Leland+ for Master’s Programs

Nailing the CBS MBA Essays w/ New 2026 Tips! [6/16/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to tackle the Columbia Business School MBA essays with confidence? Join me, Melanie, for an exclusive session where we'll dive into the latest tips for the 2026 application cycle. With my background as an MBA Admissions Interviewer at CBS and an MBA alum from both Columbia Business School, I have the insights you need to craft compelling essays that stand out. In this session, we'll cover proven, actionable strategies specific to each of Columbia's essays. Whether you're applying for a traditional full-time MBA or a dual degree program, this event is designed to help you succeed. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. I look forward to helping you on your journey to CBS!

Navigating Dual/Concurrent Degrees: MBA + Policy, Education, and STEM [6/11/2026] (Recording)

For some applicants, a traditional MBA is not the only path. Joint and concurrent degree programs can offer powerful ways to build interdisciplinary expertise, but they require careful strategic consideration. This session will explore when pairing an MBA with another graduate degree makes sense, how to evaluate program structures and tradeoffs, and how to determine whether a dual-degree path aligns with your long-term goals. Attendees will also learn how admissions committees assess dual-degree applicants and what makes for a compelling rationale.

Avoiding Hard Algebra [6/17/2026] (Recording)

Many GMAT quant questions look harder than they actually are, and top scorers often solve them without heavy algebra at all. This session is for test takers who want faster, more efficient ways to approach quantitative problems under time pressure. You’ll learn how to recognize opportunities to simplify questions, apply strategic shortcuts, and avoid the slow calculations that commonly trap candidates on test day. Join live to work through problems in real time and see how a 790 scorer approaches the GMAT efficiently. The speaker is an experienced GMAT coach who regularly helps students improve both speed and accuracy on the quant section. They’ll share the patterns they see across high scorers and the kinds of strategies typically covered in focused 1:1 prep sessions.