Leland+ for MBA

How to Ace the Wharton TBD (From an Ex-Admissions Fellow)

The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is unlike any other MBA interview—a fast-paced, collaborative exercise designed to test how you think, communicate, and lead in a group setting. ​In this session, Brian B., a Wharton MBA graduate (with honors) and former Admissions Fellow who helped run Wharton’s TBDs, will share insider insight into what the admissions team is really looking for. Having coached dozens of MBA candidates, Brian will walk you through how to prepare effectively, contribute with confidence, and stand out as both a strong teammate and leader. ​Whether you’ve received your Wharton invite or are planning ahead, you’ll leave this session with actionable frameworks and strategies to excel in the TBD.

Ben L. (GSB Alum) Podcast Feature

Ben’s career has been anything but linear, from working at McKinsey helping prisons improve rehabilitation outcomes, to diving into politics, to supporting chess startups, his experiences are as diverse as they are fascinating. After struggling through the MBA application process himself, Ben became driven to help candidates craft powerful, authentic applications that truly reflect who they are. In this episode, Ben shares: How his varied career shaped his perspective on business school and beyond Why storytelling is the key to a standout MBA application How he helps candidates align their applications with their unique strengths and passions If you’re navigating the MBA application process, Ben’s insights will help you focus on what truly matters and make your story shine.

Tips for Success: Navigating the Deferred MBA recommendation Process

Applying to deferred MBA programs is a unique challenge—especially when it comes to securing strong recommendation letters. Your recommenders can make or break your application, but knowing who to ask, how to prepare them, and what schools are really looking for can be tricky to navigate. Join Claire R., a former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford GSB and MBA graduate of Yale SOM, for an insider’s guide to navigating the deferred MBA recommendation process. Drawing on her experience evaluating applications at one of the world’s top programs, Claire will share how to select the right recommenders, guide them to highlight your strengths effectively, and ensure their letters complement—not duplicate—your essays and resume.

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.

Creating the Perfect MBA Resume

Slides from a presentation on Aug 5, 2025 on Leland

Inside Deferred Admissions: AMA with a Founder of the HBS 2+2 Program

Few people understand Deferred MBA admissions better than Kerry P., who helped launch the Harvard Business School 2+2 Program and has since guided countless candidates into top deferred programs. In this exclusive AMA, Kerry will pull back the curtain on how Deferred MBA programs really evaluate applicants — from what schools look for in undergraduates to how they assess potential and fit.

The Truth About Deferred MBA Essays: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why

In this session, Leland Coach Kristen H., a HBS and GSB deferred admit and expert in early-career MBA strategy, will pull back the curtain on what separates successful essays from forgettable ones. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to approach each essay prompt strategically — and how to make your essays stand out in a competitive Deferred MBA cycle.

Wharton TBD Example Pitch 3 - 2024

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

How to Ace the Wharton TBD (From an Ex-Admissions Fellow)

​The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is unlike any other MBA interview—a fast-paced, collaborative exercise designed to test how you think, communicate, and lead in a group setting. ​In this session, Brian B., a Wharton MBA graduate (with honors) and former Admissions Fellow who helped run Wharton’s TBDs, will share insider insight into what the admissions team is really looking for. Having coached dozens of MBA candidates, Brian will walk you through how to prepare effectively, contribute with confidence, and stand out as both a strong teammate and leader.

Finding Success as a Non-Traditional MBA Applicant

Learn how Coach Melanie E. went from Fashion to McKinsey as a successful non-traditional MBA applicant to M7 programs.

Awards & Activities

A tactical guide to highlighting your leadership, impact, and global experiences in Kellogg’s awards and activities sections.

MBA Recommender Packets

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

CBS MBA Admitted Sample Essays

CBS MBA Admitted Sample Essays. Lower GMAT - White Female - Luxury Background.

STAR Response Worksheet

A guided worksheet to help you structure impactful interview answers using the STAR framework, highlighting your actions, results, and leadership in a clear, compelling way.

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7

MBA Resume Example - Admitted M7 - Asian Male - Consulting.

Core MBA Story Worksheet

A step-by-step worksheet that helps you articulate your core MBA story to connect your past experiences, goals, and values into a compelling narrative.

Common Kellogg Interview Questions

A bank of common Kellogg-specific behavioral interview questions designed to help you practice articulating your experiences and demonstrate leadership.

Kellogg Program & Academics

Understand the structure of the MBA program, including majors, pathways, and global learning experiences that define Kellogg’s academic edge.

Networking with Students & Alumni

Strategies for meaningful outreach to Kellogg students and alumni.