Leland+ for MBA

Your Guide to the Columbia MBA Interview [5/7/2026] (Recording)

Strong candidates still get tripped up in the Columbia MBA interview because they underestimate how much clarity and fit matter in a short conversation. This session is for applicants who want a clearer understanding of how to navigate Columbia’s interview process with confidence. You’ll learn how to structure your answers, communicate your goals and fit for the program, and handle the types of questions that commonly come up. Join live to ask questions about your own interview preparation and get guidance tailored to your background. The speaker is an expert in the Columbia MBA interview process and regularly works with candidates preparing for this stage. They’ll share the patterns they see across successful applicants and the kinds of feedback typically given in 1:1 interview prep.

The Key to Mastering Combinations and Permutations on the GMAT [5/7/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know exactly how to recognize when a GMAT problem calls for combinations versus permutations and how to set up the math without second-guessing yourself. We will cover the slot method for counting arrangements, how to handle restrictions like repeated elements or fixed positions, and the fastest way to simplify factorial expressions under timed conditions. Attending live means you can bring a specific problem type that keeps tripping you up and hear how to think through it in real time, not just watch a solved example. The coach works through these problems with GMAT students regularly and will share the reasoning patterns that consistently separate confident solvers from those who guess and move on.

MBA Goals & Purpose Guide: Define Your Short- and Long-Term Goals

Most MBA applicants know they need goals. Few know how to make them specific, grounded, and genuinely their own. This guide gives you a clear framework for defining your short-term and long-term post-MBA goals, along with the purpose behind them. Inside you will find what strong goals include, what weak ones look like, worked examples you can learn from, and the reflection questions that help you get there. Everything is in one place and structured so you can work through it in order or go straight to what you need. Whether you are just starting to think about direction or refining goals you have already begun to develop, this guide will help you arrive at goals you can defend confidently in essays, interviews, and school conversations.

Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays

​The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. ​You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.

Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences

Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.

MBA Interviews Series: Stanford GSB

​Jumpstart your Stanford GSB MBA interview prep with up-to-date insights and stage-specific strategies. As application deadlines approach, join expert coach and GSB Grad Claire R. who will help you understand what’s expected, how to prepare, and how to stand out. ​You’ll learn about the format of the GSB interview (alumni-led, behavioral, highly structured), the key evaluation criteria, and how to craft strong stories using frameworks while balancing polish and authenticity. ​By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear action plan for your interviews—what to practice, how to outline your answers, and how to present your best self when your invitation arrives.

Find Your MBA Fit

Considering an MBA but not quite sure which programs are the right fit? All these MBA options sound the same? Not even sure why you want an MBA yet? Should you apply to 2 schools, or 7? Been there. As a Stanford GSB Alum who's helped over 300 applicants land a coveted spot at top programs like GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg and more, I'm throwing together this free 45-minute event to cover some criteria you can use to narrow your search. You'll come away with a clearer idea of how to pick the right schools for you so you can focus your time and energy. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take the first step not just towards applying, but applying to the right places.

Essays (3): Duke Fuqua MBA Admitted Army Veteran

These are the 3 application essays of an Army veteran who secured Early Action admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

Building the Foundations

Understanding The Process Before You Launch Your Journey

Beyond the Basics: AI Resume Strategies That Land Interviews

This 45-minute session will show you how to use AI to transform your resume from a basic document into one that gets noticed, going far beyond keyword swaps or generic AI tools. We’ll work through examples, with guided opportunities for you to apply each technique to your own resume. We’ll cover: *The difference between generic prompts and role-specific, detailed prompts — and how to craft your own live in the session *Turning a career history or messy notes into a polished, professional draft you can use immediately *Rewriting bullet points to emphasize impact, metrics, and action verbs recruiters can’t miss *Condensing overly long sections without losing substance so your most important wins stand out

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.

Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Vanderbilt, and Emory

​In Part 3 of this series, admissions directors from Kellogg, Vanderbilt, and Emory will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Steve Thompson (Senior Director of MBA Admissions @ Kellogg), Katherine Farrar (Associate Director of Admissions @ MIT Sloan), Bailey McChesney (Director of MBA Admissions @ Vanderbilt), and Melissa Rapp (Associate Dean of MBA Admissions @ Emory). ​​You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.

How U.S. MBA Admissions Work

Application components, holistic review, timelines (Round 1 vs Round 2), application portals

STAR Response Worksheet

A guided worksheet to help you structure impactful interview answers using the STAR framework, highlighting your actions, results, and leadership in a clear, compelling way.

How to Ace the Wharton TBD (From an Ex-Admissions Fellow)

​The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is unlike any other MBA interview—a fast-paced, collaborative exercise designed to test how you think, communicate, and lead in a group setting. ​In this session, Brian B., a Wharton MBA graduate (with honors) and former Admissions Fellow who helped run Wharton’s TBDs, will share insider insight into what the admissions team is really looking for. Having coached dozens of MBA candidates, Brian will walk you through how to prepare effectively, contribute with confidence, and stand out as both a strong teammate and leader.

MBA Recommender Packets

A step-by-step playbook for setting up recommenders for success and turning your recommenders into your strongest advocates.

Video Essay Guidance

Unique to Kellogg, the video essay is your chance to show personality, presence, and energy. Learn what makes a great response and how to prepare naturally.

Understanding the Kellogg Interview Format

Overview of Kellogg’s behavioral interview and how it reflects the school’s culture and values.

The Truth About Deferred MBA Essays: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why

In this session, Leland Coach Kristen H., a HBS and GSB deferred admit and expert in early-career MBA strategy, will pull back the curtain on what separates successful essays from forgettable ones. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to approach each essay prompt strategically — and how to make your essays stand out in a competitive Deferred MBA cycle.

Getting into Stanford GSB

Are you aiming to secure a spot in a top MBA program? Join me, Sydney, for an insightful session on how to navigate the MBA application process and stand out among a competitive pool of applicants. As a recent MBA graduate from Stanford's Graduate School of Business and a former MBA Student Admissions Ambassador, I am passionate about guiding prospective students through this journey. During this event, we'll cover essential topics such as general exploration, essays, application strategy, recommendations, and networking strategy. Whether you're considering applying in round 2 or looking for an extra push for round 1, this session is tailored for you. Let's work together to present your authentic story and find your passion through business.