Leland+ for MBA
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MIT Sloan Personal Statement Short Answer
While MIT Sloan does not have a traditional personal statement, they do have a Short Answer portion of their application following their behavioral cover letter and video introduction. This is an example of the Short Answer from an MIT Sloan admit.
MBA Essay Development Requirements
A structured framework for developing compelling MBA essays that align your stories to admissions criteria and post-MBA goals.
Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences
Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.
Writing the STARR Essay
Master the STARR (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) framework to highlight your leadership, impact, and growth.
GRE Geometry - Calculating Slope
Watch as a coach breaks down an example of how to calculate slope in a coordinate plane for a GRE geometry question.
Building a Strong Narrative
Learn a step-by-step framework for identifying your Kellogg “MBA Story”: your cohesive story across essays, resume, and interviews.
Common Questions & Response Frameworks
Common Questions & Response Frameworks
It's October, But I'm Stuck on my Essays!
Feeling stuck on your MBA application essays? You're not alone, and I'm here to help you successfully get to a Round 2 deadline. Join me for an insightful session where we'll tackle the art of crafting compelling essays that truly reflect your unique story and aspirations. With over 15 years of experience admitting student to every top MBA institution in the world, I will distill the components of effective essays that my clients have written to help you understand how to make your essay powerful and memorable. Whether you're applying for a traditional full-time MBA, deferred, executive, part-time, or online MBA, this session will provide you with the strategies and insights needed to elevate your application. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge—RSVP now to secure your spot!
Round 2 MBA: What You Need to Do Between Now and the Deadlines
Round 2 MBA deadlines are just around the corner—and what you do in the next few months can make or break your application. In this session, you will learn how to prioritize your time, strengthen your materials, and fill any remaining gaps in your candidacy. Faisal K. brings admissions experience from Chicago Booth, Oren M. previously served in Wharton’s admissions office, and Jenny R. is a former Stanford GSB Admissions Officer—together, they’ve helped hundreds of applicants gain admission to top programs. You’ll learn exactly where to focus your energy—from refining your essays and securing powerful recommendations to polishing your resume and prepping for potential interviews. Whether you’re just starting your Round 2 applications or putting on the finishing touches, this session will help you create a clear, actionable plan to submit your strongest possible application.
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.
School Research Strategy
Culture matching, curriculum, recruiting strengths
AdCom Insider Tip #5
What Admitted Applicants All Have in Common
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.
Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences
Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.
Kellogg Program & Academics
Understand the structure of the MBA program, including majors, pathways, and global learning experiences that define Kellogg’s academic edge.
STAR Response Worksheet
A guided worksheet to help you structure impactful interview answers using the STAR framework, highlighting your actions, results, and leadership in a clear, compelling way.
Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay
Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.
Writing the STARR Essay
Master the STARR (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) framework to highlight your leadership, impact, and growth.
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
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
