharton MBA) who have successfully navigated the admissions process at leading business schools. ​Our panelists will share their best advice on crafting standout essays, building a competitive profile, securing strong recommendations, and preparing for interviews. They’ll also dive into common mistakes to avoid and the strategies that helped them get admitted to their dream schools. Whether you’re just starting to think about an MBA or are in the thick of applications, this session will give you the insider guidance you need to stand out.

AI and Your MBA Application: Do’s and Don’ts for School Research

Thinking about using AI tools to streamline your MBA school research and networking strategy, and want to do so efficiently and ethically? Join me, M, for a practical and candid session designed to help MBA applicants use AI as a powerful tool for uncovering insights, identifying fit, and guiding meaningful outreach, all while staying focused on authenticity and personal reflection. This session will show you how to integrate AI into your research process, without relying on generic outputs or missing key personal connections. Learn how to craft strategic prompts that help you dig deeper into program offerings, find school culture and values that align with your own, and uncover talking points for essays, interviews, and outreach. I’ll share examples of weak vs. strong AI prompts and how to adapt AI outputs into meaningful, human communication.

Beyond the GRE: Building a Winning Grad School Application

​In this session, Leland coach Loubna B. will walk you through how to build a compelling graduate school application that goes far beyond just test scores. Drawing on her experience mentoring students into competitive master’s and PhD programs, she’ll share what admissions committees really want to see in your essays, recommendations, and overall narrative. ​You’ll gain actionable strategies for highlighting your unique strengths, showcasing research or professional experience, and weaving your story into a cohesive, stand-out application. Whether you’re early in the process or putting on the finishing touches, this workshop will equip you with the tools to craft an application that sets you apart.

Columbia Business School Application Essay Example

Career Goals Application Essay for successful admission into program.

London Business School MBA Application Essays

The essays that got me into LBS (and versions of the essays into UCLA Anderson and INSEAD) with uncompetitive GRE test scores

London Business School | MBA Example Essay

MBA Essays for LBS (waitlisted due to GMAT)

Columbia Business School Mock Interview Guide

Mock Interview Guide with Questions and Suggestions

Columbia Business School: Brand and Culture

An overview of Columbia Business School's brand and culture.

Columbia Business School: The NYC Advantage

A deep dive into how Columbia Business School's geographic positioning puts it at a unique advantage.

MIT Sloan: School Overview and Brand

An overview of MIT Sloan and its unique brand.

How to Develop Compelling Short and Long-Term Goals for UC Law School Applications

Crafting authentic and specific goals can make or break your UC Law School application. In this session, Brian B.—a seasoned law school admissions expert with 10+ years of experience reviewing thousands of applications—will walk you through how to articulate your career vision with clarity and purpose. ​Together, you’ll explore what “Clarity of Purpose” really means in the admissions context and how to translate it into your essays and interviews. Learn how to write convincingly about the type of law firm, government agency, or non-profit you aspire to join, and how to frame your long-term professional impact in a way that feels both ambitious and authentic.

Ace MBA Interviews & Essays: Strategies for Why an MBA/Now/This School

Are you struggling to clearly answer “Why an MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why this school?” in both interviews and written applications? These three questions are the backbone of every strong MBA candidacy. In this focused 60-minute session, you’ll learn exactly how to approach them with clarity, specificity, and confidence. We’ll break down what admissions committees are really looking for, why these questions matter, and the most common mistakes applicants make. You’ll see detailed examples drawn directly from successful applicant materials, along with in-depth analysis of what makes each example strong or weak. We’ll cover how to link your background, needs, and goals to the right program features, how to avoid generic phrasing, and how to bring authenticity and structure into your responses. Throughout the session, I’ll highlight specific dos and don’ts and walk you through the progression from vague answers to compelling, school-ready responses. You’ll also see how your approach should differ between essays and interviews so your answers feel natural and appropriate in each format. We will close with a Q&A where you can ask about these three questions, your approach, or anything that wasn’t fully clear in the presentation. By the end, you’ll have a sharper understanding of what makes a strong response, how to integrate school-specific research, and how to communicate your story in a way that resonates in both interviews and written applications.

College Workshop: Three-Month Application Plan to Land Your Early Decision School

​Are you a high school student aiming to apply Early Decision (ED) to your top-choice U.S. university? Join Kevin P. for an interactive session that lays out a focused three‑month plan—from now to the Nov 1–15 deadlines—so you can craft a standout ED application on time and with confidence.With over a decade of experience supporting students across the world, he will guide you through the essentials—from weekly milestones and essay drafting to coordinating recommendations, understanding ED’s binding and financial implications, polishing your activities list, and building a smart backup plan for EA/RD. Topics include: ​90‑day ED timeline and task checklist (mid‑Aug → Nov 1–15): essays, supplements, testing, recommenders, and school documents ​Standing out fast: personal statement and “Why Us?” strategy, activities impact, and recommendation packets ​Readiness and backup: score strategy, financial/aid planning for ED, portal tracking, and an EA/RD contingency if ED doesn’t land

Vanderbilt Personal Essay – Growing Up on Her Own Terms

A coming-of-age story about medical uncertainty, self-advocacy, and redefining adulthood through confidence, curiosity, and inner growth.

MBA Resume: Investment Banking to Business School

See how an investment banking professional crafted a compelling MBA application resume.

Engineering Example Resume for Harvard Business School

See a strong engineering resume for an HBS deferred admit, highlighting experience in product development and technical skills.