Leland+ for MBA

MBA Essay Development Requirements

A structured framework for developing compelling MBA essays that align your stories to admissions criteria and post-MBA goals.

Deferred MBA Admissions Event Sprint Kickoff

Kick off Deferred MBA Week with an overview of everything you need to know to build a winning application strategy from start to finish. In this session, we’ll break down what makes deferred programs unique, what top schools are really looking for in early-career candidates, and how to use the rest of the sprint—panels, workshops, and AMAs—to your advantage. You’ll walk away with a clear game plan for essays, recommendations, testing, and timelines, plus guidance on how to prioritize your time based on where you are in the process.

MBA Application Strategy: The Six Pillars

A clear definition of the Six Pillars MBA admissions use to evaluate candidates, with guidance on how to demonstrate each through your experiences.

Inside MBA Admissions Decisions: Roundtable Discussion with M7 Admissions Officers

MBA admissions at top programs are highly selective, and small strategic decisions can make a big difference in how your application is evaluated. In this exclusive roundtable, you’ll get an inside look at how admissions decisions are actually made at M7 business schools—and what separates successful candidates from the rest. This session is designed to help you better understand how your profile is read, discussed, and ultimately decided on behind closed doors. The discussion will feature former admissions officers from multiple M7 programs who have collectively reviewed thousands of MBA applications. Drawing on their firsthand experience, they’ll share how admissions committees evaluate academics, work experience, leadership, and personal narratives, as well as common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. You’ll also gain insight into how schools compare candidates, handle borderline cases, and think about fit across different rounds. Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or preparing to apply in an upcoming cycle, this roundtable will give you rare clarity and a sharper strategic lens for approaching the process.

Round 1 MBA Application Strategy: Month-by-Month Plan

Most applicants think Round 1 starts when essays are released. It doesn’t. By the time you’re staring at a blank document in July, the strongest candidates have already done the hardest part of the work. Not writing but thinking. Not polishing, but positioning. What happens between May and September is where applications are won or lost. And the biggest mistake I see every year is candidates staying busy instead of getting strategic.

Successful Booth Application Essays (with career goals)

Successful Booth application essays for consultants, non-traditional / non-trad applicants, social enterprise, healthcare, dual degree, joint degree, policy, startup, entrepreneurship

Start Now: Creating a Strong MBA Application Early

Starting your MBA application early gives you a major advantage. In this session, we’ll break down what strong applicants do months ahead of deadlines, from shaping a clear career narrative and school strategy to building relationships, test plans, and experience gaps. You’ll leave with a practical roadmap for how to use the early months intentionally, avoid last-minute stress, and position yourself as a compelling, well-prepared candidate when applications open.

Crushing Your Deferred MBA Applications

Applying to deferred MBA programs or curious about the process? Leland is excited to provide this FREE event to cover tips to help you get accepted into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and more. ​​This workshop is hosted by John K, CEO and Founder of Leland. He was accepted to Stanford GSB and HBS though their deferred enrollment programs and will share key tips and tactical strategies to help you submit an application you are proud of. ​​​If you are interested in applying to a top 10 MBA program, have questions about the process, or just want to receive valuable insight, join us. It's completely free!

What AI Can’t Do in MBA Admissions [5/18/2026] (Recording)

Artificial intelligence has transformed how applicants brainstorm, draft, and prepare for business school applications, but the strongest MBA applications still require far more than polished prose. This session will break down where AI can help, where it often hurts, and the critical aspects of strategy, reflection, and storytelling that technology cannot replicate. Attendees will learn why top admissions committees continue to reward authenticity, judgment, and narrative depth, and how to use AI as a tool without allowing it to dilute what makes an application compelling.

Starting Your GMAT Journey: An Introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition [5/21/2026] (Recording)

Starting GMAT prep can feel confusing when you’re not sure what’s changed in the Focus Edition or how to begin effectively. This session is for anyone looking for a clear introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition and what it takes to succeed. You’ll learn how the exam is structured, what each section tests, and how to build a study plan that aligns with your strengths and target score. Join live to ask questions about your starting point and get guidance on how to approach your prep with confidence. The speaker is an expert GMAT coach who regularly helps candidates navigate the early stages of studying. They’ll share the patterns they see across successful test takers and the foundational strategies typically covered in 1:1 prep sessions.

Chicago Booth Interview Series

Chicago Booth interviews are your chance to bring your application to life—and strong preparation can make all the difference. This interview series is designed to help you approach Booth interviews with confidence, clarity, and a compelling personal narrative. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies and greater confidence.

MBA Reapplicant Guide

While it is disappointing to have put so much effort into applications and not get into the school you wanted, there is still hope! Admissions committees tend to look favorably upon reapplicants, provided you can show that you’ve improved your candidacy. During this session, we will discuss how to navigate the MBA admissions process as a reapplicant. We will discuss common reasons people are rejected, how to show growth and MBA readiness, and other ways to improve your chances this time around. We will have tips for those who have applied recently, as well as those who are reapplying again after a break.

Crafting an MBA Essay That Actually Stands Out [5/12/2026] (Recording)

FREE LELAND + FOR 1 MONTH FOR ALL LIVE ATTENDEES. Strong MBA essays aren’t just well-written, they clearly communicate who you are and why you belong at a program. This session is for applicants who want to move beyond generic advice and craft essays that genuinely stand out. You’ll learn how to develop a focused personal narrative, avoid common mistakes that dilute your story, and align your essays with what admissions readers are actually looking for. Join live to hear from MBA admissions experts and ask questions about your own essay ideas. The panelists regularly work with applicants on essay development and will share the patterns they see across successful submissions. Expect practical feedback and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 coaching conversations.

How to Ace your MBA Interview

The MBA interview isn’t about perfect answers. It’s about having clear career goals, a compelling “Why MBA / Why this school,” deep self-awareness, and confident leadership presence. If you're preparing for an MBA interview and want to approach it strategically - not just memorize answers - this masterclass gives you a practical framework to stand out.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Kellogg

Thinking about a deferred MBA and wondering what it takes to get into a top program like Kellogg? Join Andrew Dale, a former Kellogg Admissions Officer and Supercoach on Leland, as he walks you through what makes a strong application, how to tell a compelling story, and what Kellogg specifically looks for in deferred candidates. Bring your questions about essays, recommenders, interviews, and strategy—Andrew will help position you for success.

Georgetown McDonough Essays

Application essays for two short answer questions and one long form question for dual-degree applicants

How to Stand Out When So Many Use Claude / ChatGPT for Essays [5/27/2026] (Recording)

As AI tools become more widespread in the admissions process, differentiation matters more than ever. This session will explore how applicants can rise above increasingly polished but increasingly generic essays by developing sharper self-awareness, stronger personal narratives, and more nuanced positioning. Attendees will learn what admissions committees notice immediately in AI-assisted applications and how to ensure their story remains distinctive, memorable, and authentically their own.

REAL Sample Wharton MBA Essays

Multiple real, successful applicant essay sets covering all Wharton prompts. See exactly how admits structured winning answers before you write your own.

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.

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!