Leland+ for MBA

MBA Application Sprint (September 30-October 2) Kickoff

Join us for the kickoff panel of Leland’s MBA Application Sprint (September 30–October 2)! In this opening session, top Leland coaches and former MBA admissions officers Claire R., Bill C., Faisal K., and Karla M. will discuss what it takes to put together a standout MBA application. ​They’ll cover key components of a successful application—from shaping your essays and tightening your resume, to interview prep and building a cohesive story. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies and a clear sense of how to spend the weeks ahead so you can approach deadlines with confidence.

5 Powerful Hacks for a Higher GMAT Score

​The GMAT is one of the most important components of your MBA application—and even small score improvements can open the door to top programs. In this workshop, Jennifer P.—a Leland GMAT coach with years of experience helping students achieve their target scores—will share five proven strategies you can use right away to boost your performance. ​From time-saving test-day tactics to smarter study approaches, Jennifer will break down what really moves the needle and how to avoid the most common mistakes students make. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or looking for that final push, you’ll walk away with actionable hacks to increase your confidence and maximize your GMAT score.

Military to MBA Panel Oct 2025

​In this panel, Alex S., Alec E., and Zack D., veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service to top MBA programs will share their experiences and advice on making the leap. You’ll hear how they translated their leadership and operational skills into compelling applications, built strong narratives, and navigated the unique challenges of the transition. ​Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or actively preparing your applications, this session will give you practical insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you take the next step in your career with confidence.

MBA Interview Series: HBS

The HBS interview is one of the most challenging—and distinctive—parts of the MBA admissions process. In this workshop, Leland coach Geri T., a former HBS Admissions Board member with years of experience evaluating candidates, will break down what makes the HBS interview unique and how you can prepare with confidence. ​Drawing on her time at HBS and her track record coaching applicants into top MBA programs, Geri will share what the admissions team is really looking for, the kinds of questions you should expect, and strategies to present your experiences authentically while staying structured under pressure. With Round 1 interviews approaching, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to stand out when it matters most.

International Applicants & the MBA Admissions Process: Keys to Success

This session is designed to support international candidates applying to top MBA programs in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond. It will also provide valuable insights for Americans targeting programs overseas. Jesse, a leading MBA admissions coach with deep experience guiding international applicants, will cover the unique challenges global candidates face, share strategies for differentiation, debunk common myths, and offer practical advice to strengthen your candidacy. ​Jesse has 8+ years of experience running a boutique MBA consultancy with his wife, specializing in coaching international applicants and guiding 100+ admits to Global Top 20 programs, such as all M7, London Business School, INSEAD, IESE, IE Business School, and HEC Paris. His insights are also shaped by 15+ years of living and working abroad in 12 countries and his strong track record of success with candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Columbia Business School: Essay Prompt Walkthrough Guide

Guidance on how to approach Columbia Business School's essay prompts.

Columbia Business School: Resume Checklist

A checklist to ensure your resume meets the bar for Columbia Business School.

Columbia Business School: Crafting Strong Application Materials

An overview how to uniquely tailor your Columbia Business School application to be school specific.

Is a U.S. Degree Still Worth It? Hear from Recent F-1 Grads & BigTech Hiring Managers

​With a turbulent U.S. political climate, difficult economic conditions, and the rise of global multipolarity, many applicants are asking: Is a U.S. degree still worth it? ​Recent U.S. visa policy updates have added new layers of complexity to the decision, leaving international students and early-career professionals weighing the risks and rewards of moving to the US more carefully than ever. ​In this panel moderated by Soundarya (Author of Unshackled, O-1 recipient, Columbia MS'19), you’ll hear from Angela C. (recent O-1 recipient, Stanford MIP '23), David H. (Former Recruiter @ Meta, Intuit & A16Z), and Madhuri M. (recent green card recipient, former Product Hiring Manager @ Adobe) who have hired, coached, and worked with with dozens of international applicants. They’ll share candid perspectives on how U.S. employers view international candidates, what still pays off, what may be shifting, and how to think about long-term career security in light of today’s environment. ​You’ll leave with a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and the risks of studying in order to work in the U.S., so you can make an informed decision about whether pursuing a U.S. degree aligns with your future goals.

Build Your Personal Brand: Craft Your Story & Stand

A practical workbook that helps professionals define and confidently communicate their personal brand during a career transition.

GSB Admit - Rec Letter - Direct Manager VC

Example Direct Manager Recommendation from GSB Admit

Writing a Holistic Set of Kellogg Essays (Deck)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful Northwestern Kellogg admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Kellogg AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Kellogg's top-flight MBA program.

CBS MBA Example Essays

CBS MBS successful example essays. Asian Male, low GPA.

HBS MBA Example Successful Essays

HBS MBA Example Successful Essays. Asian Male - Consulting.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

LBS Example Essays - Admitted Candidate

LBS (London Business School) Example Essays - Admitted Candidate

Score Your Shot - M7 MBA Candidate Profile Evaluation

Evaluate your M7 MBA competitiveness with this comprehensive scoring rubric. Discover your true standing across 6 dimensions.

GSB Admit - Resume

Resume for an international student GSB admit - woman working in manufacturing

GSB Admit - Recommendation Letter - Board Chair

Example Recommendation from GSB Admit, by Board Chair of the community service organization they founded