Leland+ for MBA

Pathway to a Joint MBA/MPP: Admissions Insights

Learn how to bridge business and public policy for a powerful career. Three coaches with MBA/MPP experience share their unique perspectives on MBA/MPP admissions.

Navigating M7 MBA Admissions with Average GPA and Test Scores

Learn what you can to stand out in M7 MBA admissions, even with average GPA and test scores.

MBA Application Office Hours and Ask Me Anything

An open-format session for real-time Q&A on any part of the MBA application—essays, school selection, interviews, timelines, or strategy—led by admissions experts.

Women in MBA

Explore the MBA journey through a female lens—challenges, wins, and strategies for success.

Landing an M7 MBA Acceptance with a Non-Traditional Background

See how applicants from unconventional paths break into top programs—and how you can too.

What NOT to Do in an MBA Internship

Avoid these common missteps that can cost you the return offer—stay focused, proactive, and professional.

MBA Application Checklist: A Step-by-Step Strategy Guide

A practical, easy-to-follow MBA application guide designed to help applicants move from uncertainty to a clear admissions strategy. This resource walks through the key decisions behind a strong MBA application, including when to apply, how to choose the right MBA format, how to build a balanced school list, what admissions committees look for, and how to craft a compelling application narrative. Inside, you’ll find a structured MBA application checklist covering standardized tests, school research, essays, recommendation letters, interview preparation, offer evaluation, and key strategic considerations. It is especially useful for career pivoters, international candidates, and applicants who want more clarity before investing time and money into applications. Created by Fabio Rodriguez, IESE MBA, Coach & Professor, this guide is based on the MBA strategy framework shown in the uploaded session deck, including school fit, career outcomes, application process, and admissions positioning.

Ten things you can do today to launch your MBA application journey. [6/10/2026] (Recording)

The MBA application journey can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to start that way. The secret isn't finding a shortcut; it's knowing exactly where to begin. Whether you're 6 months out or just starting to explore your options, there are concrete, high-impact actions you can take right now to build momentum and set yourself up for success. This workshop breaks down ten practical steps you can take today to launch your MBA application journey with clarity and confidence. From strengthening your academic and test profile to crafting your narrative, identifying the right schools, and preparing the people in your corner, you'll leave with a clear action plan—not just inspiration. By the end of this session, you will be able to: * Identify the immediate steps that will have the greatest impact on your candidacy, no matter where you are in the process. * Strengthen your academic and test profile by addressing gaps proactively and positioning yourself for success. * Showcase career progression and leadership through an accomplishment-based resume and targeted professional achievements. * Begin crafting your story by clarifying your motivations, values, and post-MBA goals. * Secure powerful recommendations by selecting and preparing the right advocates early. * Demonstrate authentic school fit through research-driven insights that align your goals with each program's unique offerings.

How to Choose the Right International Career Move [6/10/2026] (Recording)

If you're considering a move abroad, a degree in another country, or a pivot into a more international career, the hardest part is often not ambition: it's choosing well. A lot of smart professionals get stuck between several “good” options: stay where you are and keep building, go abroad for a master's, switch markets, accept a less obvious opportunity that may open bigger doors later, or wait for a clearer path. This webinar is designed to help you think through those decisions more strategically. In this session, we'll look at how to evaluate an international move in a way that goes beyond excitement, fear, or generic expat advice. We’ll cover how to weigh career upside against cost, visa realities, employability, timing, and quality of life, and how to identify which option actually fits your long-term goals. In this webinar, you'll learn: - how to evaluate whether an international move is strategically worth it - when a degree abroad makes sense and when it probably doesn’t - how to compare countries, cities, and career markets more realistically - what people often underestimate about visas, employability, and timing - how to choose between a safer path and a more ambitious one - how to make a move that is not just exciting, but coherent By the end of the session, you’ll leave with: - a clearer framework for evaluating your next international career step - better questions to ask before committing time, money, or energy - a more realistic understanding of what makes a move viable - more clarity on whether your best next step is to relocate, study, stay put, or reposition first This webinar is for professionals who are: - considering relocating for work - debating whether to pursue a master’s or MBA abroad - trying to break into a new international market - weighing multiple career paths across countries - looking for a more strategic way to plan a global career move Whether you're early in the process or already deciding between specific options, this session will help you think more clearly and move forward with a stronger strategy.

AMA: M7 MBA Admissions and MBB Recruiting [6/9/2026] (Recording)

Want to break into an M7 MBA program and land an offer from MBB? Join Alec Emmert, a Wharton MBA, former McKinsey consultant, and former McKinsey interviewer, for an open, judgment-free coaching session on MBA admissions, consulting recruiting, and career reinvention. Alec was admitted to Wharton at 35 with a 2.85 undergraduate GPA and later joined McKinsey after being rejected in a previous application cycle. In this session, he’ll share the lessons, strategies, and hard-earned insights that helped him overcome nontraditional odds and answer your questions directly. Bring anything you want to ask about MBA applications, M7 positioning, consulting interviews, networking, overcoming weak spots, or building a compelling story.

How Top 1% Applicants Build Cohesive MBA Application Narratives [6/9/2026] (Recording)

The strongest MBA applicants do more than present impressive credentials—they tell a coherent, strategically crafted story across every component of the application. This session will break down how top candidates create alignment between their resume, essays, recommendations, and interviews to present a clear and compelling narrative. Attendees will learn the principles behind building an application that feels intentional, differentiated, and greater than the sum of its parts.

The Overrepresented Applicant’s Blueprint to MBA Admissions [6/8/2026] (Recording)

Many MBA applicants from consulting, finance, and technology backgrounds underestimate one of the central challenges of the admissions process: differentiation. In this workshop, I'll breaks down how admissions committees evaluate “overrepresented” applicant demographics — and, more importantly, what separates memorable candidates from interchangeable ones. Drawing on experience coaching applicants across M7 and top global MBA programs, the session explores how candidates can move beyond prestige signaling and build a more distinctive, cohesive, and authentic application narrative. Participants will learn how to: * Understand how admissions committees evaluate candidates from highly competitive industries * Identify the most common positioning mistakes made by finance, consulting, and tech applicants * Build stronger differentiation across essays, resumes, interviews, and recommendation strategies * Develop clearer personal themes, leadership narratives, and career vision * Communicate impact and self-awareness beyond titles, brands, and technical accomplishments * Highlight distinctive experiences, perspectives, and motivations that create memorability * Avoid “over-coached” applications and develop more authentic storytelling * Position career transitions, long-term goals, and leadership potential more strategically Whether you come from investment banking, private equity, consulting, big tech, product management, engineering, or another highly represented background, this session is designed to help you better understand how to stand out in one of the most competitive areas of MBA admissions.

Nailing Your Wharton Essays [6/3/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to craft compelling essays for your Wharton MBA application? Join me, Sabrina, a Wharton MBA alum and former admissions fellow, for an insightful session on how to nail your Wharton essays. With my experience as a co-host on the Wharton Fintech Podcast and leadership roles in various clubs, I have honed the art of storytelling and personal branding. During this event, I'll share strategies to help you articulate your unique narrative and stand out in the competitive application process. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insider tips and elevate your application. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

Professional CV - two Masters and three Doctorates + work experience!

For anyone looking for a clean, simple, thorough CV template! Includes my background of multiple undergraduate degrees, two Master's degrees, and three Doctorate degrees, along with research bibliography and work experience. Translatable for those entering MBA, Masters, PhD, medical school, dental school, physician's assistant and more.

2026-2027 Columbia Essay Brainstorm

The complete brainstorming workbook for Columbia's 2026-2027 essays. Inside: step-by-step exercises for every prompt, from short answers to Essay 1 goals to Essay 2 collaboration stories to Essay 3 "co-create" arguments, with structured charts to help you organize your stories, research, and outlines before you start drafting.

MBA Application Week Kickoff [6/1/2026] (Recording)

GIVEAWAY DURING EVENT: Join for the chance to win $300 of coaching credit! Starting your MBA applications can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure how to prioritize test prep, school selection, and your overall story. This kickoff session is designed for prospective applicants who want a clear roadmap for the week ahead and a sharper understanding of what top programs are actually looking for. You’ll walk away with a structured plan for tackling your application components, a framework for evaluating your candidacy, and guidance on how to get the most value out of each upcoming session. Attending live gives you the chance to ask questions about your goals and get real-time direction on where to focus first. The speaker works closely with applicants and will share the patterns they see across successful candidates, along with what they look for when evaluating readiness. If you want to start the week with clarity and momentum, it’s worth showing up live.

MBA Application Week Kickoff [6/1/2026] (Recording)

GIVEAWAY DURING EVENT: Join for the chance to win $300 of coaching credit! Starting your MBA applications can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure how to prioritize test prep, school selection, and your overall story. This kickoff session is designed for prospective applicants who want a clear roadmap for the week ahead and a sharper understanding of what top programs are actually looking for. You’ll walk away with a structured plan for tackling your application components, a framework for evaluating your candidacy, and guidance on how to get the most value out of each upcoming session. Attending live gives you the chance to ask questions about your goals and get real-time direction on where to focus first. The speaker works closely with applicants and will share the patterns they see across successful candidates, along with what they look for when evaluating readiness. If you want to start the week with clarity and momentum, it’s worth showing up live.

Defining Your Personal Narrative for MBA Applications [6/3/2026] (Recording)

GIVEAWAY DURING THE EVENT: Join for the chance to win a free seat in Leland's MBA Bootcamp! Many MBA applicants have strong experiences, but struggle to turn them into a narrative that feels clear, cohesive, and memorable. This session is for candidates who want to better define the story they’re telling across their entire application. You’ll learn how to identify the themes that connect your experiences, communicate your goals with more clarity, and build a narrative that feels authentic while aligning with what admissions teams look for. Join live to ask questions about your own application story and get guidance from an expert MBA coach who is a Chicago Booth MBA and former admissions professional. The speaker has worked closely with applicants on positioning and storytelling and will share the patterns they see across successful candidates and standout essays. Expect practical insights and feedback similar to what’s covered in 1:1 admissions coaching conversations.

MBA Self-Discovery Workbook: Unlock Your Narrative & Write Freely

This is a reflection-focused, 13-section workbook for MBA applicants to uncover and build your story before embarking on the complex, layered process of writing your essays. This resource is informed from my time in Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics (Touchy Feely), my time helping dozens of other GSB classmates find their voice as the Managing Editor for Stanford GSB's Paper (Nondisclosure), and in helping over 500 MBA applicants self-reflect in a way that feels genuine, personal and clarifying. I wrote this resource with just enough structure (but not too much), and with a practical eye towards covering the ground you'll need for your MBA apps. You'll go deep, but every question has a purpose. I also use this with everyone I work with, and it's something we'll cover at the very beginning of our process. My hope is that this resource, in addition to being a big help, feels like we're in conversation. The goal is just to get to know you a little better, one step at a time, in a way that feels natural, even enjoyable. Even if you're the only one who ever sees it, I've tried to write this in a way that I'd speak about this kind of thing with you. Because I think humans are the best way to help other humans see themselves a little deeper. And trust me, plenty of "coaches" could use more of that too ;) This workbook will cover your background, motivations, short and long-term goals, values, behavioral stories, and more. A PDF is attached here, but there's also a downloadable Word file I recommend using to make things much easier for you to fill out as you go. This took me about 20-30 hours of time to put together, and I suggest putting at least 5-10 into filling this out. Some go at it all at once, but most do it in a few sittings. Long walks are good to interperse between writing sessions, and I actually recommend you reflect and go back to this to update your answers several times throughout your MBA process. Save new versions as you go and you'll be able to see your application pixellate over this monthslong process. If you're reapplying, I'd push you to compare what you end up with here with what you submitted last time. The differences may be revealing. I hope ends up a real tool for you, and that it helps you find answers you might not have found otherwise. It also will give you a glimpse into what coaching together feels like. Don't hesitate to reach out if you feel like sharing this. Working on your writing and applications together is a natural byproduct of the kind of reflection you'll be doing here, and it's my favorite thing to help someone with. Happy writing :) -Ben

MBA Scorecard: Rank Every Program to Find Your Fit

A personalized Excel scorecard for ranking every top MBA program that autopopulates based on key criteria you should evaluate in narrowing down your list to your top-choice programs. Weight only the factors that matter to you (e.g., specific career funnels, geography, cost, culture, academics), and score each program out of 100, and see your rankings update live. This includes a filled-out example as well so you can see what a final product looks like. Delete anything that isn't useful, and keep the rest so this search is custom-tailored to you.