Leland+ for MBA
Popular on Leland+
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.
Deferred MBA M7 Series: Harvard
Join us for an insider-focused session on the Harvard Future Leaders deferred MBA program. Expert Leland coach and former HBS AdCom Geri T. will break down what makes HBS’s deferred pathway unique, how the admissions committee evaluates early-career candidates, and what “leadership potential” really looks like at this stage. You’ll learn how to position your experiences, craft a compelling narrative, and avoid the strategic mistakes most applicants make. Ideal for undergrads and master’s students aiming to build a standout HBS application from the ground up.
Deferred MBA M7 Series: Stanford
Get an inside look at what Stanford GSB seeks in Deferred MBA candidates and how to bring your unique story to life. Expert Leland coach and GSB alum Ben L. will break down the qualities Stanford cares about most—impact, curiosity, and personal growth. You’ll leave with concrete strategies to articulate your values, achievements, and ambitions in a way that resonates with the GSB admissions committee.
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.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Visa, housing, networking, CPT prep
AdCom Insider Tip #5
What Admitted Applicants All Have in Common
LinkedIn Cribsheet
A targeted guide that helps experienced professionals rewrite their LinkedIn profiles to better reflect their value, momentum, and career direction.
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?
Application Packaging
Story consistency across essays, résumé, interviews
Competency Questions
Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics
Timeline & Project Management
Managing multiple schools
Behavioral Interview
STAR strategy + international context examples
School-Specific Interviews
HBS, Wharton TBD, MIT behavioral, Kellogg/team-based
AdCom Insider Tip #4
Position Yourself on LinkedIn Like a Future MBA, Not Just Your Current Job Title
Master the Interview
Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid
Waitlist Strategy
Updates, new achievements, school engagement
