Leland+ for MBA

Building Your Recommender Packets for Grad School

Crafting strong recommendation letters starts long before your recommender begins writing—and a well-built recommender packet can make all the difference. In this session, a top Leland coach and dual HBS / HKS admit Reagan C. will walk you through exactly what to include, how to organize it, and how to make your recommenders' jobs easier while ensuring they highlight your strongest qualities. You'll learn what admissions committees look for, how to frame your achievements effectively, and how to set your recommenders up to write letters that truly elevate your application.

Finance to MBA: Showing Impact and Proving Passion

Breaking into an MBA program from a finance background takes more than strong credentials—it's about showing real impact and authentic passion. In this session, Leland coaches John N. (Kellogg MBA), Faisal K. (Booth adcom), and Kelsey K. (CBS adcom) will share how to differentiate yourself, connect your experience to your goals, and stand out in essays and interviews. Perfect for finance professionals aiming to make a powerful impression in Round 2.

Course Conclusion

What You've Learn and What's Next

Communication Coaching

Accent confidence, tone, pacing

Mock Interview Practice

Real simulation exercises

Finish Strong

What Happens After You Submit?

Timeline & Project Management

Managing multiple schools

Pre-Departure Preparation

Visa, housing, networking, CPT prep

School-Specific Interviews

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

Competency Questions

Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics

School Research Strategy

Culture matching, curriculum, recruiting strengths

LinkedIn & Online Presence

Strengthening credibility and recruiter alignment

Behavioral Interview

STAR strategy + international context examples

Essay Strategy

“Why MBA,” goals essays, school vision essays

Targeted School Essays

Harvard, Wharton, MIT Sloan, examples

Letters of Recommendation

Who to choose globally, coaching recommenders ethically

AdCom Insider Tip #4

Position Yourself on LinkedIn Like a Future MBA, Not Just Your Current Job Title

Application Packaging

Story consistency across essays, résumé, interviews

Master the Interview

Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid

Finance to MBA: Showing Impact and Proving Passion

Breaking into an MBA program from a finance background takes more than strong credentials—it’s about showing real impact and authentic passion. In this session, Leland coaches John N. (Kellogg MBA), Faisal K. (Booth adcom), and Kelsey K. (CBS adcom) will share how to differentiate yourself, connect your experience to your goals, and stand out in essays and interviews. Perfect for finance professionals aiming to make a powerful impression in Round 2.