Leland+ for MBA
Popular on Leland+
The Resume That Lands You at M7 Business Schools
A deep dive into a successful resume that got accepted into top business schools. Learn how to craft a powerful resume that showcases your experience and leadership.
MBA to Consulting Panel
Still planning to break into consulting before graduation? You're not alone, and it's not too late. This panel is designed for MBA students who are exploring full-time roles in consulting, whether you’re re-recruiting, pivoting, or looking to refine your strategy. Hear from Taylor R., Andrew H., and Rifat M., all of whom successfully landed consulting offers later in the MBA journey as they share practical advice on networking, storytelling, case prep, and how to stand out in a competitive recruiting cycle. If you're hoping to make the jump into MBB or other top firms, this session will help you make the most of the months ahead.
AdCom Insider Tip #4
Position Yourself on LinkedIn Like a Future MBA, Not Just Your Current Job Title
Addressing Weak Spots
GPA conversion, school prestige gaps, job title confusion
Communication Coaching
Accent confidence, tone, pacing
Deferred MBA Red Flags & How to Reframe Them
Deferred MBA applications are scrutinized closely—and small missteps can raise big questions. In this workshop, top Leland coach and former AdComs at USC Avi L. will break down the most common red flags admissions committees see in deferred MBA candidates, from experience gaps to unclear goals. You’ll learn how to reframe weaknesses with honesty and strategy, strengthen your overall narrative, and present a compelling case for your long-term potential.
BSchool blogs and newspapers
A curated list of top business school blogs and student newspapers to help candidates stay informed on programs, culture, and admissions insights.
Inside MBA Admissions Decisions: Roundtable Discussion with M7 Admissions Officers
MBA admissions at top programs are highly selective, and small strategic decisions can make a big difference in how your application is evaluated. In this exclusive roundtable, you’ll get an inside look at how admissions decisions are actually made at M7 business schools—and what separates successful candidates from the rest. This session is designed to help you better understand how your profile is read, discussed, and ultimately decided on behind closed doors. The discussion will feature former admissions officers from multiple M7 programs who have collectively reviewed thousands of MBA applications. Drawing on their firsthand experience, they’ll share how admissions committees evaluate academics, work experience, leadership, and personal narratives, as well as common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. You’ll also gain insight into how schools compare candidates, handle borderline cases, and think about fit across different rounds. Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or preparing to apply in an upcoming cycle, this roundtable will give you rare clarity and a sharper strategic lens for approaching the process.
Beyond the MBA: Building a Career Story Schools Want to Invest In
Top MBA programs do not admit candidates solely on ambition, strong credentials, or polished essays. They admit individuals whose career direction is clear, compelling, and rooted in authentic personal motivation. Your career story is the lens through which every element of your application is evaluated—and when developed correctly, it becomes the most differentiating part of your candidacy. In this session, two MBA admissions consultants with more than 25 years of combined experience will walk you through the framework used by the most successful applicants to define career goals that resonate with top programs. You will learn how admissions committees assess career vision, what signals readiness and conviction, and why thoughtful goal-setting must come before selecting target schools. What You Will Learn • How to articulate a career direction grounded in personal meaning, not buzzwords or manufactured narratives • The specific traits admissions committees look for when evaluating career goals • How to demonstrate feasibility and alignment with program strengths • Ways to incorporate future-focused thinking—including but not limited to AI and industry evolution • How to connect your past experiences, present capabilities, and long-term aspirations into a coherent, differentiated narrative • Why a strong career story increases your likelihood of admission and makes you a more compelling future alum
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Yale, NYU, and Duke
What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 1 of this session, admissions directors from Yale SOM, NYU Stern, and Duke Fuqua will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Bruce DelMonico (Assistant Dean for Admissions @ Yale), Matthew Moll (Director of MBA Admissions @ Stern), and Allison Jamison (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ Duke). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Booth, Ross, and SMU
What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 2 this session, admissions directors from Chicago Booth, SMU Cox, and Michigan Ross will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Nicole Chen (Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions @ Booth), Lindsay DiAngelo (Associate Director of MBA Admissions @ Ross), and Shelly Heinrich (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ SMU). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect
Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.
Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect
Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.
Introduction to MBA Narrative Brainstorming
Learn to uncover and articulate your personal and professional story—clarifying what drives you, what you’ve done, and where you want to go—to form the foundation for your MBA applications.
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Vanderbilt, and Emory
In Part 3 of this series, admissions directors from Kellogg, Vanderbilt, and Emory will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Steve Thompson (Senior Director of MBA Admissions @ Kellogg), Katherine Farrar (Associate Director of Admissions @ MIT Sloan), Bailey McChesney (Director of MBA Admissions @ Vanderbilt), and Melissa Rapp (Associate Dean of MBA Admissions @ Emory). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
The Application Mindset That Changed Everything: My Path to Stanford
Most school applications sound the same: "I've always dreamed of attending your prestigious program because..." But what if there's a completely different approach that admissions committees actually want to see? In this free session, I'll share the exact mindset shift that transformed my application strategy and led to my Stanford acceptance. You'll discover: - Why traditional application advice often backfires - The critical perspective change that makes you stand out instantly - How to demonstrate value to programs (not just desire to attend) - Real examples from my Stanford application materials Whether you're targeting top-tier programs or finding your best-fit school, this session will fundamentally change how you approach your applications.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Crafting Your Throughline
Distill your story into a central theme or “throughline” that ties together your experiences and goals.
Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences
Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.
