Leland+ for MBA
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Identify Your Missing Piece
• Walk through a real or hypothetical example of identifying gaps • How to differentiate between “substance gaps” and “communication gaps” • Example of turning a weakness (e.g., low quant score) into an update plan • Framework recap: Story – Strength – Fit • Call to action: complete your self-audit and select 1–2 improvement priorities
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Vanderbilt, and Emory
In Part 3 of this series, admissions directors from Kellogg, Vanderbilt, and Emory will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Steve Thompson (Senior Director of MBA Admissions @ Kellogg), Katherine Farrar (Associate Director of Admissions @ MIT Sloan), Bailey McChesney (Director of MBA Admissions @ Vanderbilt), and Melissa Rapp (Associate Dean of MBA Admissions @ Emory). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
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.
Three Tricky GRE Quant Questions
An overview of 3 tricky quant questions for the GRE.
MIT Sloan: Example Cover Letter
An example of a cover letter for the MIT Sloan MBA application.
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.
The Application Mindset That Changed Everything: My Path to Stanford
Most school applications sound the same: "I've always dreamed of attending your prestigious program because..." But what if there's a completely different approach that admissions committees actually want to see? In this free session, I'll share the exact mindset shift that transformed my application strategy and led to my Stanford acceptance. You'll discover: - Why traditional application advice often backfires - The critical perspective change that makes you stand out instantly - How to demonstrate value to programs (not just desire to attend) - Real examples from my Stanford application materials Whether you're targeting top-tier programs or finding your best-fit school, this session will fundamentally change how you approach your applications.
Columbia Business School: The NYC Advantage
A deep dive into how Columbia Business School's geographic positioning puts it at a unique advantage.
Top 10 Ways to Strengthen Your Profile While Waitlisted
• Examples of high-impact updates: promotions, certifications, quant coursework, new leadership roles • How to frame achievements for the admissions committee • How to show ongoing engagement with the school (events, conversations, visits) • Building credibility through thoughtful updates, not volume • Quick-reference chart: “Update ideas by category (Academic / Professional / Personal / Fit)"
MIT Sloan: Overview and Application Breakdown
An overview of MIT Sloan and its application components.
15 Challenging GMAT Questions
An overview of 15 challenging GMAT questions and walkthroughs.
Waitlist 101 Guide
• Mindset shift: from “waiting” to “strategic repositioning” • Common emotional pitfalls (panic, over-updating, disengagement) • How to maintain professionalism and perspective • Setting intentions for the next 4–8 weeks • Quick self-checklist: “Am I reacting or responding?”
MIT Sloan: School Overview and Brand
An overview of MIT Sloan and its unique brand.
If You’re Admitted vs. If You’re Not – Next Steps and Growth Opportunities
• What to do immediately if admitted off the waitlist (next steps checklist) • If not admitted: reframing and reapplication mindset • How to carry lessons forward to strengthen next cycle applications • Managing timelines (deposits, deferrals, reapp deadlines) • Closing encouragement: progress > perfection
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
What’s Next? Your MBA Journey, Powered by Leland
Whether you're planning to apply to business school this cycle or considering a future application, this final MBA Week session will help you get clear on your timeline, required materials, and next steps. We’ll break down the two key types of applicants—those targeting Round 1 deadlines this fall, and those planning ahead for next year—and what each group should be doing now to stay on track. From building your school list to prepping for the GMAT/GRE, writing your essays, or securing letters of recommendation, we’ll map out your path to success. You’ll also hear from the Leland team about the best resources available to support you, whether you’re ready to dive in or just starting to explore. We’ll share how our 1:1 coaching, bootcamps, essay reviews, and course content libraries align with where you are in your journey. Let’s wrap up MBA Week by setting you up for what’s next with confidence and a clear plan.
The Deferred Blueprint: A Detailed Guide to Breaking into M7 as a Deferred Applicant
Applying to deferred MBA programs can feel like a black box—especially when it comes to the ultra-competitive M7 schools. In this session, expert coach Tim F. will break down exactly what it takes to stand out as a deferred applicant. By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step blueprint for building a competitive application and putting yourself on the fast track to an M7 admit.
MIT Sloan: Application Breakdown
A deep dive into the MIT Sloan MBA application.
Deferred MBA Deep Dive: What You Need to Know Now
In this panel, join admissions experts Justin K., Kelsey K., and Siri G. who will break down everything you need to know about deferred MBA programs so that you have a concrete strategy going into application season. You’ll learn how these programs work, what top schools are looking for in college seniors and early-career applicants, and how to start building a strong application now. Check out their profiles here: Justin K. - Former BCG consultant and MIT Sloan MBA student with a strong record helping candidates land MBB offers and top MBA admits Kelsey K. - Former M7 Admissions Director and Columbia Business School Admissions Committee member with a 93% client acceptance rate and $180K average scholarship awards Siri G. - Accepted to deferred MBA programs at Harvard and Wharton from a non-target school through authentic, story-driven applications
CBS MBA Example Essays
CBS MBA successful example essays. Asian Male - Consulting.
