Leland+ Content Library

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.

Build Your First Custom GPT (No Code Required)

Imagine having an AI assistant that already knows your workflow, your writing style, and how you like things done. That’s what Custom GPTs can do: write content, answer client questions, summarize reports, train new team members, and organize project plans. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to build one from scratch (no coding required). We’ll walk step-by-step through defining your GPT’s purpose, adding your own examples or instructions, and refining how it responds—so by the end, you’ll have a personalized AI assistant that works the way you do. (Note: You’ll need ChatGPT Plus to create a GPT, but anyone with the free version can attend, follow along, and learn the process.) Outcomes: You’ll walk away with your first working Custom GPT, a clear understanding of how to teach AI your preferences, and ideas for expanding your assistant’s capabilities for different roles or teams. Learning Objectives: *Understand what Custom GPTs are and how they extend AI beyond one-time chats *Learn the step-by-step setup process (no coding required) *Build and test your first GPT for your own use case or workflow

Your Ticket to STEM Graduate School Admission

Short guide to STEM graduate programs, required application documents, and essay advice

How to Get Started on Your PhD Application

Starting a PhD application can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin or how to position yourself for research-driven programs. This session breaks down the first steps that matter most, including identifying research interests, finding the right advisors, planning your timeline, and preparing key materials like statements of purpose and recommendations. You’ll learn how to build early momentum, avoid common missteps, and set yourself up for a strong application cycle.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Columbia

Applying to Columbia Business School’s deferred MBA program is a unique opportunity—and a uniquely competitive one. In this session, Melanie E.—a multi-disciplinary coach featured in Forbes, NBC, ABC, CBS, Business Insider, and TEDx—will break down exactly what CBS is looking for and how to position yourself as a standout candidate. With deep experience coaching applicants into top MBA programs and a coaching style tailored to each individual’s strengths, Melanie will walk you through how to craft a compelling narrative, highlight leadership potential, and approach Columbia’s essays and recommendations with clarity and strategy. Whether you’re early in your MBA exploration or preparing to hit submit, this session will give you actionable insights to strengthen your CBS deferred application.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Kellogg

Thinking about a deferred MBA and wondering what it takes to get into a top program like Kellogg? Join Andrew Dale, a former Kellogg Admissions Officer and Supercoach on Leland, as he walks you through what makes a strong application, how to tell a compelling story, and what Kellogg specifically looks for in deferred candidates. Bring your questions about essays, recommenders, interviews, and strategy—Andrew will help position you for success.

Intro to Logical Reasoning: Breaking Down the Task and the Stimulus

Are you new to studying for the LSAT? Or has a commercial test prep course left you confused with their complicated jargon and unintuitive hacks? This is the first presentation in a series that will break down logical reasoning in a simple, practical way. Many LSAT prep approaches were crafted by people who performed really well on the LSAT but may not have ever practiced law, or possibly never even went to law school. What those courses miss are the every day applications of LSAT skills to real-world law school scenarios and legal practice. I am a graduate of Georgetown Law who scored in the 97th percentile on the LSAT with several years' experience practicing at one of the most prominent law firms in the country, as well as a mid-sized boutique. My work in legal research, case strategy, briefing, discovery, and client relationships have informed my perspective on the LSAT. I know the LSAT is not just a test to be hacked, but rather a sensible evaluation of the skills required to succeed in law school and legal practice. My innovative curriculum has helped hundreds of students in my classes at Indiana University and Portland State University, as well as the private tutoring students I have been working with over the past 13+ years. In this session of the series, we will cover the following topics: - Why logical reasoning? - What is the "task"? - What is the "stimulus"? - How to approach logical reasoning questions - The types of logical reasoning questions, and - Beneficial study resources and strategies

How to Land a role as a PE Summer Analyst

Learn exactly what it takes to break into one of the most competitive finance roles: the Private Equity Summer Analyst position. In this session, top Leland coaches will walk you through the recruiting timeline, essential technical and behavioral prep, and how to stand out—even without a “traditional” background. You’ll leave with a clear strategy, proven tactics, and actionable steps to make yourself a compelling PE candidate.

Review Medium Algebra & Geometry

In this review we will be discussing the triage test method and break down some additional example questions for algebra & geometry.

Building a Global Career: Ask Me Anything

Are you an early to mid-career professional looking to build a global career? Join me, Matthew, for an ask-me-anything session on crafting a career that transcends borders. With an MBA from Oxford and a diverse career spanning 9 countries and multiple industries, including strategy consulting at BCG and Dalberg Advisors, finance, entrepreneurship, and international development, I bring a wealth of experience to help you navigate your career journey. In this event, we'll explore essential topics like career planning, professional networking, personal branding, and job search strategies. Whether you're considering full-time, freelancing or seeking to enhance your networking strategy, this session is designed to equip you with the tools and concepts to help you succeed on a global stage. RSVP now to secure your spot and take the next step in your global career development!

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.

Top 5 Tips for Succeeding on the GRE

Looking to raise your GRE score with strategies that actually work? Join Leland coach Bruce H., a veteran GRE instructor who has helped countless applicants unlock top-percentile results. Bruce will share his five most impactful tips—from tackling tricky quant reasoning to avoiding common verbal pitfalls and building a smart, efficient study plan. Whether you're early in your prep or aiming for a final score boost, you’ll leave with clear, actionable techniques to level up your performance.

Get Started on Your Deferred MBA Panel: Actionable Tips from Experts

Kick off your Deferred MBA journey with a panel of top Leland coaches who have helped countless applicants earn admits to programs like HBS 2+2, GSB Deferred, and Wharton Advance Access. They’ll break down what you should be doing right now—from crafting your narrative to securing impactful recommenders—to stay competitive ahead of this year’s deadlines. You’ll leave with clear, actionable next steps to start your application strong.

The 5 Toughest MBA Interview Questions

Slides from event on 1/8/26 - Get everything you need to answer the 5 toughest MBA interview questions, including sample answers!

Career Goals -- Why they're the key to MBA apps and how to nail them

MBA admissions teams use your career goals to gauge clarity, direction, and fit—making them a critical part of your application. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft focused short- and long-term goals, connect them to your experience, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re drafting or refining essays, you’ll leave with a clear framework to articulate compelling, credible goals.

The Process: How Bain Recruiting Actually Works

From application to final round decision, this video maps out the entire lifecycle of a Bain recruit. We break down the timeline, the different interview formats you’ll encounter, and the key touchpoints where candidates often get lost. Know exactly where you stand at every step of the journey.

Human + AI Collaboration: Learn How to Think With AI

In this reflective and practical workshop, you’ll learn how to use AI as a true thought partner--one that helps you reason through ideas, uncover blind spots, and make better decisions. Through live examples, you’ll see how to move beyond surface-level use (like writing or summarizing) and instead use AI to challenge assumptions, explore alternatives, and clarify strategy. You’ll practice “collaborative prompting,” a method that turns AI into a sparring partner that helps you think deeper, faster, and more creatively. Outcomes: You’ll leave with a set of conversational prompts for strategic thinking, a clearer understanding of what humans do best in an AI-powered world, and confidence using AI as an extension of your judgment and creativity. Learning Objectives: *Recognize when to rely on human intuition vs. AI reasoning *Practice “collaborative prompting” for deeper insight and reflection *Use AI strategically to analyze, debate, and refine complex ideas

UCLA Anderson Example Essay 2: Career Goals

This is an example essay of the Career Goals essay which asks for the short-term and long-term career goals of the applicant (150 word limit).

S&T Interview Prep: Key Options Terms & Payoffs

A clear overview of key options terms and payoffs, designed to build intuition and strengthen your derivatives foundation.

Great Alternatives to the US for Grad School

For many applicants, top graduate programs outside the United States offer world-class education, strong career outcomes, and more accessible pathways to admission and visas. This session explores leading international destinations for grad school, how their application processes differ from the US, and what to consider when evaluating cost, career mobility, and long-term goals. You’ll leave with a clearer view of global options and practical guidance for building a competitive international application strategy.