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.

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

Essay Strategy

“Why MBA,” goals essays, school vision essays

Adcom Insider Tip #3

How Top MBA Programs Actually Read Essays (HBS vs GSB vs Wharton vs MIT)

School Research Strategy

Culture matching, curriculum, recruiting strengths