Leland+ for MBA
Popular on Leland+
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
Overview of the Waitlist Process
• Visual timeline from decision release → movement → final outcomes • Key decision points: R2 admit shifts, summer yield management • Typical volume of waitlisted candidates and admit conversion rates • School-specific examples (generalized, not data-heavy) • Summary: What you can and can’t control at each stage
MIT Sloan: School Overview and Brand
An overview of MIT Sloan and its unique brand.
AI & Your MBA Application: Dos and Don'ts for Written Content
Are you thinking about using AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your MBA application essays, but are unsure how to do it ethically and effectively? Join me, M, for a practical and candid session designed to equip MBA applicants with the necessary knowledge and strategies for using AI to assist them in crafting authentic and compelling written content while remaining policy compliant. This session will help you understand how to responsibly integrate AI support into the written components of your application while maintaining your personal voice and authenticity. Learn how to use AI as a supportive tool without violating school guidelines or compromising the integrity of your narrative. I’ll share examples that show the difference between a compelling story that captures your real voice and an AI-produced generic essay.
Writing Standout MBA Application Essays
Led by Jenai A. (Stanford MBA), Oren M. (Ex Admissions @ NYU Stern MBA) and Ellin L. (MBA coach for 12+ years with 98.9% accept rate), this session will provide you with valuable insights, proven strategies, and expert guidance to help you create impactful essays that reflect your unique experiences and aspirations. Discover top tips for capturing the attention of admissions committees, structuring your essays effectively, and showcasing your authentic voice. Whether you are just starting your application or looking to refine your existing essays, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to make your application shine.
Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect
Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.
MIT Sloan: Example Cover Letter
An example of a cover letter for the MIT Sloan MBA application.
GRE - Speed Demon Word Problem
In this video a coach will break down a complicated word problem involving speed calculation for the GRE.
Kellogg Essay Walkthroughs
Detailed breakdown of Kellogg's core essays, how to structure your responses, and what they’re truly assessing.
ClearAdmit x Leland: Nail Your MBA Interviews
The MBA interview is one of the most important steps in the admissions process—your chance to move beyond the application and show schools who you really are. In this session, expert coaches Faisal K. (Admissions @ Chicago Booth), Charlotte W. (Stanford GSB), and Abdi S. (Harvard Business School) explain what top programs are evaluating, how to approach common interview formats, and strategies to highlight your unique story with confidence and clarity. We’ll also cover proven techniques to structure your answers, demonstrate leadership and impact, and avoid the common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re preparing for your very first interview or fine-tuning your final rounds, this session will give you the insights and preparation tools you need to stand out.
M7 MBA Applications: How to Tell Your Story
Are you applying to an MBA program at a top business school? Then you already know your essays are the most important part of your application. In this session, we’ll break down why essays matter so much to admissions committees, what they reveal about you beyond your resume and transcript, and how to craft a narrative that sets you apart. From writing a compelling “Why MBA” essay to tackling the community essay with authenticity and confidence, this event will give you a clear, structured approach to presenting your best self. I’m Mihir, your guide for this event. As an admit to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth, I bring firsthand experience and insider knowledge to help you stand out in your applications. With a background in Biochemistry, English, Business, and Computer Science, and professional stints at Capital One and Moderna, I offer a well-rounded perspective on crafting compelling applications. I’m thrilled to co-host this session with Claire, a Knight-Hennessy Scholar and Stanford GSB alumna. Claire has mastered the case interview process and earned a full-time role at Bain & Company, later moving into private equity and venture capital, and most recently global brand strategy at Nike. Her story highlights how mentorship, grit, and openness to opportunity can completely transform a career trajectory. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies for structuring your essays, a framework for telling your unique story, and examples that highlight what works—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re drafting your first outline or polishing your final version, this workshop is designed to help you approach every essay with confidence and clarity.
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.
The Application Mindset That Changed Everything: My Path to Stanford
Most school applications sound the same: "I've always dreamed of attending your prestigious program because..." But what if there's a completely different approach that admissions committees actually want to see? In this free session, I'll share the exact mindset shift that transformed my application strategy and led to my Stanford acceptance. You'll discover: - Why traditional application advice often backfires - The critical perspective change that makes you stand out instantly - How to demonstrate value to programs (not just desire to attend) - Real examples from my Stanford application materials Whether you're targeting top-tier programs or finding your best-fit school, this session will fundamentally change how you approach your applications.
Columbia Business School: Essay Strategy
An overview of how to best approach Columbia Business School's application essays and how to stand out.
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.
Waitlist Action Planner Template
• Weekly layout (Weeks 1–6) • Sections for: school engagement, updates, achievements, outreach, mindset goals • Columns for tracking actions, deadlines, and communications sent • Example of a completed plan for inspiration • Summary section for final reflection
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Waitlist 101 Guide
• Mindset shift: from “waiting” to “strategic repositioning” • Common emotional pitfalls (panic, over-updating, disengagement) • How to maintain professionalism and perspective • Setting intentions for the next 4–8 weeks • Quick self-checklist: “Am I reacting or responding?”
Communication Timeline & Etiquette Checklist
• When to send your first update (and how often to follow up) • How to structure your email cadence • Rules for event follow-up (e.g., after attending webinars or coffee chats) • Optional updates vs. overcommunication • Template calendar: sample outreach plan over 8 weeks
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
