Leland+ for MBA

Career Story & Post-MBA Goals

Structuring a compelling international career narrative

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.

Deferred (2+2) MBA Application Week Kickoff

Thinking about applying to a Deferred MBA program? Join us for Leland’s Deferred MBA Week Kickoff, featuring top Leland coaches Andy P. (20+ years of MBA coaching), Allie K. (75+ M7 Admits), and Geri T. (Founder of Harvard's DMBA Program), who have helped countless candidates get into the most competitive programs at schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.

Full Set of Real GSB Interview Questions + Advice on How to Ace the Interview

Curious what a GSB interview actually feels like? Read this walkthrough to see all the questions this GSB deferred admit was asked (and the questions they asked the interviewer). You'll also learn what they did to prepare and what advice they have for anyone interviewing with GSB.

Kellogg Program & Academics

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

Top 10 Kellogg Facts Every Applicant Should Know

Learn the top 10 facts about Kellogg that applicants should be aware of during the application and interview process.

Industry Placement & Recruiting Landscape

Identify where Kellogg grads go - from consulting and PE/VC to CPG, tech, and sustainability - and what this reveals about the school’s career DNA.

Addressing Weak Spots

GPA conversion, school prestige gaps, job title confusion

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.

Essay Strategy

“Why MBA,” goals essays, school vision essays

Interviews for International Candidates

Mock structures + success strategies

Extracurricular Strategy

Volunteering, professional associations, passion projects

LinkedIn & Online Presence

Strengthening credibility and recruiter alignment

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.

Résumé for U.S. MBA Applications

One-page rules, U.S. formatting, action verbs, metrics

Adcom Insider Tip #3

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

Targeted School Essays

Harvard, Wharton, MIT Sloan, examples

School-Specific Interviews

HBS, Wharton TBD, MIT behavioral, Kellogg/team-based

Kellogg’s Core Identity

Explore what “high impact, low ego” really means and how this principle shapes the school’s culture, from classrooms to recruiting.

Communication Coaching

Accent confidence, tone, pacing