Leland+ for MBA

Storytelling vs Reporting

Avoiding resume repetition, writing essays that resonate

AdCom Insider Tip #1

Why International Applicants Get Misread in the U.S. MBA Process

Visa Strategy

F-1 visa basics, OPT, STEM extension, sponsorship challenges, school support

GMAT, GRE & English Tests

Test options, typical target scores by school tier, TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo

Tuition, Cost of Living, and ROI

Real budgets, affordability planning, Deferred Tuition education

Building the Foundations

Understanding The Process Before You Launch Your Journey

How U.S. MBA Admissions Work

Application components, holistic review, timelines (Round 1 vs Round 2), application portals

Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application

​A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. ​You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.

Why Round 2 Could Be the Smart Move for Your MBA Application

An overview of why you might consider round 2 as the potential sweet spot for MBA admissions

Non-Traditional Background? How to Turn Your Background into an MBA Advantage [8/23/2026] (Recording)

If you’re applying to an MBA without a classic finance or consulting background, this session is for you. As a former Director of MBA Admissions, I’ve reviewed thousands of applications from artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, teachers, athletes, and career-switchers — and I know exactly how unconventional profiles can rise to the top of the pile. In “Non-Traditional Background? Here’s How to Make the MBA Adcom Say Yes”, I’ll break down how admissions committees actually evaluate candidates with unique paths, what they value most, and how you can present your story in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and strategically aligned with what top programs are seeking. We’ll cover: What “non-traditional” really means in MBA admissions The strengths and blind spots most unconventional applicants have How to highlight your transferable skills (leadership, analytical ability, impact) How to position pivots, gaps, or non-linear paths The elements of a compelling narrative that stands out Real examples of successful non-traditional admits A live Q&A to answer your specific questions Whether you come from the arts, education, government, startups, healthcare, hospitality, science, military, or any unexpected field, you’ll walk away with clarity and a concrete strategy for making the adcom say yes.