Leland+ for MBA

MBA Interview Series: Columbia

​The Columbia Business School interview is your chance to move beyond the application and show who you are as a candidate. In this event, Melanie E. (a former CBS Adcomm and interviewer) will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and strategies to stand out in the CBS interview process. You’ll gain insight into the types of questions asked, how to tell your story with confidence, and what Columbia admissions committees value most in applicants. ​Whether you’re applying this round or preparing for the future, this session will give you the tools to approach your interview with clarity, poise, and authenticity.

Writing Standout DMBA Essays

Your Deferred MBA essays are your chance to show top programs who you are — but with limited experience, it can be hard to know what stories to tell and how to make them stand out. In this session, Leland Coaches Ben L., Melanie E., and Olivia P. — who have helped dozens of early-career applicants get into programs like HBS, GSB, and Wharton — will break down what makes a winning essay. They’ll share proven strategies for identifying your strongest themes, crafting a clear and authentic narrative, and avoiding the common pitfalls that hold candidates back. You’ll leave with a sharper sense of how to approach each prompt, connect your story to your goals, and position yourself as a must-admit candidate in this year’s Deferred MBA cycle.

Wharton 2025-26 Example Essays

Example essays answering the latest Wharton 2025-26 essay prompts. Female candidate with government/defense background.

Wharton 2025-26 Example Essays

Example essays answering the latest Wharton 2025-26 essay prompts. Asian Male candidate with consulting background.

Finding Success as a Non-Traditional MBA Applicant

Learn how Coach Melanie E. went from Fashion to McKinsey as a successful non-traditional MBA applicant to M7 programs.

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7 - Asian Male - Consulting.

CBS MBA Admitted Sample Essays

CBS MBA Admitted Sample Essays. Lower GMAT - White Female - Luxury Background.

Optional MBA Essay Example – Low GPA

MBA Optional Essay Example addressing a low GPA and mental health challenges. Asian Male.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

CBS MBA Example Essays

CBS MBA successful example essays. Asian Male - Consulting.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Columbia

Applying to Columbia Business School’s deferred MBA program is a unique opportunity—and a uniquely competitive one. In this session, Melanie E.—a multi-disciplinary coach featured in Forbes, NBC, ABC, CBS, Business Insider, and TEDx—will break down exactly what CBS is looking for and how to position yourself as a standout candidate. With deep experience coaching applicants into top MBA programs and a coaching style tailored to each individual’s strengths, Melanie will walk you through how to craft a compelling narrative, highlight leadership potential, and approach Columbia’s essays and recommendations with clarity and strategy. Whether you’re early in your MBA exploration or preparing to hit submit, this session will give you actionable insights to strengthen your CBS deferred application.

What MBA Interviewers Are Really Evaluating

MBA interviews are less about having the “right” answers and more about how you show up. In this panel, former MBA interviewers will share firsthand insight into what admissions committees are actually assessing during interviews, from leadership presence and self-awareness to clarity of goals and authenticity. You’ll learn how interviewers interpret your stories, what common signals raise red flags, and how to prepare in a way that feels confident rather than rehearsed. Whether you’re interviewing soon or planning ahead, this session will help you understand how to perform at your best when it matters most.

Wrap Up Your MBA Prep Before R2 Deadlines

Get ready to submit your strongest Round 2 MBA application with guidance from top Leland coaches. This session will cover final essay tweaks, resume polish, recommendation strategies, and interview prep to ensure every component of your application is aligned and compelling. You’ll leave with a clear plan and actionable next steps to approach Round 2 deadlines with confidence.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example for M7 Admitted Applicant

CBS MBA Example Admitted Essays

Check out these examples of CBS MBA Example Admitted Essays.

CBS MBA Example Admitted Essays

Here are some examples of CBS MBA Example Admitted Essays.

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7

Explore this MBA Resume Example from an Admitted M7 student

Kellogg MBA Example Essays

See these examples of Kellogg MBA Example Essays.

MBA Resume Example - Admitted Client

Admitted Client to Columbia Business School - Asian Female Retail/Social Media

NYU MBA Example Admitted Essays

NYU Stern MBA Example Admitted Essays - 2024-25 cycle