Leland+ for MBA

MBA Essays with AI the Right Way

AI tools are changing how applicants approach MBA essays—but using them effectively (and ethically) is the real challenge. In this session, expert Leland coach Eric L. will show you how to leverage AI to brainstorm, structure, and refine your essays while keeping your unique voice front and center. ​By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make AI your ally in the application process and walk away with actionable strategies to craft essays that stand out to admissions committees.

Inside the Waitlist: How Admissions Really Uses It

• Define what a waitlist decision actually means • Explain why schools use the waitlist (class balancing, yield management, diversity mix) • Common misconceptions (e.g., “It’s a soft reject” vs. “It’s still active consideration”) • How timing, round, and school culture affect outcomes • Typical timelines • High-level do’s and don’ts immediately after being waitlisted

Columbia Business School: Essay Strategy

An overview of how to best approach Columbia Business School's application essays and how to stand out.

Waitlist Update Letter Builder

• Section 1: Greeting and opening tone • Section 2: New accomplishments or progress since submission • Section 3: Refined clarity on short- and long-term goals • Section 4: Reaffirmed school fit (specific to program culture and resources) • Section 5: Closing statement (gratitude + enthusiasm without pressure) • Example language snippets for each section

MIT Sloan: Example Cover Letter

An example of a cover letter for the MIT Sloan MBA application.

Waitlist Self-Audit Worksheet

• Section 1: Application summary (GMAT/GRE, GPA, goals, recommenders) • Section 2: Strengths (what resonated or differentiates you) • Section 3: Gaps (academic, professional, narrative, or fit-related) • Section 4: Actionable improvements — list 2–3 moves in next 4–6 weeks • Section 5: Reflection prompt — “What new evidence can I show to close these gaps?”

MIT Sloan: School Overview and Brand

An overview of MIT Sloan and its unique brand.

MIT Sloan: Application Breakdown

A deep dive into the MIT Sloan MBA application.

Standing Out as an International Applicant

​This session will be focused on helping international applicants develop a high-level understanding of all the components of the MBA application process, learn how to differentiate themselves from the crowd, and start to create a standout profile to get them into a top business school. With more non-US candidates applying every year, it’s more important than ever to show what makes you unique. ​Learn from a panel of experts who will share their expertise and experiences through an interactive discussion, practical tips, and real-life examples. We invite potential applicants from all corners of the globe to join us for this amazing event! ​Meet our panelists: ​Vica G., Stanford GSB MBA, former Silicon Valley tech executive and startup founder, double émigrée and storytelling expert passionate for helping international or underdog clients craft competitive applications. ​Jesse L., has coached 100% of full-service clients to top 30 MBAs, 95% to top 20, expert in international applicants and crafting compelling narratives. ​Cathy M, INSEAD MBA, has successfully coached candidates to gain admissions into top schools, including INSEAD, LBS, Booth, Wharton, HEC Paris, IESE, Cambridge Judge, Oxford Said & NYU Stern.

Tech to MBA Panel Pt 1

Are you working in the tech industry and thinking about applying to an elite business school? Join the Leland team for this FREE event specifically designed for tech professionals aspiring to get into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, The Wharton School, and more. ​During this event, our expert panelists will answer the most frequently asked questions related to the business school application process for tech professionals and discuss how to: ​⭐️ Transition from a tech career to an MBA program ​⭐️ Think about your application strategy ​⭐️ Get your MBA resume prepared ​⭐️ Write winning essays ​⭐️ Stand out throughout the interview process ​Meet our panelists: ​Maaz K., Ross MBA, former Google, Amazon, and Square, supply chain management professional with 10+ years across diverse industries including tech, CPG, and construction, experience aiding others regarding career advice, MBA and grad school admissions. ​Tory V., Harvard MBA, Google and TikTok, who's passionate about guiding people through their career and academic goals, including resume/LinkedIn reviews, application reviews, and mock interviews. ​Don't miss this unique opportunity to acquire top-tier knowledge and strategies for successfully applying to MBA programs as a tech professional.

Tech to MBA Panel Pt 2

​Are you working in the tech industry and thinking about applying to an elite business school? Join the Leland team for this FREE event specifically designed for tech professionals aspiring to get into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, The Wharton School, and more. ​During this event, our expert panelists will answer the most frequently asked questions related to the business school application process for tech professionals and discuss how to: ​⭐️ Transition from a tech career to an MBA program ​⭐️ Think about your application strategy ​⭐️ Get your MBA resume prepared ​⭐️ Write winning essays ​⭐️ Stand out throughout the interview process ​Meet our panelists: ​Maaz K., Ross MBA, former Google, Amazon, and Square, supply chain management professional with 10+ years across diverse industries including tech, CPG, and construction, experience aiding others regarding career advice, MBA and grad school admissions. ​Tory V., Harvard MBA, Google and TikTok, who's passionate about guiding people through their career and academic goals, including resume/LinkedIn reviews, application reviews, and mock interviews. ​Don't miss this unique opportunity to acquire top-tier knowledge and strategies for successfully applying to MBA programs as a tech professional.

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.

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. ​Whether you’ve received your Wharton invite or are planning ahead, you’ll leave this session with actionable frameworks and strategies to excel in the TBD.

Resume Template

An editable template designed to help you showcase impact, leadership, and clarity across every bullet point.

How to Create a Winning MBA Application

​Getting into a top MBA program is more than strong test scores and a polished résumé—it’s about telling your story in a way that resonates. In this session, you’ll learn from Rifat M. (HBS), Ben L. (GSB) and Rob R. (GSB, admitted to all M7 schools) about what schools are really looking for and how to approach each part of the application, from essays to recommendations to interviews. ​Whether you’re early in the process or gearing up to submit, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to showcase your experiences authentically and put together an application that stands out.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

Round 2 MBA: What You Need to Do Between Now and the Deadlines

Round 2 MBA deadlines are just around the corner—and what you do in the next few months can make or break your application. In this session, you will learn how to prioritize your time, strengthen your materials, and fill any remaining gaps in your candidacy. ​Faisal K. brings admissions experience from Chicago Booth, Oren M. previously served in Wharton’s admissions office, and Jenny R. is a former Stanford GSB Admissions Officer—together, they’ve helped hundreds of applicants gain admission to top programs. ​You’ll learn exactly where to focus your energy—from refining your essays and securing powerful recommendations to polishing your resume and prepping for potential interviews. Whether you’re just starting your Round 2 applications or putting on the finishing touches, this session will help you create a clear, actionable plan to submit your strongest possible application.

Tips for Success: Navigating the Deferred MBA recommendation Process

Applying to deferred MBA programs is a unique challenge—especially when it comes to securing strong recommendation letters. Your recommenders can make or break your application, but knowing who to ask, how to prepare them, and what schools are really looking for can be tricky to navigate. Join Claire R., a former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford GSB and MBA graduate of Yale SOM, for an insider’s guide to navigating the deferred MBA recommendation process. Drawing on her experience evaluating applications at one of the world’s top programs, Claire will share how to select the right recommenders, guide them to highlight your strengths effectively, and ensure their letters complement—not duplicate—your essays and resume.

Mapping Your Strengths to Kellogg’s Values

Assess your personal alignment with Kellogg’s environment and define how your experiences, strengths, and leadership style connect to its values.