Leland+ for MBA

Why Round 2 Could Be the Smart Move for Your MBA Application

An overview of why you might consider round 2 as the potential sweet spot for MBA admissions

Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application

​A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. ​You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.

U.S. vs International Admissions Differences

What U.S. schools value (leadership, impact, fit), expectations for career clarity

Visa Strategy

F-1 visa basics, OPT, STEM extension, sponsorship challenges, school support

Financial Aid for International Students

Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, Prodigy/MPower loans, sponsorship options

Communication Coaching

Accent confidence, tone, pacing

Common Communication Mistakes

Over-formality, vague leadership claims, jargon

Telling Your Story

Build Your Own Personal Brand

Building the Foundations

Understanding The Process Before You Launch Your Journey

AdCom Insider Tip #1

Why International Applicants Get Misread in the U.S. MBA Process

The "American Style" Application

Directness, reflection, vulnerability—all without oversharing

School-Specific Interviews

HBS, Wharton TBD, MIT behavioral, Kellogg/team-based

Demonstrating Cultural Adaptability

Global perspective + U.S. fit

Storytelling vs Reporting

Avoiding resume repetition, writing essays that resonate

School Research Strategy

Culture matching, curriculum, recruiting strengths

Translating Work Experience

Clarifying roles, context, business scale, quantifying impact

Extracurricular Strategy

Volunteering, professional associations, passion projects

Addressing Weak Spots

GPA conversion, school prestige gaps, job title confusion

Résumé for U.S. MBA Applications

One-page rules, U.S. formatting, action verbs, metrics