Leland+ for MBA

MBA Resume: Community Service & Leadership

Learn how to showcase your community service and leadership experience on your MBA resume to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

MBA Resume: Work Experience

Your work experience is key to getting in. Learn how to highlight your professional accomplishments and impress the admissions committee.

HBS Example Essay – Breaking Cycles and Building Opportunity

A powerful reflection on overcoming systemic inequality, founding a nonprofit, and using impact investing to drive change for underrepresented communities.

NYU Stern Example – Activities and Achievements List

A sample of curated extracurriculars and accomplishments designed to strengthen an MBA application by showcasing leadership, initiative, and impact.

Fuqua School of Business: 25 Random Things Example Essay From An Admitted Applicant

Explore a unique "25 Random Things" essay from an admitted Fuqua applicant, revealing personality beyond the resume.

Differentiate Your MBA Application: The Power of Deep School Research

How thorough school research can elevate your essays, interviews, and overall application strategy.

Ultimate MBA Networking Template Guide

A complete set of customizable email and LinkedIn templates for every stage of MBA networking—from cold outreach to post-interview follow-ups and status updates.

Deferred MBA Planning - Preparing for a Successful Application

Watch an event with Leland CEO, John K., where he walks through the components of and timeline for deferred MBA applications.

Darden MBA Application Guide

Learn about deadlines, essays, and other elements of the Darden MBA application.

(Jun. 2024) Former AdCom Evaluates an MBA Application

An insider session where a former admissions committee member walks through a real or simulated MBA application, sharing evaluation criteria, red flags, and tips to strengthen your materials.

Strategizing MBA Options for Experienced Candidates (EMBA Focus)

A resource for mid-career professionals exploring Executive MBA programs, with guidance on timing, program fit, and aligning your MBA choice with long-term leadership goals.

GMAT/GRE Behind the Curtain: What are they really testing?

A deep dive into the purpose behind each section of the GMAT and GRE, uncovering the core skills schools care about—and how to align your prep accordingly.

5 Tips for MBA Applicants from a Former Stanford Admissions Director

Insider advice on how to strengthen your MBA application—from storytelling and school fit to strategic positioning—straight from a former GSB gatekeeper.

Ace Your Interview!

A high-level guide to interview preparation, offering tips on confidence, structure, and storytelling to help you make a strong impression across MBA or job interviews.

Chicago Booth Interview Guide

Get interview-ready with expert strategies, sample questions, and insights to shine in your Booth interview.

Why Stanford For You - Mental Health Focus

Check out a top-flight Why GSB essay from a successful 2024 MBA applicant with a vision for mental health

How to Approach the GSB 'What Matters Most' Essay

The Stanford GSB “What matters most to you, and why?” essay is one of the most challenging—and important—prompts in MBA admissions. In this session, you’ll learn how to break down the question, uncover the deeper themes in your own story, and craft a response that is authentic, personal, and compelling. ​Led by Andy P., a Leland coach who has guided countless applicants to top MBA programs, this workshop will give you practical strategies, real examples, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re just starting your first draft or refining your narrative, you’ll leave with a clearer framework to tackle this iconic essay with confidence.

Manage Your MBA Application Stress

As someone who works closely with dozens of MBA applicants every year, one of the biggest differentiators among successful candidates is their ability to manage anxiety from multiple angles. Recommender hasn't gotten back in two weeks? Not sure where to begin on essays? Have to take the GRE or GMAT again after a tough score? Read something on Reddit that made you feel you're destined for rejection? It's a lot. Tons of moving parts, some not entirely within your control. From start to finish, I've seen candidates struggle with everything from sleep to self-worth. But that doesn't have to be you. Taking on the part-time job of MBA applications doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your well-being. This is where functional research and getting a grip on our health can make a world of a difference. Partnering with Rachel—a Certified Health Coach and nutrition expert—to tackle my own health has given me a deeper understanding of how my body works, and how to make good choices. After we speak to the sources of our stress, Rachel will walk us through some key physical and behavioral signs we should be aware of, and targeted strategies to keeping you healthy during (and likely long after) your MBA apps are in. We're hoping to build this event into a long-term series, so this should be the first of many. Look forward to de-stressing with you, and hopefully having some fun too.

Complete MBA Step-by-Step Application Plan, Timeline & Checklist

Applying to business school can feel like juggling too many balls at once: endless information, countless to-dos, and constant second-guessing about what really matters. In this session, MBA admissions coach M will share the structured system she uses to help applicants cut through the noise, stay motivated, and make steady progress toward their goals. Bonus: You’ll also hear directly from Vandit, an Indian applicant currently in the middle of his own journey, who will share an international perspective and what it feels like to apply these tools in real-time. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international options like INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, and HEC Paris. Clients consistently say it’s transformative, not only does it uncover the deeper patterns, values, and defining experiences that set you apart, it also organizes your journey into manageable steps that reduce stress and build confidence. By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with a clear action plan, a realistic timeline/schedule, and a practical checklist to keep you organized and on track from start to finish.