Leland+ for MBA

Crafting Your Throughline

Distill your story into a central theme or “throughline” that ties together your experiences and goals.

Work With Me!

Learn about personalized coaching options to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy. Get an overview of the personalized coaching options Joshua can offer to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy.

Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay

Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.

Tailoring Your Story for Different Schools

Adapt your core story for different MBA programs while maintaining consistency and authenticity.

Tailoring Your Story for Different Schools

Adapt your core story for different MBA programs while maintaining consistency and authenticity.

Columbia Business School: Essay Brainstorming Template

A template to help prospective applicants to Columbia Business School brainstorm essay ideas.

Columbia Business School: Interview Answer Worksheet

Worksheet designed to help applicants prepare for Columbia Business School interviews by organizing responses to behavioral questions using the STAR framework.

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

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?”

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

Intro to MBA Essay Writing

Translate your narrative into compelling MBA essays that demonstrate clarity of purpose, authenticity, and school fit.

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.

Wharton TBD Example Pitch 2 - 2024

This is an example of a successful Wharton TBD pitch from 2024

GRE - Speed Demon Word Problem

In this video a coach will break down a complicated word problem involving speed calculation for the GRE.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

Building the Foundations

Understanding The Process Before You Launch Your Journey

Understanding the Kellogg Interview Format

Overview of Kellogg’s behavioral interview and how it reflects the school’s culture and values.

Networking with Students & Alumni

Strategies for meaningful outreach to Kellogg students and alumni.

CBS MBA Example Essays

CBS MBA successful example essays. Asian Male - Consulting.

2 Real HBS Interview Question Sets (Start-to-Finish Examples)

A detailed look at the questions asked during two real Harvard Business School interviews from beginning to end (anonymized for broad use). The first reflects a professional, experience-driven conversation with questions covering consulting, investing, leadership, and community work. The second is a deferred MBA interview focused on college, early initiatives, startup involvement, AI, goals, and personal interests. Hopefully they help you get a sense for the pacing, depth, tone, and question style you'll experience during an HBS interview.