Leland+ for MBA

Reaching Out for Recs? Here's How to Make Sure You're Set Up For Success [5/28/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up for your MBA applications and wondering how to secure stellar recommendation letters? Join me, Sabrina, for an insightful session on mastering the art of recommendations. With my experience as a Wharton MBA graduate and a member of the student admission committee, I understand the nuances of what makes a recommendation stand out. During this event, I'll share strategies to help you identify the right recommenders, guide them effectively, and ensure your recommendations align with your overall application narrative. Having interviewed industry leaders and held leadership roles at Wharton, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you succeed. Spaces are limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take a crucial step towards your MBA dreams!

Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect

Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.

MIT Sloan: Example Cover Letter

An example of a cover letter for the MIT Sloan MBA application.

Communication Timeline & Etiquette Checklist

• When to send your first update (and how often to follow up) • How to structure your email cadence • Rules for event follow-up (e.g., after attending webinars or coffee chats) • Optional updates vs. overcommunication • Template calendar: sample outreach plan over 8 weeks

Columbia Business School: General Overview

Holistic information about Columbia Business School's admission statistics and program.

Introduction to MBA Narrative Brainstorming

Learn to uncover and articulate your personal and professional story—clarifying what drives you, what you’ve done, and where you want to go—to form the foundation for your MBA applications.

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.

Crafting Your Throughline

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

Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences

Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.

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.

Developing a Differentiated Personal Narrative

Standing out in the deferred MBA pool requires more than strong credentials. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a clear, differentiated personal narrative that ties your experiences, goals, and values into a cohesive story that resonates with HSW and M7 admissions committees. Led by Leland coach Angela C., a storytelling expert with a 100% package success rate who specializes in HSW and M7 deferred admissions, this session will break down how top applicants define their core themes, position early-career impact, and avoid the generic narratives that hold many candidates back. You’ll leave with practical frameworks and concrete next steps to start shaping a compelling, authentic story for your deferred MBA applications.

Wharton 2025-26 Example Essays

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

Mapping Your Strengths to Kellogg’s Values

Assess your personal alignment with Kellogg’s environment and define how your experiences, strengths, and leadership style connect to its values.

Wharton TBD Example Pitch 3 - 2024

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

Wharton TBD Example Pitch 2 - 2024

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

MBA Resume Template with Helpful Notes

Word version of resume template based on Stanford Career Management Center guidelines

MBA Recommender Packets

A step-by-step playbook for setting up recommenders for success and turning your recommenders into your strongest advocates.

Essays (3): Duke Fuqua MBA Admitted Army Veteran

These are the 3 application essays of an Army veteran who secured Early Action admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

Wharton 2025-26 Example Essays

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